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.

Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, Ghana's Minister for Finance, is captured speaking into a microphone during a public address. He is wearing a vibrant orange shirt featuring intricate Kente-styled patterns on the sleeves and front panels, gesturing with one hand as he speaks.
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Ghana's Finance Ministry Launches AI Customs System Amid Corruption Concerns

The Ministry of Finance in Ghana is set to launch a new AI-driven customs system next month, aimed at improving revenue collection and compliance at ports. Deputy Minister Thomas Apem Nyarko emphasized the importance of this initiative during the 2026 International Customs Day celebration, warning against any attempts to sabotage the rollout. He stressed that the new system is crucial for domestic revenue generation and better decision-making within customs operations. Nyarko highlighted the significant connection between effective customs operations and national development, noting that corruption and fraud within the customs sector have detrimental effects on the country's growth. He pointed out that every cedi lost to corruption translates into missed opportunities in vital sectors such as education and healthcare. The Deputy Minister called for a commitment to transparency and accountability among customs officials, reinforcing the government's dedication to reforming customs practices through technology and strict adherence to ethical standards. The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Anthony Sarpong, echoed these sentiments, framing the customs work as essential for Ghana's economic advancement and urging all stakeholders to support the initiative.

A photograph of Ghanaian politician Kwabena Agyepong during an interview in a radio studio. He is speaking into a professional microphone with the Asempa 94.7 FM logo visible on the purple background behind him.
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NPP Primaries Heat Up: Kwabena Agyepong Calls for Unity Against Kennedy Agyapong's Rhetoric

As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for its presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026, internal tensions have surfaced among candidates. Ing Kwabena Agyepong, a presidential aspirant, has urged party members to unite against divisive rhetoric from fellow aspirant Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. Agyepong criticized Agyapong's comments regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and past elections, labeling them as misleading and damaging to party unity. He emphasized that misinformation could jeopardize the party's chances in the upcoming elections. Despite facing financial challenges and stiff competition, Kwabena Agyepong remains optimistic about his campaign, stating that the true verdict will come on voting day. He believes that opinion polls are not reliable indicators of election outcomes but rather reflect the government's policy impact. In support of Kennedy Agyapong, Kwaku Kwarteng, MP for Obuasi West, has voiced confidence in Agyapong's ability to tackle Ghana's unemployment crisis if elected. Kwarteng acknowledged the shared responsibility of political leaders for the nation's economic difficulties and urged delegates to back Agyapong, warning against the continuation of past policies that have led to high youth unemployment. As the primaries approach, the NPP faces a critical moment that could shape its future direction and electoral success.

The image shows the exterior of the Defence Headquarters building in Nigeria, a large multi-story cream-colored structure. A Nigerian green and white flag is seen flying on a pole in the foreground next to a prominent sign identifying the facility.
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Nigerian Military to Arraign 16 Officers for Alleged Coup Plot Amid Health Concerns

The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria has announced that 16 military personnel implicated in an alleged coup plot will face trial before a military judicial panel. This decision follows a thorough investigation that concluded in October 2025, revealing serious breaches of military conduct among the officers, some of whom reportedly compromised security at the Presidential Villa. Major General Samaila Uba confirmed the completion of the investigation and expressed confidence in the military's handling of the proceedings, which align with established military regulations. President Bola Tinubu has also voiced his support for the military's actions. However, a pro-democracy group has raised concerns regarding the health and welfare of the detained officers, some of whom are reportedly ill. They are advocating for medical care and access to family members, emphasizing the need for fairness and accountability in the government's approach to this serious matter. The group condemned any coup attempt while calling for humane treatment of the accused officers as the military prepares to uphold professionalism throughout the judicial process.

A man in a black suit and glasses delivers a speech at a podium decorated with the colors of the Ghana flag. Behind him, a banner for the Data Protection Commission and a blue backdrop featuring the Ghana Coat of Arms for the Ministry of Information are visible.
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Ghana's Data Protection Commission Drafts New Regulations to Combat AI Misinformation

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) of Ghana is in the process of drafting new regulations aimed at addressing the growing concerns surrounding misinformation and the misuse of AI-generated content. Dr. Arnold Kavaarpuo, the Executive Director of the DPC, highlighted that the current legal framework, particularly the 2012 Data Protection Act, does not adequately address the complexities of digital content manipulation prevalent today. Deputy Minister for Communications, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, underscored the importance of fostering public trust in data management, which is crucial for the success of digital initiatives in the country. This initiative follows a public campaign launched in September 2022, aimed at educating Ghanaians about data privacy and the responsible use of technology. The DPC's efforts reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding citizens against the potential harms of misinformation in the digital age.

Ghanaian politician and lawyer Baba Jamal is pictured wearing a legal wig and gown while addressing the press. He is surrounded by microphones and smartphones, indicating a media briefing likely occurring at a court premises.
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Baba Jamal Takes Leave to Contest NDC Primary for Ayawaso East

Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, has confirmed he is taking a 10-day leave to participate in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary for the Ayawaso East constituency. This primary, set for February 7, is necessitated by the recent passing of MP Mahama Naser Toure. Jamal is one of six candidates vying for the position. Despite facing calls for his resignation during this period, he has stated that he will only resign if he secures the parliamentary seat. He has urged party delegates to consider his extensive experience and credentials when making their decision. The NDC's Deputy Director of Elections has indicated that the primary is expected to be highly competitive, with nominations closing on January 27.

A close-up portrait of Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, a prominent Ghanaian politician and elder of the New Patriotic Party. He is depicted wearing a vibrant blue and pink patterned African print shirt and rectangular glasses.
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NPP Chairman Urges Peace and Unity Ahead of Presidential Primaries

Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Council of Elders, has issued a strong warning to presidential flagbearer hopefuls against the use of private security groups during the party's upcoming primary elections. He emphasized that the Ghana Police Service will be responsible for security at polling stations and urged candidates to disband any private security arrangements they may have made. This admonition was part of a peace pact signing ceremony aimed at fostering a harmonious electoral process. Owusu-Agyeman highlighted the importance of maintaining peace, unity, and trust in established institutions, cautioning candidates against making post-election allegations that could undermine party integrity. Prominent figures in the party, including aspirants like Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong, attended the ceremony, which underscored the party's commitment to a stable electoral environment.

A medium-shot photograph of Ghanaian lawyer Martin Kpebu during a studio interview. He is wearing a dark suit jacket over a white shirt and is notably wearing a black baseball cap with a lapel microphone attached to his clothing.
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Concerns Over Political Financing and Research-Driven Policymaking in Ghana

In recent discussions surrounding Ghana's political landscape, significant concerns have emerged regarding both political financing and the lack of research-driven policymaking. Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, has alleged that some former appointees of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) may have financially supported the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to avoid prosecution for corruption. During a TV3 interview, Kpebu emphasized that such pre-election negotiations have allowed individuals who should face legal consequences to remain unpunished, suggesting a troubling trend of political compromises across successive administrations. Simultaneously, Dr. Stephen Amoah, former Deputy Finance Minister and MP for Nhyiaeso, has criticized both the NPP and NDC for their failure to invest in research and data collection, which he argues is crucial for effective policymaking. In an interview on Channel One TV, he pointed out that the absence of research leads to unrealistic campaign promises that lack evidence-based strategies, ultimately resulting in ineffective governance. Amoah's remarks highlight a broader issue within Ghanaian politics, where populist promises often overshadow informed decision-making. Both Kpebu and Amoah's statements underscore a pressing need for accountability and a shift towards evidence-based governance in the country.

This collage features the headshots of five key candidates who participated in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary. The image includes prominent political figures such as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, all depicted in formal business attire.
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Electoral Commission Confirms Readiness for NPP Presidential Primary on January 31

The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially confirmed its preparedness for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primary scheduled for January 31. According to Fred Tetteh, the Deputy Director of Research at the EC, all necessary logistical and administrative arrangements have been finalized to ensure a smooth electoral process. Key preparations include the completion of ballot paper printing, which was conducted under strict supervision to maintain integrity. Distribution of election materials is set to commence on January 27, with materials being sent to regional capitals before reaching constituency centers. The EC has also secured custody of the ballots and the voter album for delegates, reinforcing its commitment to a credible election.

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Ghana Urged to Accelerate Decarbonisation of Transport Sector for Health and Economic Benefits

On January 26, 2023, the UK-Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme called for urgent action to accelerate the decarbonisation of Ghana's transport sector. This initiative, coinciding with the International Day of Clean Energy, aims to unlock the benefits of clean energy, reduce emissions, and bolster the automotive industry. Transportation is a significant contributor to Ghana's greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly half of energy-related emissions, with a reported 15% increase in emissions from 2015 to 2023 due to reliance on fossil fuels and an ageing vehicle fleet. The JET Programme highlighted the severe public health implications of transport emissions, which incur costs estimated at $3 billion annually. It urged government leaders, including Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, to support coordinated efforts in revising the Ghana Automotive Development Policy to include electric vehicles and enhance financing options for cleaner mobility. Key recommendations include fast-tracking the approval of policies that facilitate electric vehicle adoption and improving accessibility to vehicle financing for low-income households. By implementing these measures, Ghana could significantly improve air quality, create jobs, and position itself as a leader in clean manufacturing and sustainable transport. The JET Programme emphasizes that decisive action is necessary for both environmental sustainability and economic growth, making a compelling case for the government to prioritize the transition to cleaner transport solutions.

A close-up photograph of a man in a dark formal suit and white shirt, wearing sunglasses and speaking behind a microphone. The image appears to show a high-ranking official during a press briefing or public address, relevant to West African political developments.
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Ivory Coast President Appoints Brother as Vice Prime Minister in Cabinet Reshuffle

In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has appointed his brother, Tene Birahima Ouattara, who also serves as Defence Minister, to the position of vice prime minister. This decision comes in the wake of Ouattara's recent re-election and his party's legislative success, emphasizing a strategy of continuity in leadership. Most senior ministerial roles remain unchanged, reflecting Ouattara's commitment to stability as he prepares for a new generation of political leaders. Since taking office in 2011, Ouattara has focused on fostering economic growth in Ivory Coast, which is recognized as the world's largest cocoa producer. The reshuffle is part of his broader vision to mentor emerging leaders while ensuring the country's ongoing development amidst its economic achievements.

A close-up photograph showing a person's hands in metal handcuffs, positioned through the vertical bars of a jail cell. The individual is wearing a bright orange jumpsuit, which is a common visual representation of incarceration or being in police custody.
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Laundry Attendant Remanded for Allegedly Spreading False News of Assassination Plot Against President Mahama

Ahmed Hassan Abdul Razzaq, a 30-year-old laundry attendant, has been remanded in police custody by the Adenta Circuit Court for allegedly publishing false news that could incite fear. Razzaq is accused of posting a TikTok video claiming that two military officers were plotting to assassinate former President John Dramani Mahama. The court did not accept his plea and has scheduled his next appearance for February 9, 2026. The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo, brought the case forward following Razzaq's arrest the day after the video was published. During questioning, Razzaq admitted to creating the video but stated that he did not personally know the officers mentioned and could not provide a source for his claims, which he attributed to a post he found on social media. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the spread of misinformation and its potential implications for national security in Ghana.