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.

Parliamentary Committee Urges Dedicated Sanitation Fund Following Oti Region Assessment
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Parliamentary Committee Urges Dedicated Sanitation Fund Following Oti Region Assessment

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources has concluded a three-day assessment tour of the Volta and Oti Regions, calling for a significant overhaul of how sanitation is funded in Ghana. Led by Chairman John Oti Bless, the committee asserted that the current 10% allocation from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is insufficient to address the mounting sanitation challenges faced by local authorities. While acknowledging progress in infrastructure such as institutional toilets and drainage works, the committee advocated for a dedicated, sustainable sanitation financing mechanism to enhance the impact of government interventions across the country. During the tour, the committee expressed high satisfaction with the progress of Zoomlion Ghana Limited’s Integrated Recycling and Compost Plant (IRECOP) in Yabram, Dambai. Krachi East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Safo Nketiah lauded the facility for providing critical waste management solutions and producing affordable organic fertilizers for local farmers. Mr. Nketiah emphasized that private-sector partnerships are vital, especially as municipal assemblies struggle with limited resources for National Sanitation Day activities and general waste collection. He noted that Zoomlion's Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives have often filled the gap where public funding has fallen short. However, the assessment also brought several systemic failures to light. The committee raised concerns regarding the Nkwanta North District Assembly’s management of its sanitation allocation and demanded further clarification on its expenditures. Across multiple districts, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) reported a dire lack of skip containers, insufficient refuse equipment, and low incentives for sanitation workers. Chairman Oti Bless urged MMDAs to implement and enforce strict bye-laws to curb illegal waste disposal, citing Rwanda’s success with regulatory compliance as a model for Ghana to emulate. In its final observations, the committee highlighted that while the Volta Region remains notably clean, the long-term success of national sanitation goals depends on timely and increased funding. The findings from this engagement will be compiled into a formal report with recommendations for Parliament to ensure more efficient use of public resources. The committee plans to continue its monitoring efforts across other regions to hold local assemblies accountable and ensure that sanitation services are improved for all citizens under the current administration's development agenda.

Mahama Administration Accelerates 'Big Push' Infrastructure as 2027 Budget Hearings Conclude
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Mahama Administration Accelerates 'Big Push' Infrastructure as 2027 Budget Hearings Conclude

The government of President John Mahama has intensified its developmental agenda through the 'Big Push' road projects and the '24-Hour Economy' initiative, even as it navigates significant fiscal challenges and localized demands for accountability. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, concluding the 2027 budget hearings, emphasized that the upcoming financial plan prioritizes the interests of the Ghanaian populace. This commitment comes alongside a flurry of infrastructure activity, including the resumption of the 7.2-kilometre Tema-TOR road project and the 23-kilometre Dome-Kwabenya–Berekuso–Kitase road. Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has taken a firm stance on these projects, warning that the government will not compensate individuals who have built illegal structures within road rights-of-way, stressing the need for legal adherence to ensure timely completion within the next 18 months. While infrastructure expansion is evident in the sod-cutting for a 24-hour economy market in Shai Osudoku by Regional Minister Linda Ocloo, other projects face scrutiny. In Kintampo North, Bono East Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi has threatened to terminate the contract for a similar market project after a site visit revealed less than one percent of the work had been completed. This contrast in project delivery is mirrored by citizen-led demands for better services elsewhere; residents of Akuse recently staged demonstrations over deplorable road conditions affecting agriculture, while the NPP in Pusiga and residents in Golokuati have called for the completion of hospitals and the operationalization of long-abandoned electricity offices to make the government's economic policies meaningful at the local level. On the security and governance front, the government is bolstering national resilience through international cooperation and equipment upgrades. The Ghana Immigration Service recently unveiled the ’SHIFT’ project, a €7.3 million EU-funded initiative aimed at harmonizing border management between Ghana and its neighbors to counter Sahelian security threats. Internally, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak handed over a fleet of vehicles and electric cars to the Ghana National Fire Service to improve emergency response times. Simultaneously, the government continues its crackdown on illegal mining, with recent joint operations by NAIMOS and GIISDEC resulting in the confiscation of 'galamsey' equipment along the River Ankobra in the Nzema East Municipality. However, the administration faces mounting political and social pressure. The Ghana Women’s Movement has announced a 'Women’s Voices Matter' demonstration for late September 2026 to protest alleged intimidation and demand the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act. In Parliament, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has criticized the governing NDC for what he termed 'hypocrisy' regarding political rhetoric, while environmental concerns have been raised by MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh over the government's waste management decisions at the Odaw River. These domestic tensions are further complicated by the revelation of a US$235 million financial liability stemming from the Teshie-Nungua Desalination Plant deal, highlighting the critical need for the rigorous oversight Dr. Ato Forson has promised for the 2027 fiscal year.

UK Files Historic Rwandan Genocide Charges as Ethiopian Rebels Unite Against Abiy Ahmed
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UK Files Historic Rwandan Genocide Charges as Ethiopian Rebels Unite Against Abiy Ahmed

In a landmark legal development, British prosecutors have filed the first-ever criminal charges in the United Kingdom related to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Dr. Vincent Brown, a 65-year-old North London resident formerly known as Dr. Vincent Bajinya, faces one count of conduct ancillary to genocide and six counts of murder as a crime against humanity. The charges follow a multi-year investigation by the Metropolitan Police War Crimes Team, which was initiated in 2019 following a formal request from the Rwandan government. This prosecution serves as a significant signal that the UK will not act as a safe haven for those accused of international atrocities, specifically regarding the massacre of approximately 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Dr. Brown, who has denied the allegations, is scheduled for an initial hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court. Simultaneously, Ethiopia faces a major security challenge as seven armed opposition factions have united to form the Ethiopian Peoples’ Forces Alliance for Survival. This coalition, which includes the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the Amhara Fano National Movement, and the Oromo Liberation Army, aims to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Despite their history as adversaries during the 2020-2022 civil war, these groups have pledged to coordinate military and political operations, accusing the federal government of mismanagement and genocide. The alliance seeks to establish an inclusive transitional government to address the country's ethnic federalism and deep-seated social frictions, although significant mistrust remains between the diverse factions. International diplomatic tensions are also rising as the United States denied a visa to Sudan’s de facto leader, Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, preventing him from addressing the UN General Assembly. Washington reportedly withheld the visa after Burhan rejected a three-month humanitarian truce in his ongoing conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan will instead be represented at the UN by Foreign Minister Mohieldin Salem. In a similar vein of restricted movement, exiled Guinean opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo announced that his passport has been revoked, barring him from attending UN-related meetings in New York. The push for legal accountability extends to The Gambia and South Africa, where high-ranking figures are facing serious charges. Sanna Manjang, the former head of Gambia’s notorious "Junglers" death squad under ex-dictator Yahya Jammeh, appeared in military court facing desertion charges after years in exile. In South Africa, Lt. Gen. Shadrack Sibiya, a top police official, has been charged with sexual offenses, including the rape of an 18-year-old and the grooming of a 16-year-old. Together, these developments across the continent reflect a period of heightened legal scrutiny for state actors and a volatile landscape of shifting political alliances.

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Bernard Antwi-Boasiako Faces Refiled Charges in GH¢30 Million Exim Bank Fraud Case

The Accra High Court has adjourned the legal proceedings against Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to October 13, 2026. This decision follows the state's move to refile and amend charges against the prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) figure regarding an alleged GH¢30 million fraud involving the Ghana Exim Bank. The prosecution, led by Lawyer Joshua Sackey, introduced the new charge sheet on September 22, 2026, after negotiations for a plea deal between the state and the accused reportedly collapsed. The amended charges center on allegations of defrauding by false pretences, money laundering, and uttering forged documents. Specifically, the prosecution alleges that Antwi-Boasiako used a forged pro-forma invoice from a company identified as EPSONS GHANA LIMITED in 2017 to illegally secure GH¢4 million from Exim Bank. The broader case, which was initially brought to court in May 2026, contends that the bank suffered a total financial loss of approximately GH¢30 million between 2018 and 2022 due to the defendant's actions. During the Tuesday hearing, the prosecution expressed its intention to withdraw the previous charge sheet filed on May 15, 2026, in favor of the newly served documents. Counsel for the first and third accused persons, Lawyer Nana Nti Ofori-Debrah, requested additional time from the court to thoroughly review the amended charges, noting that the defense team had only recently been served with the new particulars. The court granted this request to ensure a fair trial, deferring further proceedings to the next adjourned date in October. The case against the former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP remains one of the most high-profile legal battles involving political figures from the previous administration. As the legal team for Antwi-Boasiako prepares their defense against the refiled charges, the outcome of the proceedings is expected to have significant implications for corporate governance and the oversight of state-linked financial institutions like the Ghana Exim Bank. The upcoming October hearing will likely see the formal withdrawal of the old charges and the commencement of the trial under the new charge sheet.

Shamima Muslim Advocates for Independent Media and Defends Mahama Administration's Free Speech Record
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Shamima Muslim Advocates for Independent Media and Defends Mahama Administration's Free Speech Record

Shamima Muslim, the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, has underscored the essential role of independent and credible broadcasting in sustaining Ghana's democratic foundations. Speaking at the Broadcasters Convention 2026 in Accra, Ms. Muslim asserted that a robust democracy is not built on media houses that merely align with government views, but rather on those that earn public trust through impartiality and professionalism. She emphasized that while the 1992 Constitution protects freedom of expression, this right must be exercised responsibly to preserve national cohesion and social stability, urging the media to serve as a bridge between the state and the citizenry rather than as a political mouthpiece. During her address, Ms. Muslim specifically defended the administration of President John Mahama against allegations that it is suppressing free speech. She clarified that the government remains a strong proponent of freedom of expression and does not seek to limit legitimate discourse or legitimate criticism. While acknowledging ongoing public debates regarding the application of certain criminal laws related to speech, she noted that these legal frameworks are intended to address serious breaches of public order rather than to facilitate a crackdown on the press. She called for continuous, constructive dialogue between legal stakeholders, the government, and media practitioners to ensure these laws are interpreted and implemented in a manner that protects both public safety and democratic liberties. The Deputy Spokesperson further urged broadcasters to uphold strict journalistic ethics—including accuracy, fairness, and objectivity—especially in an era where digital platforms and social media frequently propagate misinformation. She highlighted that the long-term sustainability of the media sector depends heavily on its ability to remain a trusted source of information for the populace. By working "without fear or favour," Ms. Muslim suggested that journalists contribute more effectively to national development and help maintain the integrity of the country's democratic institutions. The Broadcasters Convention 2026 served as a critical platform for industry players to discuss the evolving role of media in Ghana's democratic framework, focusing on themes of regulation, public trust, and financial sustainability. Ms. Muslim concluded by reiterating the government's commitment to supporting an open and diverse media landscape. She called for a collaborative relationship between the government and the media, emphasizing that mutual respect and a shared commitment to truth are necessary for Ghana to navigate the challenges of the modern information age.

Salomey Baffoe Denies Financial Ties to TikToker ‘Ghana Jollof’ as Legal Battle Over False News Intensifies
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Salomey Baffoe Denies Financial Ties to TikToker ‘Ghana Jollof’ as Legal Battle Over False News Intensifies

Salomey Awity Baffoe, a senior nursing officer, is currently at the center of a legal storm involving the publication of false news and abetment of crime. The case, which involves the prominent UK-based TikTok personality Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, known as "Ghana Jollof," has seen Baffoe remanded into custody as the Ghana Police Service investigates allegations of a coordinated campaign to distribute misleading content. While the police allege a financial nexus between the two women, Baffoe’s legal team has stepped forward to categorically deny any such relationship, framing the charges as a mischaracterization of her actions. Nana Adjei Baffour Awuah, lead counsel for Baffoe, has robustly refuted claims that his client received money from Kodua to facilitate the distribution of videos or recruitment-related activities. Baffour Awuah emphasized that his client does not know the individual behind the "Ghana Jollof" moniker personally and has never engaged in financial arrangements to support the account's online activities. He further criticized the evidence presented by the Ghana Police, arguing that the assertions regarding remitted funds are baseless and lack factual support to link his client to the TikTok operator's activities. The legal proceedings have moved to the High Court, where a bail application for Baffoe is scheduled for hearing on September 23, 2026. This follows a two-week remand period ordered by the Adentan Circuit Court. Baffour Awuah has expressed confidence that bail will be granted, noting that police investigations have largely concluded and that Baffoe’s continued detention is no longer justifiable. The lawyer also highlighted the personal toll of the detention, pointing out that Baffoe, a mother, has been separated from her children for over ten days while awaiting further proceedings. Concurrently, the primary figure in the controversy, Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, has issued a defiant challenge from the United Kingdom. After being declared wanted by the Ghana Police Service, Kodua openly dared the Ghanaian government to attempt her extradition. She has characterized the legal pursuit as a form of political persecution and expressed deep skepticism regarding the government’s legal standing or ability to successfully secure her return from British jurisdiction. This international dimension adds a layer of diplomatic complexity to the domestic charges facing Baffoe. As the case unfolds, Baffoe is set to reappear in the Adentan Circuit Court on September 28 and September 30, 2026, to face the specific charges of abetment in the publication of false news. The outcome of these hearings will likely set a precedent for how the Ghanaian legal system handles the intersection of social media influence and the dissemination of information. For now, the standoff between the authorities and the UK-based TikToker remains unresolved, leaving Baffoe as the primary local individual facing the immediate legal consequences of the state's investigation into the "Ghana Jollof" digital footprint.

Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, National Chairman, NDC, speaking during the awards ceremony
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Johnson Asiedu Nketiah Urges Mahama Administration to Prioritize Accountability and Strategic Foresight

National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has called on President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to welcome rigorous public scrutiny and prioritize long-term foresight over reactive crisis management. Speaking at the 4th Bono Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, Mr. Nketiah emphasized that transparency is not an indictment of the government but a fundamental pillar of democratic health. He urged state officials to view questioning as a necessary tool for aligning government performance with the expectations of the Ghanaian people. Addressing ministers and public officials directly, the NDC Chairman stressed that legitimate inquiries regarding public expenditure and policy decisions deserve clear, factual responses. He argued that the media serves a critical role in verifying whether campaign promises are being translated into actual delivery on the ground. Mr. Nketiah encouraged journalists to report accurately regardless of political implications, asserting that a collaborative relationship between the media, citizens, and the state is essential for holding the government accountable for its use of national resources. Beyond accountability, Mr. Nketiah advocated for a paradigm shift in national development, criticizing the historical trend of new administrations abandoning successful initiatives started by their predecessors. He warned that Ghana cannot afford to start afresh every four years, urging the current government to improve upon existing programs that work rather than discarding them for political reasons. This approach, he noted, should be guided by strategic foresight—planning for future infrastructure demands and population growth—rather than waiting for issues to escalate into national crises. In the context of regional development, the Chairman highlighted the need for infrastructure that directly supports economic activities, particularly by strengthening the link between agriculture and markets in the Bono Region. He praised regional journalists for their professionalism despite working with limited resources and called for improved working conditions to ensure sustainable, independent reporting. By monitoring ongoing projects and challenging officials for transparency, Mr. Nketiah concluded that the press can play a transformative role in ensuring that national progress is both consistent and inclusive.

A wide-angle photograph of a large international conference hall filled with delegates and officials. Participants are seated at long, white-clothed tables, many wearing formal business attire or traditional West African garments while listening to proceedings.
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Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang and ECOWAS Jurists Call for Strengthened Regional Cooperation on Climate and Justice

Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for a more robust and coordinated regional response to the multifaceted challenges of climate change, displacement, and insecurity within West Africa. Speaking at the Second Parliamentary Seminar of the ECOWAS Parliament in Accra on September 22, 2026, the Vice-President emphasized that environmental degradation is no longer just a development issue but a primary driver of cross-border conflict. Her remarks coincided with high-level discussions in Dakar, Senegal, where leaders of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice gathered to address critical hurdles in the regional judicial framework, marking a week of intense focus on the future of West African integration. During the Accra seminar, Professor Opoku-Agyemang urged member states to effectively implement regional frameworks and mobilize climate finance for resilient agriculture, clean energy, and water management. She specifically highlighted the link between youth insecurity and limited economic opportunities, arguing that investments in education and employment are fundamental to regional peace. To mitigate the impact of climate-induced displacement, the Vice-President proposed enhanced early-warning systems and stronger legislative support to ensure that the benefits of integration reach the most vulnerable citizens. Her appeal underscores the necessity of protecting livelihoods to ensure food security and long-term stability across the sub-region. Parallel to the discussions on climate security, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice held its 2026 Annual International Conference in Dakar to mark its 25th anniversary. Justice Ricardo Gon''calves, President of the Court, warned that the institution is at a "critical crossroads," particularly regarding the enforcement of judgments and the protection of human rights. Despite two and a half decades of progress, the court continues to face resistance from some member states in executing its decisions. ECOWAS Commission President Gen. Birame Diop and other legal experts, including Professor Ernest Kofi Abotsi, called for institutional transformations—such as new arbitration rules and an Appeal Division—to enhance judicial integrity and ensure the court remains a credible arbiter of justice for the region’s population. These dual regional gatherings underscore a pivotal moment for ECOWAS as it seeks to balance immediate security concerns with long-term institutional stability. While Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang’s call for climate resilience aims to address the root causes of migration and conflict, the Dakar conference highlights the necessity of a functioning legal system to uphold the rule of law. Together, these initiatives reflect a broader strategy to refine regional frameworks and the ECOWAS 2027 budget, ensuring that West African integration evolves into a tangible force for prosperity, peace, and human rights for all member nations.

Kwesi Pratt Jnr — Veteran journalist and Pan-Africanist
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President Mahama and National Leaders Celebrate Kwame Nkrumah’s 117th Birthday with Calls for Economic Sovereignty and National Unity

President John Mahama has led Ghana in commemorating Founder’s Day and the 117th birth anniversary of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, urging the nation to embrace the ideals of liberty and self-reliance. In a series of addresses marking the September 21 observance, President Mahama emphasized that Nkrumah’s vision remains a vital cornerstone for Ghana’s national identity and its 'Resetting Ghana Agenda.' He called for a renewed dedication to nation-building, linking historical struggles for independence to contemporary goals of social justice and regional economic sovereignty. This national celebration was echoed across the country, with various political and social groups reflecting on the enduring relevance of the first president’s Pan-African ideals in navigating modern challenges. In the Western Region, significant monuments were unveiled to honor Nkrumah’s birthplace and heritage. The Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, joined by Kenyan Pan-Africanist Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, inaugurated the Osagyefo Roundabout at Sanzule. During the ceremony, speakers criticized past attempts to diminish Nkrumah’s history and announced plans to renovate his residence in Half-Assini. Notably, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the NPP’s 2024 vice-presidential candidate, joined the 'Nkrumah Fest' in Nkroful to eulogize the late leader as a 'boundless gift' to Africa. Despite historical partisan tensions, Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s presence and praise for Nkrumah signaled a call for national unity, a sentiment supported by Nkrumah’s daughter, Samia Yaba Nkrumah, who expressed gratitude for the continued recognition of her father’s sacrifices. The anniversary also prompted deep intellectual and structural reflections on the state of the Ghanaian republic. Delivering the 15th Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Lectures at the University of Cape Coast, veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. cautioned that a simple constitutional review would not solve the nation’s deepest problems. He argued that the failures often attributed to the 1992 Constitution stem more from the conduct of political leaders and state institutions than from the legal text itself. Pratt underscored that effective reform must be tied to broader economic transformations and Pan-African cooperation, warning that without a shift in political culture, even a revised constitution would fail to protect the marginalized from exploitation by powerful elites. From a policy perspective, several political parties used the occasion to demand a return to Nkrumah’s economic principles of state-led development and self-sufficiency. The Convention People’s Party (CPP) urged the government to protect and revitalize State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), specifically opposing the privatization of the Electricity Company of Ghana. Simultaneously, the Progressive Alliance for Ghana (PAG), led by Dr. John Enyonam Kpikpi, advocated for a fundamental overhaul of the economy focusing on youth enterprise, cooperative ownership, and energy security. These groups collectively argued that honoring Nkrumah’s legacy requires more than ceremonial remembrance; it demands a practical commitment to industrial growth and the protection of national assets to ensure long-term economic independence.

President John Mahama sits on a panel with other dignitaries during a high-level meeting, likely associated with the UN General Assembly. He is seen listening attentively while a colleague in a suit and red tie speaks into a microphone at a long conference table.
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President Mahama Champions Global South Sovereignty and Reparatory Justice at UN General Assembly

President John Mahama has called for a fundamental shift in global development, advocating for the Global South to take full control of its health and development priorities. Speaking at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, the President introduced the "Accra Reset" initiative, a framework designed to dismantle donor dependence and geostrategic marginalization. This bold diplomatic push has drawn significant international acclaim, with leaders such as Brazilian President Luiz In!cio Lula da Silva and former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown praising Ghana’s leadership in both development reform and the pursuit of global reparatory justice. At the heart of the President’s agenda is the "A Sovereign Future for Health" report, which outlines ten recommendations for reforming global health architecture. Mahama argued that "there can be no ownership without control," stressing that African nations and their peers in the Global South must move beyond being passive recipients of aid toward becoming self-reliant architects of their own health systems. He emphasized the need for increased domestic pharmaceutical production and stronger local capacities to ensure global health security. Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown endorsed the initiative, noting that the Accra Reset provides a vital alternative to external reliance in an era of multiple global crises. Parallel to his development agenda, President Mahama was lauded for his leadership in advancing the cause of reparatory justice. President Lula of Brazil specifically highlighted a Ghana-led resolution, adopted by the UN on March 25, 2026, which formally recognized the trafficking of enslaved Africans as the "gravest crime against humanity." This historic declaration has set the stage for further dialogue on reparations, with Ghana already hosting high-level conferences in Accra to transform recognition into actionable justice. President Lula urged the international community to follow Ghana’s lead in addressing historical injustices through multilateral cooperation and democracy. On the economic front, President Mahama is leveraging the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) as a strategic coordinator for philanthropic engagement, ensuring international partnerships align with national priorities. During a meeting with Alex Soros of the Open Society Foundations, the President underscored the importance of domestic financing and institutional capacity to withstand global debt pressures. In a further demonstration of Ghana's expanding diplomatic footprint, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Panama to deepen bilateral ties in trade, cocoa production, and maritime affairs, signaling a commitment to "pragmatic interdependence." As Ghana prepares to assume the chairmanship of the African Union in 2027, the President intends to integrate the Reset agenda into the continent's broader policy frameworks. By prioritizing maternal and child health and advocating for stronger governmental accountability, Mahama aims to foster a development model centered on human dignity. These efforts at the UNGA reflect a strategic vision to reposition Ghana and the Global South as equal partners in the global arena, ensuring that development is driven by local expertise and sustainable, long-term investment.

Henry Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B, the National Organizer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is pictured wearing branded party attire. He is seen outdoors wearing a white sleeveless NPP jacket, a matching cap, and sunglasses, likely during a political event.
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NPP Demands Parliamentary Inquiry and Official Resignations Amid Mounting Global Drug Trafficking Crisis Linked to Ghana

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched a scathing critique of President John Mahama’s administration, demanding the immediate dismissal of several high-ranking government and security officials following a series of massive drug seizures linked to Ghana. At a press conference, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) alleged that the country has been transformed into a "cocaine hub" under the current government, citing at least 12 major narcotics cases since January 2025 with a combined street value exceeding one billion dollars. The most prominent incident involved the interception of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, valued at €225 million, by French authorities in Dunkirk, which had been concealed in plastic waste originating from Ghana. Boakye further claimed that traffickers have established clandestine processing laboratories within the country, alleging that some officials are actively facilitating the narcotics trade. In response to the escalating crisis, President Mahama has held emergency meetings with security agencies and issued a directive to reintegrate the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) into the list of port inspection agencies. This move, supported by NDC officials like Rashid Tanko-Computer and GoldBoard CEO Sammy Gyamfi, reverses a 2018 policy change that had limited NACOC's presence at the ports. The NDC maintains that the current administration is actively confronting the porous security framework inherited from the previous New Patriotic Party government. However, the political atmosphere has grown increasingly tense as the NDC’s Deputy Director of Elections, Rashid Tanko-Computer, suggested that security agencies may invite NPP members to provide evidence for their claims regarding secret drug laboratories, a move NPP aide Dennis Miracles Aboagye dismissed as a political threat. The scandal has expanded to include allegations of internal sabotage and institutional failure. Ernest Norgbey, MP for Ashaiman, accused security personnel inherited from the previous administration of deliberately leaking sensitive information to undermine President Mahama. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of Ghana’s intelligence systems after a South African man was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport with $123,000 worth of heroin on a flight from Accra. Furthermore, reports indicate that the Ghana Maritime Authority’s surveillance system has been non-functional for months, leaving the nation's territorial waters vulnerable to unauthorized access. These lapses have prompted calls from security analyst Adib Saani for a unified, non-partisan approach to protect Ghana’s international reputation and the interests of innocent travelers who now face increased scrutiny abroad. Adding a moral dimension to the debate, the Ghana Catholic Bishops' Conference has issued a statement urging the government to look beyond low-level arrests and investigate the sophisticated financial networks and "kingpins" bankrolling the trade. They emphasized that the drug menace is a national security crisis that threatens the moral fabric of the country and the safety of the youth. As the NPP pushes for a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry and a recall of the House to examine shipping documents and inspection records, the Mahama administration faces mounting pressure to prove its commitment to narcotics control. The emergence of social media images showing a high-profile drug suspect, Musah Attah (alias "Kromo"), in the presence of top government officials has only intensified the public demand for transparency and a comprehensive investigation into the extent of state-embedded criminal activity.

Pallas Apuakasi declares bid for NDC Upper East Regional Secretary
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Alan Kyerematen Champions Centrist Unity as NDC and NPP Face Internal and External Pressures

Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, leader of the newly formed United Party (UP), has positioned his movement as a pragmatic centrist alternative to Ghana’s long-standing political duopoly. In recent statements, Kyerematen acknowledged the progress made by President John Mahama’s administration in stabilizing the national economy but cautioned that the ultimate test remains the long-term sustainability of these gains. Describing the United Party as a vehicle for pragmatism and balance, Kyerematen emphasized that his platform seeks to unite Ghanaians beyond the traditional divides of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), prioritizing a "Ghana project" that transcends ethnicity, religion, and age. This push for a third-force alternative is further bolstered by the launch of The Base Movement (TBM) in Accra, which recently unveiled a new online radio station and website aimed at challenging the dominance of the two major parties ahead of the 2027 elections. Within the ruling National Democratic Congress, internal competition and public fallout are creating a complex political environment. Dr. Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, a contender for the NDC National Chairmanship, has called for a shift toward "substance over visibility," criticizing the trend of politicians seeking popularity without offering meaningful leadership. Simultaneously, the party faces a high-profile public distancing from musician MzBel, who expressed deep regret over her past support for the NDC. She revealed that her political affiliation led to significant professional losses, including cancelled performances and threats, and declared she no longer maintains allegiance to any political party. At the regional level, the NDC is seeing intensified competition, particularly in the Upper East where former Bongo DCE Alexis Adugdaa Ayamdor and Pallas Apuakasi have both declared bids for the Regional Secretary position, emphasizing grassroots mobilization. On the opposition side, the New Patriotic Party continues to strategize for the future while managing internal friction. Ashanti Regional Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA) has pledged that a future NPP government under Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would prioritize youth empowerment and job creation, while expressing concern over what he described as a current erosion of free speech. However, the party is also dealing with organizational disputes, as the NPP Russia Branch recently issued a statement disassociating itself from Dr. Abongo Mashood and his "Lions of NPP" group, citing leadership misrepresentation. These partisan maneuvers are occurring against a backdrop of increasing social pressure, as the Ghana Evangelical Missions Association (GEMA) and other religious leaders urge the government to intensify the fight against illegal mining (galamsey) and address rising corruption despite the country's high Christian population. Security and governance also remain at the forefront of national discourse following a violent incident in the Savannah Region. Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno and Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Be-Awuribe recently visited Gbindabuor to assess the security situation following the tragic lynching of General Constable Redeemer Owusu. While the IGP announced a posthumous promotion for the officer and confirmed that 36 suspects are assisting with investigations, the incident has sparked renewed calls for an end to mob justice and improved protection for security personnel. As the nation navigates these security challenges and the looming 2026 World Cup visa scandal allegations—which Parliament's Youth and Sports Committee Chairman Ernest Norgbey stated require formal evidence before investigation—the political landscape continues to shift toward a focus on accountability, substance, and the potential for a more unified national vision.