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.

A tan Kia bus is parked in front of a building with blue trim, while two armed security personnel in camouflage uniforms walk across the foreground. The scene likely depicts the arrival or transport of suspects at a legal or police facility in Ghana.
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President Mahama Pledges Accelerated Development for Ahafo as Government Intensifies Infrastructure and 24-Hour Economy Drive

President John Mahama has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to regional development and economic transformation during a high-level meeting with the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs at Jubilee House. Led by Barima Twereku Ampem III, the chiefs petitioned the President for a degree-awarding institution, improved school facilities, and the completion of abandoned Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) projects. In response, President Mahama promised to deliver a tertiary institution and regional hospitals by the end of his term, emphasizing the importance of economic stability and job creation through agricultural modernization and traditional leadership in local governance. The government's signature 24-Hour Economy market model is also seeing intensified activity, though with varying degrees of success across regions. Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene recently clarified that a 12-unit classroom block in Mankranso would not be demolished but re-engineered to support the new market project, ensuring market women can keep their children close while working. Conversely, in the Bono East Region, Minister Francis Owusu Antwi has threatened to terminate the Sene West market contract if the contractor does not improve on the current 5% completion rate within a month. Meanwhile, the Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana) has urged the government to move away from a "one-size-fits-all" approach, advocating for a data-driven strategy to ensure the policy meets the specific needs of diverse local markets. Infrastructure development remains a central pillar of the administration's agenda through the "Big Push" programme. Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza has directed contractors to actively engage and train young Ghanaian engineers and surveyors, particularly women, as part of their contractual obligations. In Ablekuma South, MP Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije praised the current Ministry for rehabilitating the Korle-Bu road—a critical route for ambulance services—which he claimed was neglected during the previous NPP administration. However, the government faces criticism regarding the sanitation crisis; while Bekwai MP Ralph Poku-Adusei called for a dedicated sanitation fund to address long-term systemic failures, Salaga South MP Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah defended the government’s progress, citing new facilities in Salaga and Krachi East as proof of improvement. Public safety and environmental management have also come under the spotlight. The Ministry of the Interior has commissioned a committee to develop a National Fire Code to address rapid urbanization, and the new 2026 Road Traffic Regulations (L.I. 2519) have introduced stricter automated enforcement and penalties. In the security sector, 43 suspects were recently arraigned following the tragic killing of General Constable Redeemer Owusu in Gindabour, prompting a visit from the Inspector-General of Police. On the environmental front, the government is facing calls for reform after a Daily Graphic investigation revealed a 90% mortality rate for seedlings planted under the Green Ghana Project in the Upper East Region, highlighting significant challenges in maintenance and local consultation. As the Mahama administration advances its policy goals, it continues to navigate complex community demands and industrial relations. From the Osudoku Youth Association’s petition to regulate rice imports to the Omanhene of Akyem Kotoku’s insistence that mining companies prioritize land reclamation for agriculture, there is a clear public demand for sustainable and inclusive growth. The success of the government's ambitious projects will ultimately depend on balancing rapid infrastructure delivery with the accountability and rigorous monitoring required to ensure long-term benefits for all Ghanaians.

Andrei Ordash, Russian Ambassador to Ghana
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President Mahama to Attend Russia-Africa Summit as Ghana Navigates Revenue Reforms and Fuel Subsidy Debates

President John Mahama is set to lead a Ghanaian delegation to the upcoming Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, scheduled for October 28-29. Russian Ambassador Andrei Ordash confirmed the President's attendance, highlighting the summit as a pivotal opportunity for Ghana to attract investment, enhance market access, and foster cooperation in trade, security, and technology. The Ambassador underscored Ghana's role as an equal partner in Africa, noting that the event aims to strengthen bilateral relations through mutual respect and shared interests, particularly as many Ghanaian businesses have been invited to explore new market opportunities. While the administration focuses on international partnerships, domestic fiscal strategies are under intense discussion. At the 23rd General Assembly of the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) in Accra, the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, called for enhanced cooperation among African tax administrations. Mr. Sarpong emphasized the need to broaden tax bases, formalize informal economies, and leverage technology to improve compliance. Despite a projected regional GDP growth of 4.8% for 2025, he warned of a significant development financing gap, urging for transparent and professional institutions to secure sustainable domestic revenue. Simultaneously, the government faces criticism over its energy pricing policies. Dr. Patrick Kwaku Ofori, CEO of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), has questioned the effectiveness of the current GH¢2 per litre fuel subsidy. Dr. Ofori argued that the subsidy disproportionately benefits owners of high-consumption vehicles, such as V8s, rather than the public transport operators and "trotro" drivers it was intended to assist. He suggested that the funds used for the subsidy could have been better utilized to purchase over 200 buses to improve commuter routes into Accra, such as those from Kasoa, Adenta, and Tema. These economic tensions are further complicated by international market constraints. Dr. Ofori attributed rising fuel prices to Middle Eastern tensions and declining global petroleum reserves, cautioning that additional subsidies may not be sustainable in the long term. As the government prepares for high-level diplomatic engagements in Moscow, the internal debate underscores a critical need for a long-term national energy strategy and more efficient resource mobilization to bridge the infrastructure and social investment gap facing the nation.

Kofi Okyere-Darko: Government Reassesses GH¢25,000 Citizenship Fee Amid Diaspora Discontent
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Kofi Okyere-Darko: Government Reassesses GH¢25,000 Citizenship Fee Amid Diaspora Discontent

The Ghanaian government has initiated a formal review of the GH¢25,000 fee required for diaspora members to acquire Ghanaian citizenship. This move follows significant pushback from the diaspora community, who have characterized the cost as prohibitive and a major deterrent to formalizing their relationship with the country. Kofi Okyere-Darko, the Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President, confirmed that the government is taking these concerns seriously and has begun high-level discussions with the Minister for the Interior to reassess the financial requirements for citizenship. During a recent stakeholder engagement in Accra, numerous participants voiced their dissatisfaction with the current fee structure, questioning the rationale behind such a high charge for individuals who have already dedicated years of residency and investment to Ghana. Long-term residents, including Imakhus Nzingah Okofu and Nathakie Kanban, highlighted that the fee feels unjustified given their existing contributions to the national economy and social fabric. Critics argued that the GH¢25,000 price tag creates an unnecessary barrier for those of African descent seeking to reclaim their heritage and fully integrate into Ghanaian society. Beyond the financial debate, Kofi Okyere-Darko took the opportunity to clarify the mission of the Office of Diaspora Affairs. He emphasized that the office is not an entertainment outfit or merely an event-planning agency, but a strategic conduit designed to strengthen structural and emotional ties between Ghana and its global community. According to Okyere-Darko, the office’s primary objective remains the enhancement of relations with Ghanaians abroad and people of African descent, ensuring they are active partners in the nation’s development. Moving forward, any adjustments to the citizenship fee will follow established governmental procedures to ensure they align with the state's developmental goals without alienating potential citizens. The review process aims to find a balance that maintains the integrity of the naturalization process while actively encouraging diaspora investment and long-term commitment to the country. The Director stressed that the goal is to deepen relationships and ensure that the diaspora community feels valued and welcomed in their ancestral home.

President Mahama Dissolves National Cathedral Board as Calls Intensify for Forensic Audits into Legacy Spending
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President Mahama Dissolves National Cathedral Board as Calls Intensify for Forensic Audits into Legacy Spending

President John Dramani Mahama has officially dissolved the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral of Ghana, ordering a full handover of the project site to the Ministry of Local Government by October 31, 2026. This move, announced in a letter dated September 18, 2026, aims to allow the current administration to determine the future of the stalled and controversial project. While the President acknowledged the trustees' efforts in promoting the Christian faith, the dissolution comes amidst a broader national climate of heightened scrutiny regarding the management of public funds and infrastructure projects initiated under the previous administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested a special audit from the Auditor-General to review government-funded emergency evacuations dating back to 2017. This includes operations in Ukraine, Sudan, and a recent GH₵49.72 million evacuation from South Africa in 2026. The Ministry stated that this initiative is intended to enhance transparency and strengthen future emergency preparedness. This push for accountability is echoed by civil society organizations like CDD-Ghana, which recently expressed concern over omissions in the Auditor-General's previous COVID-19 expenditure audits, arguing that such discrepancies undermine the national fight against corruption. Demands for deeper investigations have been further fueled by investigative reports into legacy projects. Renowned journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has backed calls for a forensic audit into GH₵780 million spent on COVID-19 fumigation, noting a massive discrepancy between his findings and the GH₵96 million reported by the Auditor-General. Furthermore, the "One Constituency, One Astroturf" program, launched in 2017, has been hit by an exposé from Corruption Watch. The investigation alleges mismanagement of over GH₵1 billion in public funds across 169 projects, citing bypassed competitive bidding, early contractor payments, and conflicts of interest involving former officials such as Mr. John Peter Amewu and Ernest Owusu-Bempah. As the government moves to settle the status of the National Cathedral, the combined pressure from investigative journalists, civil society, and internal ministry requests suggests a systemic shift toward rigorous financial oversight. The findings from these audits and the eventual decision on the National Cathedral site will likely serve as a benchmark for the Mahama administration's commitment to transparency and the prudent management of Ghana's public resources.

Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey (standing), Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, speaking at the Government Accountability Series
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Gender Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey Announces Major LEAP Grant Hikes and New Child Protection Funding Strategies

Ghana’s Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has announced a major expansion of the country’s social safety nets, including a significant hike in cash transfers to the nation’s most vulnerable citizens. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, the Minister revealed that bi-monthly grants under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program have been increased to GH¢630 for households with multiple vulnerable members. This adjustment reflects a 70% increase in average grant amounts since last year, with the program now supporting approximately 450,000 households across the country. \n\nThe government’s social intervention strategy also includes a substantial scale-up of the Ghana School Feeding Programme, which now provides daily meals to 4.53 million children. Minister Lartey noted that increased budget allocations and higher per-meal grants have been implemented to ensure the program’s sustainability and nutritional quality. These advancements are supported by the newly passed Social Protection Act, 2025, which provides a robust legal framework for these initiatives and mandates rigorous compliance monitoring to protect the rights of children and the elderly. In addition to nutritional support, the Ministry has advanced various bills to strengthen gender equality and expand services for victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.\n\nTo ensure the long-term viability of these programs, the Ministry is actively seeking sustainable revenue sources through a national dialogue themed "Beyond the Gaps: Financing Child Protection to Secure Every Child’s Future." Organized in collaboration with stakeholders like SOS Children’s Village and Joy News, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between policy commitments and actual investments. Dr. Lartey emphasized that the government is exploring ways to curb illicit financial activities to redirect funds toward social welfare. Stakeholders at the dialogue, including representatives from World Vision and the International Justice Mission, highlighted that while policy frameworks like the Child and Family Welfare Policy are in place, the decline in donor funding necessitates a multi-sectoral approach to domestic resource mobilization.\n\nMinister Lartey recently reinforced this commitment to transparency during a field inspection of LEAP payment processes in the Adenta Municipality. During the visit, she engaged directly with beneficiaries to ensure that the revised payment structure is being implemented fairly and that funds are reaching those in genuine need. She urged beneficiaries to utilize the grants for essential household development and reminded officials that accountability is paramount in the administration of public welfare. As the government continues to refine its social interventions, these measures remain central to President John Mahama’s administration and its broader agenda for human capital development and poverty reduction.

Harold Stephen Ato Eshun — General Secretary, CPP
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NkrumahFest 2026: Political Leaders and Pan-Africanists Converge in Nkroful to Demand Action Over Ceremony

Ghanaians and Pan-Africanists gathered in Nkroful, the ancestral home of Ghana’s first President, to celebrate the 117th birthday of Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah during the 2026 NkrumahFest. The week-long celebration, themed "Nkrumah @117: Celebrating His Enduring Legacy – Africa Must Unite or Perish," drew a diverse array of political figures, including the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah; NDC National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia; former NPP running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; and renowned Pan-Africanist Prof. P.L.O. Lumumba. The event served as a focal point for national reflection, with speakers urging a transition from symbolic celebrations to the active implementation of Nkrumah’s ideals of self-reliance and African unity. Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, who served as the convenor of the festival, emphasized that the true measure of Nkrumah’s legacy lies in action rather than ceremonies. He highlighted the Akosombo Dam and various national universities as hallmarks of Nkrumah’s sustainable development vision and challenged the youth to take up the mantle of continental self-sufficiency. In a specific call to action, Buah urged Ghanaians to protect the nation's natural resources and combat illegal mining (galamsey) as a practical way to honor the first president’s commitment to future generations. He stressed that preserving the environment is essential to safeguarding the inheritance Nkrumah fought to secure for the continent. Political unity emerged as a central theme, with Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh calling on Ghanaians to transcend partisan divisions to honor the founding father. His remarks, which emphasized patriotism and selfless service, carried significant weight following earlier campaign controversies regarding his comparison of past presidents. Complementing this sentiment, NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia shared a personal tribute, attributing his political career to Nkrumah’s free education policy, which allowed him to bypass traditional royal duties for formal schooling. Nketia criticized what he perceived as attempts to diminish Nkrumah’s status within Ghana, noting that while the world recognizes him as a "Millennium Man," local recognition should remain equally steadfast. The commemoration also featured a poignant appeal from Samia Yaba Nkrumah, daughter of the late president, who sought forgiveness from the residents of Nkroful for the Nkrumah family’s long absence from the town. She explained that the family’s distance was a result of trauma and the political persecution her father faced. Simultaneously, the Convention People’s Party (CPP), through General Secretary Harold Stephen Ato Eshun, called for a renewed push for economic independence. Eshun argued that contemporary challenges such as unemployment and corruption require a return to Nkrumah’s vision of industrialization and total control over national resources to ensure Africa remains less vulnerable to global pressures.

President John Mahama is captured speaking at a podium, gesturing with his hands during an official address. He wears a traditional Ghanaian smock with yellow and black stripes, positioned next to the national flag of Ghana against a wood-paneled background.
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President John Mahama Leads Ghana's Delegation to 81st UN General Assembly in New York

President John Dramani Mahama has departed Accra for New York to participate in the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), a high-profile diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening Ghana's international standing and advocating for African renewal. This year’s assembly is held under the theme, "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that Delivers for All." The President’s participation underscores Ghana’s commitment to multilateralism and its proactive role in addressing global challenges through cooperation and reform of international institutions. During his time in New York, President Mahama will host two significant high-level side events. The first, titled the "Accra Reset," focuses on Africa’s renewal and global development reforms, seeking to shift the narrative on African growth and international partnerships. The second event will center on reparatory justice and the restitution of cultural properties, a critical priority for the administration as it seeks historical justice and the return of Ghana’s heritage from abroad. These events are expected to draw participation from various global leaders and policy experts. A central highlight of the trip will be the President’s delivery of Ghana’s national statement during the General Debate on September 24. Beyond his address to the General Assembly, President Mahama is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with the UN Secretary-General and other heads of state. He will also engage with business executives and potential investors to promote Ghana’s economic agenda, highlighting the country’s investment climate and seeking to forge new partnerships that support national development goals. The President's itinerary concludes with a Town Hall meeting on September 25, where he will interact with the Ghanaian community living in New York. This engagement serves as a platform for the President to update the diaspora on his administration's initiatives and listen to their contributions toward the nation's progress. By combining high-level diplomacy with community engagement and investment promotion, President Mahama's visit aims to secure both political and economic dividends for Ghana on the world stage.

Former Tamale Central MP Inusah Fuseini
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NPP and Legal Experts Clash Over Proposed Constituent Assembly for 2025 Constitutional Reforms

The implementation of the 2025 Constitution Review Committee (CRC) recommendations has become a central point of political friction in Ghana, as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and legal experts debate the proper process for amending the 1992 Constitution. The NPP, led by Chairman Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, is demanding the establishment of a Constituent Assembly to deliberate on 206 proposed changes affecting the Executive, Parliament, and Judiciary before any referendum is held. The party argues that such a broad national consensus is necessary to ensure the amendments reflect a collective agreement rather than the preferences of a single political entity, especially given the significant differences between the government's stance and the original CRC recommendations. However, this demand for a special assembly has met stiff resistance from legal practitioners and constitutional experts. Former Tamale Central MP Inusah Fuseini has publicly questioned the legal necessity of a Constituent or Consultative Assembly, asserting that the current constitutional framework already outlines clear procedures for amendments that culminate in Parliament. Speaking on "The Big Issue" in September 2026, Fuseini argued that a Consultative Assembly is only constitutionally relevant if the nation intended to draft an entirely new constitution. He suggested that the NPP’s proposal may be legally misguided, as the existing document does not require such a body for modifications to the current framework. Beyond the procedural debate, the substance of the reforms—particularly regarding local governance—remains a major point of contention. While the government has accepted many CRC reforms, it has modified key recommendations concerning the election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). The government’s proposed model would see the President nominate candidates before a public election, a move critics describe as "presidential gatekeeping." This approach has been criticized for maintaining centralized control and failing to provide genuine downward accountability to citizens, potentially complicating the electoral calendar without empowering local communities. As the Mahama administration navigates these reforms, the tension between calls for a broad-based Constituent Assembly and the standard parliamentary amendment process highlights a deeper struggle over the future of Ghana's decentralization. The outcome of these discussions will determine whether the 2025 review leads to a more democratic local governance system or merely reshapes existing authority dynamics. With 206 proposed changes on the table, the path toward a national referendum remains fraught with questions about stakeholder participation and the legal integrity of the amendment process.

Police CID provides details on how nurse arrested in Techiman is linked to 'Ghana Jollof' Tiktok publications
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Police Uncover 'Ghana Jollof' TikTok Funding Network as Arrest of Techiman Nurse Sparks Political Row

The Ghana Police Service’s Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has exposed an alleged criminal network behind the 'Ghana Jollof' TikTok account, leading to the arrest of Salomey Awity Baffoe, a senior nursing officer based in Techiman. At a press briefing on September 18, 2026, CID Director-General COP Lydia Yaako Donkor detailed how forensic investigations linked Baffoe to the account’s owner, Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, who is currently believed to be in the United Kingdom. Baffoe is accused of abetment of crime and the publication of false news, specifically redistributing videos containing inciting statements detrimental to national security. While Kodua has been declared a wanted person, Baffoe has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to reappear in court on September 30, 2026. The investigation has uncovered significant financial ties, with the police alleging that Baffoe received substantial monetary transfers from the UK to fund the operation and manage local distribution. However, the case has taken a sharp political turn following allegations by Hopeson Adorye, Director of Field Operations for the United Party. Adorye claimed that high-ranking members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including certain Members of Parliament and national executives, have been the actual financial backers of the 'Ghana Jollof' content. This claim has intensified the scrutiny on the case, with the NPP’s Greater Accra Regional Chairman, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, threatening to lead a sit-in protest at the police station if Baffoe is not granted bail, citing concerns over her detention. The arrest has sparked widespread debate over the boundaries of free speech and the use of state power in Ghana. Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has called for a national dialogue to address the growing 'culture of political insults,' arguing that arrests and prosecutions are insufficient to resolve deep-seated vitriol in political discourse. Similarly, Kofi Bentil of IMANI Africa questioned the state’s approach, emphasizing the need to distinguish between offensive conduct and criminal behavior. In defense of the government’s actions, Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways Alhassan Suhuyini asserted that the scrutiny is directed at 'irresponsible conduct' that breaches legal boundaries, rather than a suppression of legitimate criticism or free expression. As the legal proceedings against Baffoe continue, the community of Jema in the Kintampo South District has risen in her defense. Residents and traditional chiefs have staged protests, vouching for the nurse’s character and appealing to the government and First Lady Lordina Mahama for her release. The 'Ghana Jollof' case now serves as a flashpoint for broader national concerns regarding digital regulation, political accountability, and the protection of democratic values. With the police continuing to search for other members of the network and their financial backers, the outcome of this case is expected to set a significant precedent for how social media activities are governed under the current administration.

Aerial shot of the mountain of waste to be cleared at Agbogbloshie site
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President Mahama Launches 90-Day Agbogbloshie Waste Evacuation to Reclaim Land for Industrial Hub

President John Dramani Mahama has officially commissioned an emergency 90-day waste evacuation exercise at Agbogbloshie, Accra, to clear an estimated one million tonnes of accumulated refuse along the Odaw River. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs with support from the Ghana Armed Forces and the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), is designed to mitigate perennial flooding and address urgent public health risks. The President emphasized that the cleanup is a vital first step in the Agbogbloshie Urban Renewal Project, which seeks to transform the site from an environmental hazard into a productive economic zone. Central to this transformation is the government’s plan to establish an industrial park and a major textile factory on the reclaimed land. During his visit to the site, President Mahama highlighted that these facilities are intended to generate significant employment opportunities for local youth and transition the area into a modern industrial hub. The waste is currently being transported to the Adepa Engineered Landfill Sites near Nsawam. The President stressed that the success of the project hinges on stakeholder collaboration, calling for support from road contractors, fuel suppliers, and the private sector to ensure the 90-day timeline is met. To ensure the permanence of these improvements, President Mahama issued a direct order to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and neighboring local authorities to strictly enforce sanitation laws and prevent any renewed illegal dumping. He warned against the historical cycle of clearing refuse only for it to accumulate again, asserting that success would be measured by the long-term maintenance of the reclaimed land. Local leaders and traditional authorities have also called on the community to cooperate with the exercise, despite potential temporary inconveniences, to secure the area's environmental future. This local intervention reflects a broader national sanitation strategy recently unveiled by the administration. President Mahama announced plans to establish engineered landfill facilities in all 16 regional capitals to provide a coordinated system for waste collection and disposal. This national initiative, which includes the distribution of household waste bins and the expansion of recycling facilities, is supported by the Ministry of Finance under Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. By repurposing reclaimed landfill sites into economic assets, the government aims to create a sustainable model for urban waste management across Ghana.

President Mahama gives task force two weeks to tackle drug trafficking at Ghana’s ports
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President Mahama Forms Emergency Task Force as Minority Petitions Parliament Over 3.9-Tonne Cocaine Seizure

President John Mahama has directed an inter-agency task force to develop a comprehensive roadmap to combat drug trafficking within two weeks following the historic seizure of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France. The narcotics, valued at approximately $260 million (€225 million), were intercepted by French customs at the Port of Dunkirk on September 10, 2026, hidden within a container of plastic waste shipped from Ghana. In a high-level meeting with security chiefs, President Mahama emphasized the need to restore the integrity of Ghana’s borders and directed the task force to assess current detection systems and enhance prevention strategies to ensure the country is no longer used as a transit hub for transnational organized crime. Investigations into the security breach have already led to the arrest of several suspects, including four officials from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) linked to improper container clearances at the Tema Port. The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) revealed that the suspects had been under surveillance for up to two years as part of a coordinated intelligence operation. The shipment has been linked to the network of Dutch fugitive trafficker Jos Leijdekkers. While the arrests signal progress, the incident has sparked a fierce national debate regarding the effectiveness of port scanning systems and the oversight of cargo leaving Ghanaian shores. In the legislature, a group of Members of Parliament led by First Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu has petitioned the Speaker to recall the House from recess for an extraordinary session. Invoking Article 112(3) of the Constitution, the MPs are demanding a formal inquiry into the institutional failures that allowed such a massive consignment to pass through the ports undetected. Political tensions escalated further during media appearances, where Akwatia MP Bernard Bediako Baidoo clashed with IMANI Africa’s Kofi Bentil over the government’s level of accountability, while NPP legal team member Enoch Anhwere Afoakwa warned that the international community risks viewing Ghana as a "cocaine coast" rather than a gold-producing nation. Policy experts and former legislators are now calling for a fundamental review of the port inspection regime. Former MPs Inusah Fuseini and Alexander Abban have criticized the previous withdrawal of NACOC personnel from physical inspections, arguing that their specialized expertise is essential to supplement revenue-focused customs checks. Additionally, businessman Samson Asaki Awingobit has urged President Mahama to invest in modern detection technology, specifically pointing out a lack of sniffer dogs at airports and ports compared to regional neighbors. These calls for reform highlight a growing consensus that port security must prioritize narcotics detection alongside revenue collection. As the task force prepares its report, legal practitioners like Austin Kwabena Brako-Powers have cautioned against turning the drug bust into a "political cacophony." He argued that partisan point-scoring undermines national security and that the fight against narcotics must remain a non-partisan, intelligence-led agenda. With the eyes of the international community on Ghana, the forthcoming roadmap from the President’s task force will be a critical test of the administration's ability to secure the nation’s gateways and protect its global reputation.

A woman dressed in a black chador holds a framed photograph of two children in front of the remains of a destroyed building. A long banner featuring portraits of several other children serves as a memorial, set against a backdrop of rubble and a heavily damaged structure. The scene depicts the human and physical aftermath of a military strike in a residential or educational area.
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Corruption Watch Uncovers GH―1 Billion Astroturf Scandal as State Institutions Tackle Bribery and Legal Disputes

A far-reaching investigation by Corruption Watch has uncovered significant mismanagement and alleged corruption within Ghana’s "One Constituency, One Astroturf" programme, a flagship initiative launched in 2017 under the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. The expos reveals that over GH―1 billion in public funds, intended for sports infrastructure across 169 projects, was subjected to procurement irregularities, bypassed competitive bidding processes, and early contractor payments. Central to the allegations are ownership disputes and conflicts of interest involving high-ranking former officials, including John Peter Amewu and Ernest Owusu-Bempah. The investigation specifically highlighted the Hohoe Sports Stadium and Agogo Sports Complex, where projects valued at over GH―17 million faced questionable tender approvals and illegal procurement practices, prompting urgent calls for stricter oversight and legal accountability for those who may have abused their public office. Amidst these revelations of past mismanagement, current institutional integrity has come to the forefront as Julius Neequaye Kotey, the CEO of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), revealed he rejected a GH―4 million bribe from a criminal cartel. The bribe was offered to halt the implementation of a new vehicle number plate system featuring scannable technology designed to provide instant access to vehicle information. Mr. Kotey’s disclosure underscores the persistent pressure on public officials to compromise reforms for private gain. Similarly, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is actively defending the state's fiscal interests by appealing a GH―79.65 million judgment debt awarded to Servestar Minwax (WA) Limited. The GRA is contesting the sum, which originated from a 2009 import duty dispute of less than GH―1 million, and has secured a court order for an independent forensic audit to reconcile the figures while maintaining that its Tax Refund Account is legally protected from such attachments. The push for law and order under the administration of President John Mahama extends into the security and regulatory sectors, where the Savannah Regional Police Command has recently arraigned 43 suspects for the murder of General Constable Redeemer Owusu in Gindabour. The officer was killed in a mob attack following a teacher’s death after a police encounter, leading to a high-profile investigation overseen by Inspector-General Patrick Tetteh Yohunu. Simultaneously, government efforts to reclaim waterways and mitigate flooding in the Greater Accra Region have sparked public debate, most notably following the demolition of a beach bar owned by musician Itz Tiffany at Laboma Beach. While the artist expressed disappointment over the conduct of security personnel, public reaction has largely emphasized the necessity of uniform application of the law to ensure environmental safety and urban planning integrity. On the international stage, a new United Nations report has raised grave concerns regarding military actions in the Middle East, suggesting that two U.S. military strikes in Iran may constitute war crimes. The strikes targeted civilian infrastructure in Minab and Lamerd, resulting in at least 177 deaths, including many children at the Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School. UN investigators found no evidence of military activity at these sites, describing the attacks as indiscriminate. While the U.S. government has rejected these findings, citing intelligence discrepancies and blaming the Iranian regime for regional unrest, the report also categorized Iran’s violent crackdown on domestic protests as crimes against humanity. These findings come at a critical time as diplomatic discussions between the U.S., Iran, and Gulf nations are expected to take place during the upcoming UN General Assembly. These domestic and international developments collectively highlight the ongoing struggle for transparency, fiscal discipline, and the rule of law. From the scrutiny of past sports infrastructure projects to the defense of the national treasury against inflated judgment debts, the current political landscape is defined by a heightened focus on institutional accountability. As independent auditors, investigative bodies, and international missions continue their work, their findings will likely serve as a benchmark for future governance reforms and the strengthening of public trust in both national and global institutions.