Ghana Politics News

The latest Ghana politics coverage in one place: government and parliament, elections, policy, and the people shaping national life, from Accra to the regions. Stories are curated from Ghana's leading newsrooms and refreshed through the day, newest first.

Legal Drama Unfolds as Former NAFCO CEO Re-Arrested Amid Broader Accountability Drive in Ghana
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Legal Drama Unfolds as Former NAFCO CEO Re-Arrested Amid Broader Accountability Drive in Ghana

On May 5, a legal firestorm erupted as the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) re-arrested Hanan Abdul-Wahab, the former CEO of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), and his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni. This dramatic turn of events occurred moments after the High Court had discharged the couple following the Attorney-General’s decision to withdraw charges related to an alleged GH"78 million loss to the state. While Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai cited the discovery of "fresh evidence" as the primary reason for the withdrawal, the couple’s lawyer, Godfred Yeboah Dame, condemned the immediate re-arrest as an "abuse of process" and "pre-trial harassment." Legal expert Martin Kpebu, however, suggested that the state’s move indicates a more robust investigation that could reveal even more extensive financial irregularities and a "larger loot" than previously suspected. Simultaneously, the Ghanaian judicial system is grappling with other high-stakes corruption cases involving the alleged diversion of public funds. In the GH"49.1 million National Signals Bureau (NSB) trial, witness Mildred Donkor testified that former Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene and his wife pre-signed cheque books used to withdraw funds intended for a cyber defense system that was reportedly never provided. In another significant development, the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) questioned Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, the former Registrar of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, regarding allegations of scholarship fraud. These cases, alongside the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) recent referral of three Senior High Schools—Breman Essikuma Technical Institute, Eguafo SHS, and Efutu SHS—to the Attorney-General for procurement violations, reflect a intensifying nationwide effort to ensure fiscal accountability. To address the increasing pressure on the court system and improve the efficiency of justice delivery, the Judicial Service of Ghana is significantly expanding its Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) framework. Justice Angelina Mensah-Homiah announced a strategic shift toward recruiting certified professional mediators rather than training new recruits, aiming to create a national database of qualified practitioners. This partnership between the Judicial Service and the ADR Centre seeks to make ADR mandatory for certain civil cases, which officials believe will help alleviate the persistent backlog of cases and promote more amicable settlements. As the state balances these aggressive anti-corruption prosecutions with structural judicial reforms, the outcome of these proceedings will likely define the landscape of governance and the rule of law in Ghana for years to come.

Parliamentary Clash Erupts Over Bank of Ghana’s Reported GH¢15.6 Billion Loss and Rising Negative Equity
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Parliamentary Clash Erupts Over Bank of Ghana’s Reported GH¢15.6 Billion Loss and Rising Negative Equity

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has become the center of a fierce political and economic debate following the release of its 2025 financial statements, which reported an operational loss of GH¢15.63 billion. This figure represents a 65% increase from the GH¢9.49 billion loss recorded in 2024, pushing the central bank’s negative equity to a staggering GH¢93.82 billion. While the Majority in Parliament defends these losses as the necessary cost of restoring macroeconomic stability, the Minority Caucus and various economic analysts have raised alarms, accusing the central bank of concealing the true scale of its financial distress and warning that the institution may be 'policy insolvent.' Leading the charge for the Minority, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Ranking Member of the Economy and Development Committee, and Ralph Poku Adusei, MP for Bekwai, have contested the BoG's figures, claiming the actual loss could be as high as GH¢44 billion when accounting for gold sales and comprehensive income. They argue that the bank’s financial health is being jeopardized by government policies and have called for immediate transparency to restore public confidence. This sentiment is echoed by former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, who has formally petitioned the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Dr. Adam’s petition flags significant fiscal risks and calls for a transparent recapitalization plan, expressing concern that the bank's worsening negative equity position threatens Ghana's long-term macroeconomic gains as the country prepares to exit its current IMF program. In contrast, the Majority in Parliament, led by Economic Committee Chairman Eric Afful and Sefwi Wiawso MP Kofi Benteh Afful, insists that the central bank’s performance should not be viewed through the lens of a commercial profit-making entity. They argue that the losses are a byproduct of aggressive monetary tightening aimed at curbing inflation—which peaked at over 54% in 2022 before dropping significantly—and stabilizing the Ghana cedi. According to the Majority, the BoG's primary mandate is macroeconomic stability rather than profitability, and current indicators, including improved foreign reserves and falling interest rates, suggest that the bank’s interventions are yielding positive results despite the accounting losses. Beyond the halls of Parliament, the controversy has sparked heated public discourse and technical critiques. Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has cautioned the BoG against unsustainable foreign exchange intervention strategies, particularly its heavy reliance on gold purchases to boost reserves. Meanwhile, the government is engaging with large-scale mining companies under the Ghana National Assay and Responsible Mining Programme (GANRAP) to formalize supply channels and enhance foreign exchange stability. These efforts underscore the high stakes involved as the government seeks to navigate a path toward fiscal consolidation while managing the political fallout from the central bank’s balance sheet. As the debate continues, the focus remains on the upcoming IMF surveillance and the potential for a formal recapitalization of the Bank of Ghana. Critics maintain that without a clear, parliamentary-approved plan to address the GH¢93.82 billion negative equity, the bank’s ability to remain an independent arbiter of monetary policy is at risk. The resolution of this financial impasse will be critical for Ghana’s economic credibility on the international stage and its domestic stability ahead of future fiscal cycles.

Reuters The King stands in front of a group of officials as he prepares to take a photo
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Global Political Shifts: Ghana Leads Reparatory Justice Push Amid Nigerian Realignment and Rising Middle East Tensions

Ghana is positioning itself as the global epicenter for reparatory justice, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announcing a high-level summit scheduled for June 2026. This strategic gathering at the historic Osu Christiansborg Castle follows a United Nations resolution identifying the Transatlantic Slave Trade as a crime against humanity. Supported by the Diaspora African Forum, Ghana’s diplomatic agenda focuses on healing and restorative dignity rather than mere financial compensation. This momentum coincides with a significant improvement in Ghana’s democratic standing, as the country climbed from 52nd to 39th in the World Press Freedom Index, reflecting enhanced protections for journalists and media freedom. In neighboring Nigeria, the political landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as prominent opposition figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 presidential elections. This alliance aims to consolidate northern and southern grassroots support to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Simultaneously, the Nigerian government is managing a diplomatic crisis with South Africa, initiating the voluntary repatriation of nationals following a surge in xenophobic violence. Regional stability remains a concern, highlighted by the abduction of medical personnel in Niger State and violent border raids involving militias that have resulted in dozens of casualties among Fulani herders. On the international stage, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz has reached a critical point following drone attacks on the UAE’s Fujairah oil port, which officials have attributed to Iran. In response, U.S. President Donald Trump has launched 'Project Freedom' to guide stranded vessels through the volatile channel, while the U.S. Treasury has warned shipping firms of sanctions for paying Iranian tolls. These tensions are mirrored in shifting U.S. diplomacy, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares to meet Pope Leo in Italy to ease relations, even as a $1 billion health aid deal with Zambia remains stalled due to governance disputes and a lack of official engagement. The health of high-profile political figures and the rise of internal violence also dominate the global agenda. Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is currently hospitalized in critical but stable condition, recovering from 9/11-linked respiratory complications and pneumonia. In Iran, the family of jailed Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi is issuing urgent pleas for medical intervention as her health declines. Meanwhile, in Kenya, the brutal attack on Senator Godfrey Osotsi has sparked a national outcry over the rising influence of politically-funded criminal gangs, underscoring the growing threat of electoral intimidation as the region prepares for future polls.

Governance Reforms, Infrastructure Ultimatums, and National Examinations Define Ghana's Political Landscape
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Governance Reforms, Infrastructure Ultimatums, and National Examinations Define Ghana's Political Landscape

Ghana’s political and administrative landscape is currently defined by a robust push for institutional accountability and infrastructure delivery. President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to transparency by announcing the Public Officer’s Code of Conduct Bill and a new assets declaration regime. During recent May Day celebrations, the President also proposed the establishment of an Independent Emoluments Commission to address salary distortions and ensure fair wages for public sector workers. This governance reform agenda coincides with the announcement from Speaker Alban Bagbin that Parliament is set to reconvene on May 21, 2026, to begin the Second Meeting of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament, where these legislative proposals are expected to take center stage. In the infrastructure sector, the government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy toward delays. Minister of Roads and Highways Kwame Agbodza issued a final warning to contractors under the 'Big Push' programme, specifically targeting underperforming firms like Maripoma Construction with threats of contract termination and legal action. This urgency is echoed by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who warned that delays on the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal could undermine investor confidence. Meanwhile, progress has been reported on the Tamne Dam project in the Upper East Region, which is now 75% complete and slated to irrigate over 1,000 hectares to boost food security. However, the energy sector remains a point of contention, as Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia criticized the government over ongoing 'dumsor' power outages, which he claims are crippling local businesses and deepening economic uncertainty. The education sector is also under intense scrutiny as the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) commences nationwide. While Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has urged candidates to uphold integrity, the process has faced logistical hurdles, including delayed question paper distribution and a disruptive road protest in Shama-Nyankrom that left some candidates stranded. In response to broader educational needs, the Minister has directed the Ghana Education Service to reserve recruitment quotas for persons with disabilities and called for increased investment in Senior High School infrastructure to address placement challenges. On the diplomatic front, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings has achieved a historic milestone, being sworn in as the Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament, marking a significant step for female leadership in West Africa. As the nation moves toward the mid-year legislative session, the convergence of these events highlights a pivotal moment for Ghanaian governance. From the National Identification Authority resuming Ghana Card registrations for children in the Volta and Oti Regions to internal political maneuvering within the NPP and NDC, the focus remains on balancing economic stability with social welfare. The upcoming parliamentary sittings will be crucial in determining how effectively the government can translate its promises of reform and infrastructure development into tangible improvements in the living conditions of the Ghanaian people.

Ghana Intensifies Accountability Drive: PDS Arrests, $1 Billion Mining Legal Battle, and High-Profile Financial Probes
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Ghana Intensifies Accountability Drive: PDS Arrests, $1 Billion Mining Legal Battle, and High-Profile Financial Probes

The Ghanaian government has significantly escalated its anti-corruption efforts through the 'Operation Recover All Loot' (ORAL) initiative, leading to the arrest of four high-profile individuals linked to the defunct Power Distribution Services (PDS). The Bureau of National Investigations (BNI) took Philip Ayensu, Viraj Phat, Sophia Korkor, and Justice Menka-Premoh into custody following investigations into the suspected unauthorized transfer of funds belonging to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). While the suspects have been granted bail, Minister of State Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that these actions are part of a broader strategy to track and reclaim misappropriated state resources following the termination of the PDS concession agreement due to financial irregularities. In a parallel development involving corporate governance, Maxwell Kofi Jumah, the former CEO of GIHOC Distilleries, is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital while facing a massive GH¢55 million to GH¢65 million bail requirement. Jumah was arrested by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) for alleged financial mismanagement, including the unauthorized sale of company assets and misuse of vehicles. His health crisis has reportedly delayed the fulfillment of his bail conditions, even as investigators continue to freeze accounts linked to various high-profile corruption cases, including recent probes into procurement fraud at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). On the international legal front, Ghana is preparing to defend itself against a massive $1 billion damages claim filed by Future Global Resources Limited and Blue Gold Holdings Limited. The claim, brought before the Permanent Court of Arbitration under UNCITRAL rules, alleges that the government breached the UK-Ghana bilateral investment treaty by terminating the Bogoso-Prestea gold mine lease. The Attorney-General’s Office has engaged top-tier legal firms, including Gateley Legal and Atuguba and Associates, to counter allegations of asset stripping and unlawful expropriation. This legal battle represents a significant financial risk to the nation’s credit standing and its reputation among international investors. Beyond financial and legal sectors, the push for accountability has extended to the Ghana Police Service. The Inspector-General of Police recently interdicted five officers, including Chief Inspectors Matthew Blay and Francis Arthur, after viral videos showed them engaging in misconduct and soliciting bribes at illegal mining (galamsey) sites. Simultaneously, the police have deployed special units to the Bono East and Northern regions to address a surge in deadly robberies. These combined actions across the executive, judicial, and law enforcement sectors underscore a heightened national focus on institutional integrity and the protection of state assets amid complex domestic and international challenges.

Ghana’s Healthcare Governance in Focus: Korle Bu Strike Resolved Amidst Controversial Paternity Bill and Policy Reforms
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Ghana’s Healthcare Governance in Focus: Korle Bu Strike Resolved Amidst Controversial Paternity Bill and Policy Reforms

Ghana’s healthcare and legal landscape faced significant upheaval this week as the nation grappled with professional disputes at its premier teaching hospital and heated debates over proposed family law reforms. On May 4, 2026, the Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA) initiated a strike that shut down Out-Patient Department (OPD) services, leaving hundreds of patients stranded and overwhelming emergency units. The industrial action was triggered by a protracted dispute over the management of the hospital’s Central Laboratory, with doctors expressing concerns over patient safety and clinical decision-making. However, following an emergency meeting with hospital management, the strike was suspended within 18 hours. Management provided guarantees that laboratory physicians would be allowed to work without hindrance, and outpatient services were scheduled to normalize by May 5, 2026. The conflict at Korle Bu highlights a deep-seated rift between medical doctors and laboratory scientists regarding professional boundaries. While KODA advocates for laboratory results to be reviewed by qualified laboratory physicians to ensure clinical accuracy, the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAML) has fiercely resisted what they term an attempt to seize control of laboratory operations. The GAML leadership has demanded a retraction of claims made by KODA suggesting that a significant portion of lab results were inaccurate, asserting that the laboratory maintains international accreditation and high professional standards. This tension underscores broader challenges in healthcare governance and the need for a harmonious working environment to maintain public trust in diagnostic services. Simultaneously, the political and legal spheres are being tested by a controversial legislative proposal to mandate compulsory paternity testing for all children born in healthcare facilities. The bill, which seeks to criminalize "paternity fraud," has drawn sharp criticism from legal analysts and human rights advocates. Critics argue the bill is fundamentally discriminatory against mothers, as it conflates biological mismatches with fraudulent intent while ignoring potential institutional errors or maternity mismatches. Opponents of the bill emphasize that it threatens to undermine Ghana’s existing legal framework, which prioritizes the child’s immediate legal identity and welfare over biological verification, potentially imposing heavy economic and psychological burdens on families. In a move toward expanding healthcare access, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) launched the "STORM initiative," waiving registration fees and the standard waiting period for National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) members until late May. This initiative aims to bolster the President’s free primary healthcare agenda. However, the sector continues to face calls for systemic reform following reports of the "No Bed Syndrome" and the tragic death of a patient turned away from multiple facilities. These developments collectively emphasize a critical juncture for Ghanaian policy-making, where the government must balance professional autonomy, technological advancement in law, and the fundamental right to accessible, dignified healthcare for all citizens.

Ghana’s Parliament Clashes Over Bank of Ghana’s Financial Health and 2025 Audited Reports
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Ghana’s Parliament Clashes Over Bank of Ghana’s Financial Health and 2025 Audited Reports

A sharp political divide has emerged in Ghana’s Parliament following the release of the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) 2025 audited financial statements. The Minority Caucus, led by Ranking Member on the Economy and Development Committee Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has accused the central bank of 'policy insolvency' and underreporting its financial distress. The Minority alleges that the BoG’s true losses for the year could be as high as GH¢44 billion, far exceeding the GH¢15.6 billion officially reported. They argue that the central bank utilized misleading accounting practices, such as incorporating a one-time GH¢9.6 billion gain from gold sales, to obscure a deeper deficit. Oppong Nkrumah further criticized the handling of the 2025 report, claiming its presentation bypassed proper legal channels and risked politicizing the institution. In response, the Majority Caucus and members of the Finance Committee, including Sagnarigu MP Atta Issah, have vigorously defended the central bank’s performance and reporting standards. They maintain that the GH¢15.6 billion loss is accurate, fully audited, and reflective of a global trend where central banks prioritize macroeconomic stability over profitability. The Majority clarified that the bank’s negative equity position, which has widened to approximately GH¢93.8 billion, is a cumulative result of essential stabilization measures—including the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme and efforts to curb inflation—rather than operational mismanagement. They dismissed the Minority's claims of 'wealth transfer' regarding interest payments to commercial banks, asserting that these are standard monetary policy tools necessary for maintaining economic liquidity and stability. Amidst this heated debate, the government is also advancing several fiscal and sector-specific initiatives aimed at bolstering the national economy. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has been engaging with large-scale mining companies to implement the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GANRAP), which seeks to strengthen foreign reserves and stabilize the cedi through reformed gold acquisition processes. Additionally, in a move to boost public confidence in the tax system, Dr. Forson and his deputy recently filed their personal tax returns, highlighting the importance of domestic revenue mobilization to reduce the country’s reliance on external borrowing. However, the government faces external and internal pressures regarding its broader fiscal policies. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has formally objected to Ghana’s new aviation-related taxes, warning that levies such as the $100 Airport Infrastructure Development Levy conflict with regional agreements to reduce air travel costs. Domestically, there are also calls from former officials like Paul Apreku Twum Barimah to scrap the fuel price floor policy to allow for better market competition and consumer relief. As Parliament continues to debate the BoG’s financial trajectory, the outcome will likely hinge on whether the central bank can successfully transition from its current stabilization phase back to a position of positive equity without further political or economic fallout.

Ghana Champions Reparatory Justice and Regional Leadership Amidst Global Geopolitical Shifting
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Ghana Champions Reparatory Justice and Regional Leadership Amidst Global Geopolitical Shifting

Ghana is asserting its leadership on the global stage as it prepares to host a landmark Global Reparatory Justice Summit in June 2026. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that the summit, to be held at the historically symbolic Osu Christiansborg Castle, aims to transform the legal recognition of the Transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity into actionable healing and restoration. This diplomatic momentum is bolstered by the Diaspora African Forum’s renewed commitment to Ghana’s agenda and the historic election of Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as the Second Vice-President of the Pan-African Parliament—the first female from the West African Caucus to hold the post. Furthermore, Ghana’s democratic credentials saw a significant boost with its rise to 39th in the World Press Freedom Index, reflecting improved conditions for independent journalism. However, this period of diplomatic growth is met with regional friction as the ECOWAS Commission formally objected to Ghana’s new aviation taxes. ECOWAS President Omar Alieu Touray warned that the $18 security charge and $100 Airport Infrastructure Development Levy violate regional agreements intended to lower air travel costs by 2026. In neighboring Nigeria, the political landscape is shifting rapidly as prominent opposition figures Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso joined the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 2024 elections, seeking to challenge President Bola Tinubu. This political realignment occurs amidst a humanitarian crisis, with Nigeria initiating the repatriation of its nationals from South Africa following a surge in xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests. On the international front, maritime security has reached a critical juncture following a drone attack on the UAE’s Fujairah oil port, attributed to Iran, which triggered a spike in global crude prices. In response, US President Donald Trump announced "Project Freedom," a naval operation to guide stranded vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, while warning that any interference would be met with military force. Simultaneously, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled for a high-stakes meeting with Pope Leo at the Vatican to mend relations strained by presidential criticisms. This global tension is further complicated by a stalled $1 billion health aid deal between the US and Zambia, where the expiration of a negotiation deadline has left funding for critical HIV and malaria programs in a state of uncertainty. As these geopolitical and regional events unfold, several prominent figures are navigating personal and political transitions. In Morocco, King Mohammed VI has appointed Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan to a senior military coordinating role, signaling a strategic preparation for succession. In the United States, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani remains in critical but stable condition as he battles pneumonia linked to his exposure at the 9/11 sites. These collective developments underscore a world in flux, where nations are simultaneously grappling with the legacy of historical injustices, the challenges of regional economic integration, and the volatile realities of modern global security.

2026 BECE: National Leadership Urges Integrity Amid Logistical Challenges and Local Protests
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2026 BECE: National Leadership Urges Integrity Amid Logistical Challenges and Local Protests

The 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) has commenced across Ghana, with over 620,000 candidates beginning their journey toward Senior High School (SHS) and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. High-ranking officials, including Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, have extended goodwill messages, urging students to approach the exams with confidence, honesty, and composure. While the Minority Caucus in Parliament and various regional leaders have commended the efforts of teachers and parents, the opening days of the assessment were marked by a combination of administrative directives and localized disruptions that highlighted the complexities of managing the national exercise. During a monitoring tour of examination centers in the Western North Region, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu expressed concern over logistical lapses. Following significant delays in the arrival of question papers at the Boako and Sefwi Wiawso centers—where some candidates waited while others had already begun—the Minister directed the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to overhaul the transportation and handling of examination materials. In a move toward greater inclusivity, Mr. Iddrisu also instructed the GES to reserve a recruitment quota for teachers with disabilities, emphasizing that the education sector must reflect national values of equity and accessibility. Integrity remained a central theme as stakeholders addressed the perennial issue of examination malpractice. Kofi Asare, Executive Secretary of Ghana Education Watch, voiced strong support for the arrest of individuals attempting to compromise the exam’s credibility, urging strict enforcement by security personnel. In the Lawra Municipality, MP Bede A. Ziedeng monitored centers and provided candidates with mathematical sets and meals, echoing calls for students to rely on honest effort rather than illegal assistance. These calls for discipline come at a time when the National Identification Authority (NIA) is simultaneously ramping up national identity efforts, resuming Ghana Card registration for children aged 6-14 in the Volta and Oti Regions to bolster the national database from an early age. However, the examination period faced external friction in the Western Region. In the Shama District, residents of Nyankrom staged a protest over dilapidated road conditions, burning tires and blocking routes used by industrial trucks. This blockade left several BECE candidates and teachers stranded, prompting an urgent response from local authorities. Addressing the transition beyond the exams, Minister Iddrisu emphasized that resolving the challenges of the Computerised School Placement System (CSSPS) requires sustained investment in SHS infrastructure nationwide. As the BECE continues, the government maintains its commitment to ensuring a fair, transparent, and accessible path for all students toward secondary education.

Ghana's Political Landscape Intensifies as Parliament Reconvenes Amid High-Profile Corruption Probes and Infrastructure Deadlines
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Ghana's Political Landscape Intensifies as Parliament Reconvenes Amid High-Profile Corruption Probes and Infrastructure Deadlines

The Parliament of Ghana is set to reconvene on May 21, 2026, marking a pivotal moment for President John Dramani Mahama’s administration as it intensifies its anti-corruption agenda and legislative oversight. A central focus of this session will be the introduction of the Public Officer’s Code of Conduct Bill and a new assets declaration regime, aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the public sector. These legislative efforts coincide with 'Operation Recover All Loot' (ORAL), a robust government initiative that has recently led to the arrest of four individuals linked to the defunct Power Distribution Services (PDS)—Philip Ayensu, Viraj Phat, Sophia Korkor, and Justice Menka-Premoh—over suspected financial transfers involving the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Additionally, the government is navigating a massive US$1 billion legal dispute with British firms over the termination of the Bogoso-Prestea gold mine lease, a case currently under international arbitration that could have significant implications for the nation’s credit standing. Simultaneously, the administration is facing internal pressure regarding the management of state-owned enterprises and public financial conduct. Former GIHOC Distilleries CEO Maxwell Kofi Jumah remains in intensive care at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, unable to meet a GH‒55 million bail condition following his arrest for alleged financial mismanagement. Corruption investigations have also extended to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), where former officials were recently intercepted while attempting to flee the country. On the floor of Parliament, discussions are expected to be heated as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, continues to criticize the government over the resurgence of 'dumsor' (power outages), which he argues is crippling local businesses and deepening economic uncertainty. This critique is echoed by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), which recently urged the government to ensure that macroeconomic stability translates into improved living conditions and job creation for the youth. In the infrastructure sector, Minister of Roads and Highways Kwame Agbodza has issued a final warning to non-performing contractors under the 'Big Push' programme, threatening contract terminations and legal action against firms like Maripoma Construction for project delays. This push for efficiency is supported by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who recently emphasized the urgent need to complete the Boankra Integrated Logistics Terminal to preserve investor confidence. Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service is undergoing a period of internal scrutiny; the Inspector General of Police has interdicted five officers following viral videos showing misconduct at checkpoints and illegal mining sites. As the legislative session begins, the government must balance these domestic security and infrastructure demands with controversial new proposals, such as a mandatory paternity testing bill that has sparked fears of gender-based discrimination, while striving to maintain institutional continuity in a highly polarized political environment.

Korle Bu Doctors Suspend OPD Strike After Management Intervention in Laboratory Dispute
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Korle Bu Doctors Suspend OPD Strike After Management Intervention in Laboratory Dispute

The Korle Bu Doctors Association (KODA) has suspended its industrial action less than 18 hours after it began on May 4, 2026. The strike, which led to a total shutdown of Out-Patient Department (OPD) services at Ghana’s premier teaching hospital, was halted following an emergency meeting between the association’s leadership and hospital management. Doctors have been instructed to return to their posts, with outpatient services expected to normalize on May 5, 2026. The swift resolution followed management's commitment to address grievances regarding laboratory operations and ensure that laboratory physicians can perform their duties without professional hindrance. The core of the dispute centers on a power struggle between Laboratory Physicians (medical doctors) and Medical Laboratory Scientists over the management and clinical oversight of the hospital’s Central Laboratory. KODA initiated the strike citing concerns over patient safety, alleging that clinical decision-making was being jeopardized by restricted access to the laboratory and a lack of oversight by qualified physicians. In a more controversial claim, KODA leadership suggested that a significant portion of lab results were inaccurate, a statement that has sparked intense friction within the facility’s medical community. In response, the Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) and the Medical Laboratory Workers Union have vehemently denied these allegations, describing them as "misleading" and "reckless." Dr. Abdul Hakam Abubakar and Dr. Cephas Akortor, representing the laboratory professionals, challenged KODA to provide evidence for the claim that 50% of lab results are inaccurate, asserting that the Central Laboratory is internationally accredited. The unions have demanded an immediate retraction and apology, arguing that such claims damage public trust and drive patients toward private facilities. They further characterized the doctors' actions as an attempt to seize control of laboratory operations, which they argue requires specialized expertise unique to laboratory scientists. The industrial action left hundreds of patients stranded, forcing many to seek alternative care as the hospital’s emergency unit became overwhelmed. This latest crisis at Korle Bu highlights broader systemic failures in Ghana’s healthcare sector, often referred to as the "No Bed Syndrome," where operational inefficiencies and professional disputes impact patient outcomes. While the resumption of services brings immediate relief, the underlying tension regarding professional boundaries and laboratory leadership remains unresolved. Moving forward, hospital stakeholders and the Ministry of Health face the challenge of fostering a collaborative environment to prevent further disruptions to essential healthcare delivery.

Parliamentary Dispute Deepens Over Bank of Ghana’s GH¢15.6bn Loss and Allegations of ‘Policy Insolvency’
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Parliamentary Dispute Deepens Over Bank of Ghana’s GH¢15.6bn Loss and Allegations of ‘Policy Insolvency’

Ghana's Parliament has become the epicenter of a heated debate following the release of the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) 2025 audited financial statements, which revealed a GH¢15.6 billion loss and a widening negative equity position of approximately GH¢93.8 billion. While the central bank and the Majority caucus frame these figures as the necessary "cost of stabilization" in a volatile macroeconomic environment, the Minority caucus has launched a scathing critique, alleging "policy insolvency" and the deliberate concealment of a much larger financial crisis. The clash highlights deep divisions over the central bank's mandate, its accounting practices, and its independence from political interference. The Minority caucus, led by Ranking Member Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has accused the BoG of underreporting its true losses, which they claim could be as high as GH¢44 billion when adjusting for what they describe as "misleading" accounting of gold transactions. According to the Minority, a GH¢9.6 billion one-off gain from gold sales was used to artificially buffer the bank’s operational income, masking an underlying deficit. They argue that the bank’s current financial state represents a "policy insolvency" that has led to increased interest payments to commercial banks, reduced credit for the private sector, and a disconnect between reported macroeconomic improvements and the rising cost of living for Ghanaians. In a robust defense, the Majority caucus, represented by Sagnarigu MP Atta Issah, has rejected these claims, asserting that the Minority is misinterpreting standard central banking operations. The Majority argues that the GH¢15.6 billion loss is a direct result of policy-driven actions—such as managing exchange rates and curbing inflation—rather than operational failure. They maintain that central banks are mandated to prioritize price stability over profitability and that the BoG's negative equity position, while significant, does not imply insolvency because of the bank's statutory backing and role as a state institution. Furthermore, they defended the gold sales as a legitimate strategic asset reallocation necessary for maintaining reserves and economic stability. The ongoing dispute has sparked broader calls for the urgent recapitalization of the Bank of Ghana to restore confidence in the nation's financial framework. Experts and lawmakers alike have warned that without a clear plan to address the GH¢93.8 billion negative equity, the bank's ability to respond to future shocks may be compromised. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has also criticized the procedural handling of the report, warning that presenting it outside formal parliamentary channels risks further politicizing the central bank. As the debate continues, the focus remains on whether the current stabilization efforts will ultimately translate into sustainable growth or if the heavy financial costs incurred by the central bank will pose a long-term burden on Ghanaian taxpayers.