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.

NDC Mobilizes for Internal Elections as Regional and Constituency Races Take Shape Across Ghana
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NDC Mobilizes for Internal Elections as Regional and Constituency Races Take Shape Across Ghana

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is intensifying its internal democratic processes as the party prepares for a series of regional and constituency-level elections. Across the country, from the Volta Region to the Upper East and Bono Regions, the party is witnessing a surge in candidate declarations and vetting activities aimed at strengthening party structures under the administration of President John Mahama. These internal contests are seen as crucial building blocks for the party’s organizational stability and its long-term strategy heading toward the 2028 general elections. In the Volta Region, a stronghold for the NDC, a coalition of dedicated members has publicly urged the Regional Chairman, Mawutor Agbavitor, to seek re-election. The group, led by convenors Nyasembi Elvis Yorm, Djokoto Emmanuel, and Homadzi Grace, has offered to cover Agbavitor’s filing fees as a testament to their confidence in his leadership. They credited his tenure with significant milestones, most notably the successful recapture of the Hohoe parliamentary seat. Meanwhile, in the Upper East Region, Jonathan Abdallah Salifu, the current Regional Communication Officer, has officially announced his bid for the Regional Secretary position. With over two decades of service to the party, Salifu emphasized a platform focused on modernizing office facilities and fostering deeper collaboration among regional stakeholders. At the constituency level, the party’s vetting committees have been active in processing a large volume of aspirants. In the Wenchi constituency of the Bono Region, 60 candidates were recently cleared to contest various executive roles, ranging from chairmanship to organizational positions. The vetting process there was noted for its transparency and the commitment of all candidates to maintain respectful, issue-based campaigns. Similarly, in Agona West, the Election Committee cleared 41 aspirants to vie for 16 executive slots. The Agona West elections, scheduled for October 24, 2026, are being framed by local leadership as a vital step in maintaining party discipline and unity. Throughout these various processes, NDC leadership and election committees have maintained a consistent call for decorum and party loyalty. In Agona West, Committee Chairperson Ms. Hamid Selma urged candidates to avoid antagonism, stressing that the ultimate goal of these internal races is to emerge as a more formidable and unified force. As the party completes its vetting cycles and moves toward the polling phase, the focus remains on ensuring that the democratic exercise reinforces the party’s grassroots foundation and prepares its leadership at all levels for the governance challenges ahead.

Parliamentary Committee and Finance Ministry Propose Sweeping Reforms to Secure Ghana's Agricultural Future
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Parliamentary Committee and Finance Ministry Propose Sweeping Reforms to Secure Ghana's Agricultural Future

The Parliamentary Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs is intensifying its oversight of Ghana’s agricultural sector, demanding a definitive financing plan for the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project ahead of the 2027 Budget presentation. Committee Chairman Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw expressed concern over the current pace of the initiative, noting that the budgetary allocations for 2025 and 2026 have been insufficient to sustain the project's momentum. The committee is seeking clarity on alternative financing models and specific timelines to revive the critical irrigation infrastructure, which is essential for transforming farming in northern Ghana and ensuring year-round food production. Complementing the push for infrastructure development, Dr. Jasaw has proposed the establishment of a National Agriculture Development Fund to provide a sustainable financial backbone for the sector. This proposal follows a successful turnaround at the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), which transitioned from a GH"20 million debt position to a profit of over GH"96 million in 2025. Dr. Jasaw emphasized that institutional strengthening and targeted investment across the agricultural value chain are necessary to build a resilient food system that can withstand external shocks and structural challenges. On the executive front, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is championing legislative reforms to ensure that the state’s purchasing power directly benefits local producers. Dr. Forson has proposed amendments to Ghana’s procurement laws that would mandate public institutions to prioritize the purchase of food from Ghanaian farmers. Highlighting the scale of this potential market, the Minister pointed out that approximately GH"3 billion is spent annually on feeding programs within the free secondary education system. By redirecting these funds toward local agriculture, the government aims to create a stable market for farmers, boost rural job creation, and reduce the national import bill. These coordinated efforts from both the legislative and executive branches signal a strategic shift toward agricultural self-sufficiency and economic protectionism. By combining large-scale infrastructure projects like the Pwalugu Dam with institutional financing through the proposed National Agriculture Development Fund and guaranteed markets via procurement reform, the government seeks to modernize the sector. These initiatives are expected to play a central role in the upcoming 2027 Budget as the administration under President John Mahama looks to solidify food security as a pillar of national economic stability.

GAPTE must stick to advertised times for the contra-flow system — Local Minister
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Mahama Ayariga Enforces Aayalolo Timetables Amidst National Push for Enhanced Road Safety and Automated Enforcement

The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has issued a directive to the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE) to strictly adhere to the advertised schedules for the Aayalolo bus service. This instruction comes as part of a new contra-flow traffic management system designed to alleviate the chronic congestion plaguing the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. Under the new arrangement, which began in late 2025, Aayalolo buses are permitted to travel against the standard flow of traffic during peak commuting hours, specifically from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The success of the initiative is seen as critical for improving urban mobility under the current administration. The Minister emphasized that punctuality is the cornerstone of an effective public transportation culture, drawing parallels to the highly efficient transport systems in Japan. By ensuring that buses depart and arrive exactly as scheduled, the government aims to shift commuter behavior and build trust in the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service. The contra-flow system currently targets three major commuter corridors: Amasaman–Accra, Adentan–Accra, and Kasoa–Accra. Ayariga noted that the success of this initiative depends heavily on the collaboration of various government agencies and the commitment of GAPTE to maintain a reliable timetable. This push for transport efficiency coincides with alarming data regarding road safety in Ghana. Recent reports indicate a sharp rise in road fatalities, with deaths increasing from 2,494 in 2024 to 2,949 in 2025, alongside over 16,000 serious injuries. In response to this trend, the government is preparing to launch Traffitech-GH, an automated SMS spot-fine system scheduled for full implementation on November 1, 2026. This initiative, which utilizes a public-private partnership with Nationwide Technologies and Sensys Gatso, will use advanced camera systems to capture traffic violations and notify offenders via mobile messages. While the move toward technological enforcement is seen as a necessary step to curb accidents, analysts have raised concerns regarding public sensitization and the quality of enforcement mechanisms. For the Aayalolo contra-flow and the Traffitech-GH systems to achieve their intended goals, experts suggest that the government must prioritize transparency and infrastructure improvements. As Ghana navigates these urban mobility reforms, the focus remains on whether these systemic changes can successfully transform the nation's road safety culture and reduce the economic and human toll of traffic congestion.

Torgbiga Wenya III Challenges Awoamefia Torgbi Sri III Over Proposal to Create 36 New Paramountcies in Anlo State
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Torgbiga Wenya III Challenges Awoamefia Torgbi Sri III Over Proposal to Create 36 New Paramountcies in Anlo State

Torgbiga Wenya III, the Dutor of the Anlo Dukor, has formally declared his opposition to a proposal by the Awoamefia, Torgbi Sri III, to elevate 36 settlements within the Anlo State to the status of Paramountcies. This move has sparked a significant rift within the traditional leadership of the Anlo Kingdom, with Wenya III asserting that such a reorganization would fundamentally undermine the established traditional authority and governance structures that have existed for generations. He warned that the proposal, if implemented, could lead to widespread disruption and instability across the kingdom. In a communique supported by the Council of Elders of the Loafe Clan, Torgbiga Wenya III challenged the legal and customary basis of the elevation plan. He argued that the Awoamefia lacks the unilateral authority to elevate chiefs to paramount status, noting that many of the designated settlements and their chiefs already operate under existing, recognized paramountcies. According to the Dutor, the move lacks legitimacy and disregards the historical hierarchy of the Anlo State, threatening to create a fragmented leadership structure that would be difficult to manage. A central point of the dispute involves the current state of the Awoamefia’s health. Torgbiga Wenya III has publicly accused the Awoamefia’s aides and handlers of exploiting the leader's declining health to advance their own interests. The statement suggests that these associates are manipulating traditional processes to push the elevation agenda for private gain. Consequently, Wenya III has directed that all plans for the new Paramountcies be halted immediately to prevent further division within the state. To address the current leadership challenges, Torgbiga Wenya III has recommended the appointment of a Regent to exercise the Awoamefia’s powers temporarily while he focuses on his health. The Dutor has threatened to withdraw his customary authority if the elevation proceedings continue, a move that would represent a major fracture in the kingdom's administration. As the Anlo people monitor the situation, the conflict highlights the growing tension between traditional protocols and modern administrative changes within Ghana's traditional leadership systems.

Several European Union flags flutter on tall silver flagpoles in front of the curved glass facade of the Berlaymont building in Brussels. The image represents the institutional heart of the EU during a period of high-level policy discussions.
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Ghana Strengthens Diplomatic Ties and Regional Integration Amid Global Governance and Immigration Policy Shifts

Ghana’s diplomatic and regional agenda has taken center stage following high-level engagements with Germany, the United States, and ECOWAS, even as the global political landscape faces significant upheaval. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa recently underscored Ghana’s commitment to international justice at a United Nations meeting, where he formally opposed attempts to abolish the International Criminal Court (ICC). He argued that the court must be strengthened to ensure accountability for crimes against humanity and reiterated calls for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council. Domestically, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the "ECOWAS for All" campaign, led by Deputy Minister James Gyakye Quayson, to increase public understanding of regional integration benefits, such as visa-free travel and trade protocols, through late 2026. Bilateral relations with key Western partners remain stable despite administrative transitions. During a reception for German Unity Day in Accra, German Ambassador Frederik Landshöft reaffirmed a deepening partnership with Ghana focused on security, climate resilience, and technical education. This was complemented by clarifications from the US Embassy regarding the future of health assistance. Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson dismissed reports of an abrupt halt to aid following the closure of the USAID mission in 2025. He confirmed that $82 million is allocated for 2025 and $53 million for 2026, part of a planned multi-year phase-down aimed at supporting Ghana’s journey toward self-sufficiency in managing national health programs. Beyond Ghana's borders, significant shifts in immigration policy are reshaping global mobility. Japan has implemented a controversial twenty-fold increase in permanent residency fees, raising the cost from 10,000 to 200,000 yen (approximately 14,844 Ghanaian Cedis). Under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the new policy also introduces stricter language and financial requirements for the country's record 4.12 million foreign residents. Simultaneously, the European Union is exploring the establishment of "return hubs" in third countries to facilitate the deportation of migrants. During meetings in Luxembourg, ministers from nations including Denmark and Germany discussed utilizing locations like Rwanda for these centers, a move critics warn could create "legal black holes" for asylum seekers. The international political arena also saw a mix of historic breakthroughs and persistent deadlocks. In Morocco, King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first female Head of Government, marking a milestone for women's leadership in national development. Conversely, Romania’s political crisis has deepened after Siegfried Muresan of the PNL party failed to secure the 233 parliamentary votes needed to form a new government. This second unsuccessful attempt to replace ousted Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan leaves the nation under a caretaker administration as President Nicusor Dan continues to resist calls for a snap election.

A medium-shot portrait of Daryl Bosu, Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana, sitting in a black office chair. He is wearing a white collared shirt with a grey and gold patterned detail on the right side, set against a background of neutral-toned horizontal blinds.
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President Mahama Faces Growing Pressure to Reform Mining Policies as Experts Critique Past Galamsey Failures

President John Mahama’s administration is confronting a complex intersection of economic necessity and environmental urgency as civil society organizations and policy experts demand a more rigorous approach to both terrestrial and offshore mining. While the government seeks to stabilize the national economy, it faces mounting criticism over the persistent threat of illegal small-scale mining, known as galamsey, and new concerns regarding offshore gold reconnaissance. The current administration’s reliance on gold revenues as a pillar of economic recovery has created a significant policy dilemma, where aggressive enforcement against illegal mining could potentially conflict with short-term financial stabilization goals. Senyo Hosi, the Convenor of the One Ghana Movement, recently observed that the most opportune moment to decisively end galamsey was missed during the first term of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. According to Hosi, an initially effective crackdown was progressively weakened by political and economic considerations, particularly as the 2020 general elections approached. This retreat from strict enforcement allowed illegal mining to become deeply embedded in local economies, leaving many communities reliant on it for their livelihoods amidst high youth unemployment. Hosi warned that illegal mining operators have now gained substantial political influence, frequently financing political activities and complicating the efforts of successive governments to implement meaningful reforms. Adding to the calls for stricter oversight, Daryl Bossu, Deputy Executive Director of A Rocha Ghana, has criticized the government for treating galamsey with "kid gloves" compared to other national challenges. He argued that the failure to enforce existing laws has led to a state of neglect and poor compliance that threatens the nation's water security and environmental health. This sentiment is echoed by broader concerns regarding Ghana's strategic dependence on foreign investment, particularly from China, where immediate retail and infrastructure benefits are weighed against the long-term environmental degradation of essential water bodies and the potential erosion of national sovereignty. Beyond terrestrial mining, President Mahama is now facing calls to review offshore gold reconnaissance licenses along the western coast. In an open letter to the President, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) expressed alarm that licensed areas may overlap with protected marine spaces, threatening fisheries and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The CSOs are advocating for greater transparency, inclusive decision-making, and comprehensive environmental assessments before any intrusive activities commence. They emphasize that protecting Ghana’s marine biodiversity is as critical as rebuilding the depleted fish stocks that sustain millions of citizens. As President Mahama navigates his current term, the path forward requires balancing the urgent need for gold-driven economic growth with the preservation of the country’s natural resources. The transition from what critics call "political leniency" to a regime of strict legal compliance remains the primary hurdle for the administration. For the government to succeed where previous efforts failed, experts suggest it must decouple political survival from the interests of illegal mining financiers and prioritize a sustainable investment framework that safeguards both the land and the sea for future generations.

Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin — Speaker of Parliament
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Speaker Bagbin Backs President Mahama’s National Dialogue on Hate Speech Amid Constitutional Reform Debates

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has issued a stern warning against the normalization of abusive language in Ghanaian politics, urging party leaders to stop rewarding members who utilize "bitter tongues." Speaking during an emergency session of the House, Bagbin threw his support behind President John Mahama’s initiative to launch a national dialogue addressing hate speech and inflammatory social media content. The Speaker emphasized that while robust disagreement is a cornerstone of democracy, the current trend of personal attacks and derogatory rhetoric threatens to undermine the dignity of the nation's institutions and deepen societal divisions. He called for Parliament to lead by example, reflecting on its own conduct while safeguarding the hard-won democratic culture of the country. This call for civility coincides with intensifying discussions over proposed constitutional reforms, specifically the suggestion to extend the presidential term from four to five years. Both Christian and Muslim leaders, represented by Most Rev. Dr. Paul Boafo and the spokesperson for the National Chief Imam, Armiyawo Shaibu, have expressed firm opposition to the extension. During a forum organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs, they argued that the existing four-year term is sufficient for voters to assess government performance and implement policy. Parallel to these religious concerns, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has demanded a robust legal framework to anchor these reforms, ensuring they are protected from political whims and that the public—particularly in rural areas—is properly educated on the changes to ensure meaningful participation. The broader conversation on governance and transparency has also extended to the judiciary and traditional leadership. During the Asogli State’s Anti-corruption Day, investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni and former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo called on the judiciary to expedite corruption cases, preventing defendants from exploiting legal loopholes to delay justice. In the realm of local administration, the Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Tsuru II, has urged Ga State paramouncies to establish Customary Land Secretariats. This move is designed to streamline land management under the Land Act of 2020 and minimize the frequent disputes that often spill over into political and social unrest. As Ghana navigates these complex legislative and cultural shifts, the role of political veterans and public figures remains under heavy scrutiny. The Speaker's plea for decorum was echoed by public reactions to partisan bitterness, such as comedian Kwaku Sintim-Misa’s (KSM) recent criticism of former NPP MP Eugene Boakye Antwi for wishing failure upon President Mahama’s administration. Collectively, these developments underscore a pivotal moment for the current government, as stakeholders from across the religious, civil, and traditional spectrums push for a more accountable, respectful, and legally sound democratic framework that prioritizes national development over partisan friction.

Former Member of Parliament Inusah Fuseini is seated in a television studio, looking directly at the camera. He is wearing a colorful patterned shirt, glasses, and a flat cap, with a notepad and water bottles positioned on the desk in front of him.
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Speaker Bagbin Launches Ghana Law Society as State Agencies Move to Strengthen Accountability and Judicial Standards

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has officially launched the Ghana Law Society (GLS) during its inaugural Annual Bar Conference in Accra, marking a significant milestone in the country's legal landscape. Led by President Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the new society aims to address a critical deficit in legal accessibility across Ghana. Currently, over 72% of the nation's lawyers are concentrated in just three cities, leaving more than 190 districts without a single law firm. To bridge this disparity, the GLS has proposed a 12-month structured national service program for newly qualified lawyers, who would be stationed at district assemblies, Legal Aid offices, and other public institutions to ensure justice is not a privilege reserved for urban centers. During the launch, Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah and Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine emphasized that a robust legal system is a prerequisite for economic development and urged lawyers to take an active role in legislative drafting. In tandem with these legal reforms, the Auditor-General, Dr. Pamela Graham, has intensified efforts to safeguard public funds with the launch of the 2026 financial year audit cycle. Dr. Graham announced the introduction of an Audit Recommendations Tracker, set to go live in October 2026, which will allow the public to monitor recovery efforts and the implementation of audit findings. Reporting that the Audit Service has already recovered approximately GH"17.6 billion and prevented wrongful payments of GH"11.7 billion, Dr. Graham vowed to use her constitutional powers to issue tough surcharges on the GH"280.5 million in unlawful expenditures still outstanding. The Auditor-General’s strategy includes the deployment of artificial intelligence and data analytics to modernize oversight, ensuring that accountability extends beyond mere reporting to include tangible corrective actions. The period has also been marked by a robust debate regarding the conduct of the judiciary and the protection of constitutional rights. Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie recently sparked discussion by arguing that judges should retain their humanity and personal lives despite the gravity of their office, a view supported by former MP Inusah Fuseini. However, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), through Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed, asserted that judicial office necessitates the surrender of certain personal freedoms to maintain the dignity of the bench. Amidst these theoretical debates, the citizens' group OccupyGhana has raised practical concerns regarding due process, calling on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) and the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) to end the use of "indefinite" account freezes and excessive bail conditions, which the group argues have become a form of punishment without trial. Finally, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has reinforced the country's democratic infrastructure by establishing a GH"544,000 Legal Support Fund to defend journalists against increasing litigation and judicial harassment. Launched as part of the African Media Integrity and Resilience Programme, the fund seeks to empower media professionals to investigate corruption and hold public officials accountable without the fear of retaliatory legal barriers. Together, these developments—from the decentralization of legal services and the tightening of financial audits to the protection of press freedom—signal a comprehensive effort to refine the rule of law and strengthen Ghana’s democratic governance in 2026.

A headshot of Yaw Ofori-Debra, a prominent Ghanaian advocate for persons with disabilities and political figure. He is wearing a vibrant yellow, green, and red patterned shirt against a plain white background.
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NPP National Delegates Conference: Over 7,000 Delegates to Elect New Officers in Kumasi Ahead of 2028 General Elections

Kumasi is prepared to host the New Patriotic Party (NPP) National Delegates Conference on October 3, 2026, as the party seeks to finalize its internal reorganization ahead of the 2028 general elections. Over 7,100 delegates from across Ghana will gather at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to elect new national officers, following the party’s earlier selection of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as its flagbearer. The city is currently dominated by party colors, billboards, and posters, signaling a high-stakes atmosphere for the 47 aspirants contesting nine executive positions, including National Chairperson and General Secretary. The Electoral Commission has confirmed that all voting materials are ready for the supervised process, which is scheduled to begin at noon. The race for the National Chairmanship has emerged as a focal point of the conference, with high-profile candidates including Awentami Paul Afoko, John Boadu, Sammy Crabbe, and Boakye Agyarko. Political scientist Dr. Kwasi Amakye-Boateng has defended the inclusion of candidates like Afoko and Bawumia, arguing that competence and the ability to reconcile disgruntled party members should take precedence over regional backgrounds. Dr. Amakye-Boateng described Afoko as a potential "clean-break" leader who could unify the party’s structures. Meanwhile, the incumbent General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, is seeking to retain his position amidst a competitive field of aspirants aiming to strengthen the party's grassroots appeal. To ensure public safety and order, the Ashanti Regional Police Command has announced extensive security measures, including temporary road closures and traffic diversions around the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Affected routes include those from the Bridginia Traffic Lights to the Carvery Methodist Church and the Unity Oil Fuel Station. Superintendent Godwin Ahianyo and other police officials have warned that unauthorized vehicles parked in restricted areas will be towed at the owners' expense. Only accredited vehicles and individuals will be allowed access to designated parking zones, with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) deployed to manage the expected influx of travelers and dignitaries. The lead-up to the conference has also highlighted internal demands and progressive reforms. The NPP External Branches have issued a 90-day ultimatum to the Electoral Commission to provide a costed roadmap for the implementation of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act (ROPAA), ensuring voting rights for Ghanaians abroad by 2028. Additionally, the party has been praised by activists for constitutional amendments that reserve executive positions for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), a move expected to empower over 250 members at the congress. On the local level, Dr. Nana Ayew Afriyie, MP for Effiduase-Asokore, donated an 18-seater bus to his constituency executives to bolster grassroots mobilization, emphasizing the party's focus on welfare and organizational strength. Despite the preparations, the event has not been without controversy. Dr. Kerskin Opoku Owusu, the NPP's Ashanti Regional Communications Director, recently condemned the alleged destruction of aspirants' posters by political opponents, urging security agencies to intervene to prevent retaliatory actions. Furthermore, political debates have intensified outside the stadium; for instance, NPP Third National Vice Chairman Alhaji Osman Masawudu recently defended the railway development record of former President Nana Akufo-Addo's administration against public criticism. As the gavel prepares to fall in Kumasi, the outcome of these elections will likely define the NPP's strategic direction and unity as they challenge the current administration of President John Mahama in the next general election cycle.

Inusah Fuseini, a former Ghanaian Member of Parliament, is pictured during a television interview. He is seated behind a desk wearing a multi-colored patterned shirt, a grey flat cap, and glasses, with studio equipment and a monitor displaying religious text in the background.
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Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie and NPP Debate Judicial Conduct Amid Clarifications on US Aid and World Cup Visa Probe

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie’s recent assertion that judges should retain their "humanity" while in office has ignited a national dialogue regarding the professional boundaries of the bench. Speaking on the balance between official duties and personal lives, the Chief Justice argued that judicial officers should not be entirely isolated from society despite the high demands of their roles. This stance found support from Inusah Fuseini, the former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, who noted that judges can maintain social relationships and participate in community life without compromising their integrity. Fuseini emphasized that public confidence in the judiciary is built on the fair administration of justice rather than social withdrawal, urging judges to exercise restraint while remaining connected to their humanity. However, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed a more cautious view, asserting that the dignity of the judicial office requires the surrender of certain personal freedoms. NPP Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed clarified that while judges are not strictly forbidden from attending social functions, the "heightened expectations" of their office demand they prioritize professional responsibilities over personal interests. The party contends that individuals accepting sensitive judicial roles must adhere to a strict code of conduct and remain aware that their public conduct directly reflects upon the integrity of the institution, suggesting that some level of sacrifice regarding personal activities is inherent to the position. In the realm of international cooperation and health policy, the United States Embassy in Accra has moved to clarify the status of its health assistance to Ghana following the closure of the USAID mission. Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson addressed misconceptions that aid had been abruptly halted, explaining that funding releases are determined years in advance. The U.S. has committed $82 million for 2025 and $53 million for 2026, continuing a significant legacy of investment that has totaled $2.2 billion since 2012. Olson emphasized that the current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims for a gradual "phase down" of assistance to support Ghana’s eventual self-sufficiency in managing its own national health programs. Simultaneously, a legal dispute is unfolding regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, involving the National Sports Authority (NSA). Lawyer Jerry Avenorgbor has strongly refuted allegations that former NSA Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah was involved in an unauthorized scheme to collect over $600,000 for visa and travel assistance. While the Economic Crime Unit of the Police Headquarters investigates the claims, Avenorgbor maintains that Ankrah never personally collected funds or facilitated visa processes, describing the allegations as false and damaging. The NSA has also denied authorizing any such arrangements, stating it is distinct from private entities involved in World Cup activities and is fully cooperating with the ongoing police inquiry.

President Mahama Orders "Ironclad" Port Security as Minority Demands Suspension of Colombia Bilateral Deals
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President Mahama Orders "Ironclad" Port Security as Minority Demands Suspension of Colombia Bilateral Deals

President John Mahama has directed Ghana's security agencies to reinforce the nation’s ports following a series of high-profile international narcotics seizures linked to the country. The presidential order for "ironclad" security measures comes in response to an urgent security meeting held to address vulnerabilities at entry points. Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that the President is prioritizing inter-agency collaboration to ensure Ghana does not become a transit hub for global drug trafficking. This executive action follows the alarming seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, valued at €225 million, by French authorities in Dunkirk on September 10, 2026, from a container arriving from Ghana. In Parliament, the Minority Caucus has reacted to these developments by demanding the immediate suspension of all maritime and visa-waiver agreements with Colombia. Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, argued that the maritime cooperation pact signed in March 2026—which connects the ports of Tema and Cartagena—poses a severe national security risk. Citing a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report that identifies Colombia as the world’s leading cocaine shipment origin and ranks Ghana as the fifth-largest country of origin for cocaine seized in Antwerp, the Minority is calling for a comprehensive security review of all bilateral arrangements with the South American nation. Political tensions escalated after Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin dismissed a Minority motion for a bipartisan inquiry into the recent drug seizures. The Speaker ruled the motion inadmissible, citing potential prejudice to ongoing court cases and judicial proceedings. However, the Minority has criticized this decision as an obstruction of Parliament’s oversight powers, with Jinapor describing the lack of a transparent investigation as a potential "grand cover-up." The Minority insists that an independent inquiry is necessary to scrutinize the efficacy of current surveillance and scanning protocols at the ports, which failed to detect the massive Dunkirk shipment. While the government has rejected the "Cocaine Coast" label for the country, spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu admitted that "turf wars" and rivalries between security agencies have hindered effective operations at the ports. He acknowledged that competition for control and poor information sharing among enforcement units have created gaps exploited by traffickers. To address this, the government clarified that the Interior Minister is currently investigating specific security officials for inconsistencies in their duties. As the administration works on a new roadmap for port operations, the focus remains on restoring the international reputation of Ghana's trade gateways and ensuring they serve only legitimate commercial interests.

National Democratic Congress Mobilizes for Internal Elections as Morocco Appoints First Female Head of Government
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National Democratic Congress Mobilizes for Internal Elections as Morocco Appoints First Female Head of Government

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has significantly ramped up its internal organizational activities across Ghana as it prepares for future electoral cycles. In the Agona West constituency, the party’s election committee, chaired by Ms. Hamid Selma, has cleared 41 aspirants to contest 16 executive positions in elections scheduled for late October 2026. Similarly, in the Wenchi constituency of the Bono Region, 60 candidates have been approved for various roles after a vetting process praised for its transparency. These efforts to strengthen party structures are mirrored in the Upper East Region, where Regional Communication Officer Jonathan Abdallah Salifu has announced his bid for the Regional Secretary position, citing over two decades of service to the party. Leadership stability remains a priority for the NDC in other regions as well. In the Volta Region, a coalition of dedicated members has offered to pay the filing fees for Regional Chairman Mawutor Agbavitor, urging him to seek re-election following his success in recapturing the Hohoe parliamentary seat. Meanwhile, in Ellembelle, Member of Parliament Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah was recently honored by the Aiyinasi-North community for his long-standing commitment to infrastructure and health development. Despite these positive strides, the political landscape faces administrative hurdles; a group of former Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) from the Volta Region, who served under the previous Akufo-Addo administration, have formally petitioned the Minister of Finance for unpaid terminal benefits they claim were overlooked during the 2021 transition. On the international stage, Morocco has made history with King Mohammed VI appointing Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first female Head of Government. El Mansouri, the coordinator of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, has pledged to form a government that addresses the challenges of Moroccan citizens, particularly the youth. This progress contrasts sharply with the ongoing political deadlock in Romania, where a second attempt to form a government has failed. Siegfried Muresan of the PNL party was unable to secure the necessary parliamentary majority after opposition parties boycotted the vote, leaving the country in a state of prolonged instability under a caretaker administration.