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.

Alban S. K. Bagbin - Speaker of Parliament
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Minister Mahama Ayariga Spearheads Local Governance Reforms as National Security and Cathedral Debates Intensify

Mahama Ayariga, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has launched a series of directives aimed at enhancing decentralization, transparency, and national security. On September 15, 2026, Ayariga announced a landmark collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to provide live coverage of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly (MMDA) meetings nationwide. This initiative, supported by the distribution of 51 pickup vehicles to logistical partners, is designed to bolster citizen participation and accountability in local governance ahead of upcoming district-level elections. Security remains a central pillar of the Minister's current agenda. Ayariga has instructed all MMDCEs to implement robust early warning systems to preempt communal disputes, cybersecurity threats, and local vulnerabilities. This directive follows the enactment of the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2026, and coincides with broader efforts by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) to review the 2020 National Security Strategy. During stakeholder meetings in Koforidua, security experts and local leaders, including Eastern Regional Minister Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, emphasized that national security is a collective responsibility, highlighting the need for vigilance against emerging threats such as violent extremism and illegal mining. In his role overseeing Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Minister Ayariga is also navigating complex traditional and religious landscapes. The National Queen Mothers’ Platform (QMP)-Ghana has formally petitioned the Minister to address the systemic exclusion and intimidation of Queen Mothers in traditional decision-making processes. Simultaneously, the controversial National Cathedral project has seen renewed discussion. Rev. Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso, former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), recently expressed optimism that the project remains viable. He suggested that the scrutiny and debate surrounding the project, which intensified following Ayariga's vetting, would ultimately lead to a stronger and more resilient outcome. Beyond central government initiatives, local authorities and parliamentary leaders are seeking new pathways for development. The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), has inaugurated a 12-member Local Technical Committee to address migration challenges and urban begging. Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Alban S. K. Bagbin has urged the Ghanaian diaspora to evolve their contributions beyond remittances. Speaking at the 33rd anniversary of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) in Washington, D.C., Bagbin called for the creation of structured investment platforms to turn cultural networks into engines for sustainable economic growth in Ghana.

President Mahama Outlines 2027 Budget Priorities Focused on Job Creation, Infrastructure, and Local Processing
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President Mahama Outlines 2027 Budget Priorities Focused on Job Creation, Infrastructure, and Local Processing

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana’s 2027 Budget Statement will prioritize nine critical sectors designed to accelerate job creation and economic stability. During a consultative meeting with the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, the President revealed plans for a proposed annual investment of two billion dollars in private sector-led initiatives. A central pillar of this strategy includes a policy to process 50% of Ghana's cocoa and minerals locally, a move supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to retain value within the domestic economy. President Mahama also confirmed a $300 million World Bank package aimed at phasing out the double-track system in Senior High Schools by 2027, highlighting a comprehensive approach to both economic and educational reform. In tandem with these budgetary goals, the administration is intensifying its focus on infrastructure accountability and quality. The Accra-Kumasi Expressway has been designated as the first major project to undergo scrutiny by the Value for Money Office (VfMO) under the Ministry of Finance. This move aligns with a broader review of the Ghana Infrastructure Plan (GIP) by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). Complementing these efforts, the Minister of Works and Housing, Ahmed Ibrahim, has issued a stern directive to indigenous contractors to prioritize quality and employ qualified engineers to prevent building collapses. He emphasized that future government contracts would increasingly require strict adherence to professional engineering standards to ensure public safety and project durability. Decentralization and local development remain at the forefront of the government's agenda. President Mahama has urged traditional leaders to take a more active role in district development, proposing that 80% of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) be allocated directly to districts to improve local financing. Specific regional gains are already underway, such as the '2026 Big Push' rural electrification project, which commenced in September 2026 to connect eight underserved communities in the Ho West Constituency. Similarly, in Builsa South, MP Clement Apaak has allocated GH"370,000 for emergency road rehabilitation, demonstrating a localized commitment to infrastructure maintenance that supports the President's national vision. As the government navigates these complex development goals, voices from the scientific and regulatory sectors are calling for sustained consistency. Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, former Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, has advocated for a national development plan that transcends political cycles to prevent the 'roundabout' effect of disrupted programs. Meanwhile, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is modernizing oversight through new regulatory frameworks for drone technology, reflecting a transition toward high-tech agricultural and medical logistics. Together, these initiatives signal a concerted effort by the Mahama administration to pair large-scale economic planning with institutional reform and local empowerment.

A close-up shot of a pair of metal handcuffs locked around the wrists of a person whose hands are resting on a surface. In the background, the blurred figure of another person is visible, suggesting an interrogation or police station setting.
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Ghana Police Service Set for Automated Traffic Enforcement Amidst Internal Discipline Cases and Savannah Region Unrest

The Ghana Police Service is preparing for a significant shift in law enforcement with the full rollout of TRAFFITECH-GH scheduled for October 1, 2026. This automated system, backed by the new Road Traffic Regulations (L.I. 2519), will utilize cameras to detect traffic violations such as illegal racing, jumping red lights, and improper parking. Offenders will receive Electronic Notices of Violation via SMS, with penalties ranging from graduated fines to potential imprisonment or license revocation for repeat offenders. Over 1,000 personnel have been trained for this initiative, which aims to enhance road safety and minimize direct physical confrontations between officers and motorists. However, this technological advancement comes at a time when the Police Administration is grappling with serious internal disciplinary issues. Seven officers, led by Inspector Courage Boateng, have been interdicted following an alleged extortion incident in Cantonments, Accra. The patrol team reportedly compelled a diplomat to withdraw money from an ATM on September 16, 2026. The Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) has launched a full investigation into the conduct of the officers, which include Sergeant Stephen Addo and Corporal Moses Anyravi, as the service seeks to maintain public trust. The challenges facing law enforcement were further highlighted by a tragic escalation of violence in Gindabour, Savannah Region. Also occurring on September 16, a routine highway patrol turned fatal after the death of a motorbike rider and primary school teacher, Seidu Abu, following an encounter with police. In the ensuing mob retaliation, General Constable Redeemer Owusu was lynched, and several other officers were injured. The Police Service has since arrested 36 suspects in connection with the officer's death and deployed reinforcements to the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District to restore order. Both the officer and the teacher’s bodies are undergoing autopsy as part of ongoing criminal investigations. These concurrent developments—the launch of automated enforcement, the interdiction of corrupt personnel, and the management of community unrest—underscore a complex period for the Ghana Police Service. While TRAFFITECH-GH represents a move toward modern, transparent policing, the incidents in Accra and Gindabour serve as stark reminders of the persistent issues regarding officer conduct and the volatile nature of police-civilian relations in various parts of the country.

Ghana Police Declare 'Ghana Jollof' TikTok Operator Wanted as Senior Officials and Public Figures Seek Legal Redress
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Ghana Police Declare 'Ghana Jollof' TikTok Operator Wanted as Senior Officials and Public Figures Seek Legal Redress

The Ghana Police Service has officially declared Barbara Asantewaa Kodua, the operator of the popular TikTok account "Ghana Jollof," wanted for allegedly inciting violence. The 40-year-old suspect was last seen at the Accra International Airport in August 2022 and is believed to be residing in the United Kingdom. In a related development, Salomey Bafoh Awiti, a senior nursing officer from Techiman, has been remanded for two weeks by the Adenta Circuit Court on charges of abetment of crime for her alleged ties to the account. Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has criticized the court's decision, arguing that the remand was unnecessary given that investigators could have secured her electronic devices without detention. This case has drawn broader concern from the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), with President Efua Ghartey calling for a review of excessive bail conditions that often infringe upon the rights of social media commentators. In the maritime sector, Mubarick Masawudu, the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), has issued a seven-day legal ultimatum to three media houses—The National Enquirer, The Insight, and the Daily Democrat. Through his lawyers at LIMO@LAW, Masawudu is demanding an unconditional apology and the retraction of reports linking him to the use of land guards in a property dispute at Spintex. The GMA official maintains that the allegations are entirely unfounded and have caused significant damage to his professional reputation. His legal team emphasized that the media outlets failed to verify the claims before publication, marking a serious breach of journalistic standards and jeopardizing his standing as a senior public officer. Demands for political accountability have also extended to Parliament, where three citizens—Emmanuel Kotin, Godwin Ebo Buckman, and Ramzy Innusah—have petitioned the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) to investigate the alleged 2021 impersonation of former Dome-Kwabenya Member of Parliament, Sarah Adwoa Safo. The petitioners argue that the gravity of the allegations necessitates a formal inquiry to settle the long-standing dispute. Simultaneously, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is fighting a legal battle of its own, filing a Notice of Appeal against a GH"79.65 million judgment debt awarded to Servestar Minwax (WA) Limited. The GRA contends that the sum, which originated from a 2009 dispute over less than GH"1 million in import duties, is excessive and seeks a forensic reconciliation of the accounts. These high-profile legal and political disputes are unfolding amid a broader debate regarding Ghana’s security and judicial architecture. Analysis from experts like Nana Attobrah Quaicoe highlights the urgent need for a National Intelligence Priorities Framework to address over-politicization within intelligence agencies. Meanwhile, the vulnerability of the judiciary was recently underscored by Assin Fosu District Court Judge Abdul Majid Iliasu, who recounted a brazen mobile money fraud attempt targeted at him shortly after he sentenced a fraudster. Collectively, these events emphasize an increasing push for transparency, the protection of individual rights against state overreach, and the necessity of rigorous professional standards across both the media and public institutions.

Trump Threatens EU with Heavy Tariffs Over Canada Partnership Amid Growing Global Diplomatic Tensions
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Trump Threatens EU with Heavy Tariffs Over Canada Partnership Amid Growing Global Diplomatic Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned the European Union of severe financial penalties, including steep tariffs, following a proposal for Canada to become the bloc's first "associate member." The initiative, introduced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a state of the union address in Strasbourg, aims to strengthen economic resilience and energy security between Canada and Europe. While Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has welcomed the proposal, emphasizing that middle powers are "stronger together," the concept faces significant legal hurdles as associate membership is not currently recognized under EU law. Trump has characterized the move as a potentially hostile act, further straining trade relations after Carney rejected suggestions that Canada should instead seek to become the 51st state of the U.S. This friction in the West is mirrored by a significant deterioration in U.S.-South Africa relations, where the Trump administration has imposed visa restrictions on South African officials. The restrictions are based on allegations of discrimination against the white minority, specifically regarding the 2025 Expropriation Act and Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) policies. While South African authorities argue these measures are necessary for social reform and represent a misinterpretation of national law, the diplomatic rift has driven South Africa closer to other global powers. This was evidenced by a meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where both leaders reaffirmed a strategic partnership ahead of an upcoming Russia-Africa Summit. However, leadership stability remains a concern as Ramaphosa recently withdrew from public engagements due to ill health. Internal pressures are also mounting within the United Kingdom, where residents of Piddington, a village in Oxfordshire, held a symbolic referendum to leave the UK. In a 285 to 26 vote, the community declared itself the "Principality of Piddington" in protest against government plans to house 1,256 male asylum seekers at a nearby military base. While Prime Minister Andy Burnham defended the national asylum strategy as a necessary measure to manage a backlog of claims, local leaders criticized a lack of transparency and cited safety concerns. This grassroots rebellion highlights a growing disconnect between local autonomy and national migration policy that is resonating across various British communities. Regional instability continues to affect West Africa and the Middle East, with The Gambia facing widespread business closures and protests against President Adama Barrow due to prolonged power blackouts. Local fishmongers in Tanji have reported significant losses, complicating Barrow's bid for re-election as citizens demand immediate infrastructure improvements. Conversely, a diplomatic breakthrough was achieved between Israel and Morocco, as the two nations agreed to upgrade their relations by opening full embassies following talks in New York. These shifting alliances, alongside personal controversies such as the recent claims in Earl Spencer’s memoir regarding the Royal Family's response to Princess Diana's death, underscore a period of profound transformation and friction in global political institutions.

An aerial view shows a residential community and surrounding farmlands heavily inundated by muddy brown floodwaters. The image captures the scale of the natural disaster, with water reaching the walls of houses and submerging large tracts of land under a gloomy, overcast sky.
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ActionAid and LoGSAPP Demand Global Financial Reforms to Address Climate Crisis and Debt Burdens

A landmark report by ActionAid and Development Finance International (DFI) has revealed a staggering imbalance in the global financial system, with climate-vulnerable countries spending nearly 25 times more on debt repayments than on climate action. The study warns that by 2026, these nations will allocate approximately 65% of their combined government revenue to service debt, a burden totaling an estimated $304.8 billion. This financial strain creates a 'vicious cycle' where countries are forced to borrow heavily to recover from climate-related disasters, leading to austerity measures that further hinder investment in disaster preparedness and green transitions. In extreme cases, such as Senegal and Malawi, debt servicing is projected to consume between 70% and 96% of national revenue, severely limiting resources for health, education, and social protection. In response to these global pressures, the Local Government Service Association of Physical Planners (LoGSAPP) has called on the Ghanaian government to prioritize climate resilience within national and local development frameworks. LoGSAPP emphasizes that critical decisions affecting environmental safety are frequently made at the local level by metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs). The association advocates for more effective planning in land use and waste management, alongside increased access to climate finance for African nations. They suggest that the successes of international agreements like the Montreal Protocol demonstrate that collaborative, well-funded efforts can achieve significant environmental outcomes if local authorities are empowered to act. Amidst these fiscal challenges, domestic infrastructure projects continue to move forward under the government's development agenda. In the Ho West Constituency, Member of Parliament Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah highlighted the inclusion of eight communities in the '2026 Big Push' rural electrification project. This initiative, which began in September 2026, aims to improve living conditions and economic opportunities in underserved areas such as Abutia and Kpoeta. However, the broader global economic landscape remains volatile; for instance, India currently faces a 100% tariff threat from the United States over its purchase of discounted Russian oil, illustrating the complex geopolitical and energy security pressures that complicate the economic strategies of the Global South. ActionAid and its partners are now demanding urgent systemic reforms, including the cancellation of unsustainable external debt and a shift from loan-based to grant-based climate financing. The report calls for a UN framework on sovereign debt to ensure that nations can meet their climate commitments without sacrificing essential public services. By alleviating these debt burdens, advocates argue that vulnerable countries could significantly increase funding for climate initiatives, fostering a more sustainable and resilient future for the communities most affected by the climate crisis.

Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey Announces 70% LEAP Grant Hike and Shift to Enforced Gender Equity Reforms
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Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey Announces 70% LEAP Grant Hike and Shift to Enforced Gender Equity Reforms

Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has announced a landmark 70 percent increase in the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) grants, alongside a strategic shift from advocacy to legal enforcement of social protection policies. Speaking at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, the Minister revealed that bi-monthly grants will rise from a 2024 average of GH¢334 to GH¢569 by late 2026. This financial expansion is backed by the Social Protection Act, 2025, which transitions social welfare from a discretionary intervention to a legally protected entitlement for Ghana’s most vulnerable citizens, including women, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and the elderly.\n\nThe LEAP program's expansion includes raising the beneficiary ceiling from 350,000 to 450,000 households, with 226,000 families successfully graduating from extreme poverty following a comprehensive registry reassessment. Under the new rate structure effective September 14, 2026, households with one to two members including a vulnerable individual will receive GH¢392, while those with five or more members will receive GH¢630. To ensure transparency and protect against inflation, the Ministry has established toll-free lines for fraud reporting and grievances, emphasizing that enrollment remains free of charge for all eligible participants.\n\nBeyond direct financial assistance, the government is operationalizing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024 (Act 1121). Minister Lartey challenged female journalists to champion this legislation, which mandates a minimum of 30 percent female representation in leadership by 2026, rising to 50 percent by 2030. The Ministry is also intensifying enforcement for disability inclusion, with nearly 20,000 PWDs benefiting from the Disability Common Fund and special schools receiving modern ICT equipment. These efforts align with President John Mahama’s regional leadership goals as Chair of the African Union, where he seeks to enhance women’s leadership and social protection frameworks across the continent.\n\nSupporting these systemic changes, the Network for Women’s Rights (NETRIGHT) is advocating for a gender-responsive 2027 budget that moves beyond token interventions to intentional resource allocation based on gender-disaggregated data. While the government focuses on social equity, other national debates persist; notably, Rev Prof. Paul Frimpong-Manso recently defended the National Cathedral project as a resilient initiative that continues to drive dialogue despite ongoing controversies. Together, these developments reflect a dual focus by the Mahama administration on strengthening the national social safety net and fulfilling long-standing legislative promises to marginalized groups.

Bawumia calls on Asantehemaa Nana Yaa Akyaa II
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NPP and NDC Intensify Leadership Reorganization Campaigns Ahead of 2026 National Conferences

Ghana’s major political parties are entering a critical phase of internal restructuring as they prepare for leadership transitions and the 2028 general elections. The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) is scheduled to hold its National Delegates Conference in Kumasi on October 3, 2026, where 47 aspirants will compete for nine national positions. Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged members to prioritize internal cohesion and grassroots mobilization, emphasizing that the party’s success depends on reconnecting with its core supporters. Meanwhile, the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is looking toward its own National Congress on December 19, 2026, while concurrently managing internal discipline and localized grievances across various constituencies. The NPP chairmanship race has become a focal point of national attention, featuring high-profile candidates including former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko, John Boadu, Sammy Crabbe, and Paul Afoko. A study by University of Ghana lecturers indicates a strong preference among stakeholders for Agyarko for the chairmanship and Eugene Boakye Antwi for the General Secretary position, with the latter favored over incumbent Justin Frimpong Kodua. To ensure an orderly process, the National Officers Elections Committee (NOEC), led by Frederick Opare-Ansah, has implemented a digital eligibility verification system for delegates. Simultaneously, NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has ramped up his public engagements, recently visiting Asantehemaa Nana Yaa Akyaa II at the Manhyia Palace and holding policy dialogues with trade advocacy groups regarding the rising costs of import duties and business operations. Within the NDC, the contest for National Chairman has officially welcomed former Local Government Minister Dr. Akwasi Opong-Fosu, who is campaigning on a three-pillar vision of ‘restoration, renewal, and reset.’ Opong-Fosu aims to shift the party toward a system-driven organization rather than one defined by individual personalities. However, the party leadership is also focused on maintaining order; General Secretary Fifi Fiavi Kwetey recently issued a directive halting all premature parliamentary campaign activities to prevent disruptions to party unity. This disciplinary focus comes amid grassroots tension, such as in Kwadaso, where NDC supporters have demonstrated to demand the removal of Municipal Chief Executive Eric Asibey over allegations of corruption and poor engagement with local party structures. These organizational shifts are unfolding under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, who was inaugurated in January 2025. Both the NPP and NDC are now focusing on long-term strategy, including the inauguration of specialized working committees in regions like Ashanti to bolster campaign machinery for 2028. As candidates like Steven Nhyira Odarteifio and Mavis Hawa Koomson vie for influential youth and women's organizer roles respectively, the outcome of these internal elections will likely define the political landscape in Ghana for the next four years.

Parliamentary Committees and Minority Caucus Demand Accountability for Over GH¢1.4 Billion in Mismanaged State Funds
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Parliamentary Committees and Minority Caucus Demand Accountability for Over GH¢1.4 Billion in Mismanaged State Funds

Ghana's Parliament is intensifying its oversight of public expenditures as multiple reports of financial mismanagement emerge across the sports and health sectors. The Minority Caucus and various parliamentary committees are demanding a full accounting of more than GH¢1.4 billion related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2023 African Games, and COVID-19 pandemic responses. Central to these demands is a call for a line-by-line reconciliation of GH¢58 million spent on the recent World Cup campaign. Ranking Member of the Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, has raised concerns over reported irregularities in ticket purchases and supporter mobilization, specifically alleging that the Minister for Sports and Recreation's driver and a secretary from the Chief Director's office failed to return to Ghana following the tournament in the United States. In addition to the World Cup controversy, former Sports Minister Mustapha Ussif is set to appear before the Youth and Sports Committee to address GH¢580 million in financial irregularities uncovered by a forensic audit into the 2023 African Games. Previous testimonies from officials, including current Minister Kofi Adams and former LOC Chairman Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, indicate that procurement and contract management for the Games were handled directly by the Ministry rather than the organizing committee. The probe has faced hurdles as several key officials linked to the spending are currently outside the country. Meanwhile, a major investigative report by journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has exposed a massive misallocation of GH¢775 million during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, titled "Auditing the Auditor-General," reveals that despite scientific evidence that the virus was primarily airborne, the government spent hundreds of millions on surface disinfection and fumigation. The investigation highlights a significant discrepancy with the Auditor-General's official figures, which initially recorded only GH¢96.3 million in such expenses. Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the South Dayi MP and Majority Chief Whip, has since called for a fresh forensic audit of these COVID-19 funds, citing gaps in the reports provided to Parliament regarding spending by the Ministries of Education, Local Government, and Transport. These unfolding inquiries represent a critical test for institutional transparency under the administration of President John Mahama. The Minority Caucus insists that the publication of full traveler lists, passport numbers, and contract details is necessary to restore public trust. As lawmakers evaluate audit findings and witness testimonies, the focus remains on whether these investigations will lead to the recovery of misallocated state resources and the prosecution of those responsible for institutional failures that have diverted funds away from Ghana's struggling healthcare and sports infrastructure.

GBA President calls for Constituent Assembly to review constitutional amendments
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NPP and Civil Society Groups Demand Constituent Assembly and Legal Roadmap for Ghana’s Constitutional Review

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally rejected the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration's approach to amending the 1992 Constitution, characterizing the current process as a fundamental “rewriting” of the nation’s supreme law. Led by Policy Committee Chairman Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and MP Sulemana Tampuli Alhassan, the NPP argues that the government’s acceptance of recommendations to alter 147 of the 299 articles—nearly 50 percent of the document—requires a broader national consensus. The opposition party is demanding the immediate establishment of a legally backed Constituent or Consultative Assembly to deliberate on these changes, warning that without a platform for diverse stakeholder involvement including organized labor and professional bodies, the party will oppose any upcoming referendum initiated by President John Mahama’s government. Central to the brewing political conflict are several contentious proposals accepted by the Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC). The NPP and legal experts, including former Ghana School of Law Director Kwaku Ansa-Asare, have voiced strong opposition to extending the presidential term from four to five years. Opponents argue that the current four-year mandate ensures regular democratic accountability and that an extra year could facilitate the misappropriation of state resources. Furthermore, the NPP has dismissed proposals to increase parliamentary seats from 276 to 300 and has rejected lowering the presidential eligibility age to 30 or 35, asserting that the existing age requirement of 40 has served the country well. However, a point of rare alignment exists regarding the separation of powers; the NPP supports constitutional amendments to bar Members of Parliament from serving as Ministers or sitting on public boards to enhance legislative oversight. Parallel to the partisan debate, the Citizens’ Platform on Constitutional Reform (CPCR) and other civil society organizations (CSOs) are calling for a transparent, legally binding roadmap to safeguard the integrity of the reforms. Chairperson Prof. Akosua Keseboa Darkwah has urged the government to pass a Constitutional Reform Implementation and Roadmap Act. This proposed legislation would define the mandate of the implementation committee, set clear timelines, and mandate government-funded civic education. CSOs are also advocating for a “multi-question” referendum format, which would allow citizens to vote individually on diverse issues rather than being forced to accept or reject a bulky package of amendments in a single “yes” or “no” vote. While the government's Implementation Committee, currently led by former Attorney-General Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong, continues its work, legal and professional bodies are weighing in on the procedural disputes. Mrs. Efua Ghartey, President of the Ghana Bar Association, has aligned with calls for a Constituent Assembly to ensure the process matches the depth of previous constitutional reforms in 1969, 1979, and 1992. Conversely, Dr. Rainer Akumperigya of the CRIC has argued that a formal assembly may be unnecessary if inclusive national dialogues are held. As the 2028 election cycle approaches, the success of these reforms appears to hinge on whether the NDC government can bridge the gap with the opposition and civil society to achieve the 75 percent approval threshold required for constitutional amendments.

President Mahama Sets Two-Week Deadline for Port Security Roadmap After Massive €225 Million Cocaine Seizure
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President Mahama Sets Two-Week Deadline for Port Security Roadmap After Massive €225 Million Cocaine Seizure

President John Mahama has directed the immediate formation of an inter-agency task force to address systemic failures at Ghana’s ports following the interception of approximately 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France. The illicit cargo, valued at an estimated €225 million, was concealed within four containers of plastic waste that originated from Tema Port and was seized at the port of Dunkirk on September 10. During an emergency briefing with national security chiefs, the President mandated a comprehensive action plan to be delivered within two weeks, emphasizing that the integrity of Ghana's export control systems must be restored to protect the nation's international reputation. The investigation has already led to the detention of ten individuals, including four officers from the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). On September 17, 2026, the Kwabenya Circuit Court denied bail to six suspects, including the GRA employees, who are accused of facilitating the shipment despite abnormal images appearing during the mandatory scanning process. Simultaneously, the High Court in Accra has remanded four other principal suspects—Desmond Koranteng Curiel, Musah Attah, Kweku Otchere, and Jessica Hartog—until October 13. Prosecutors allege the group conspired to export the narcotics to France, with links to an international drug trafficking network involving Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, who remains at large. The scale of the breach has triggered sharp criticism from political figures and security experts. Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has called for the Chief Executive of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Brigadier-General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, to step aside to ensure the integrity of the ongoing probe. Nitiwul further urged the government to expand the investigation to include all personnel in the operational chain and to revisit major drug seizures from the past year. Similarly, former Deputy Defence Minister Kofi Amankwa-Manu has advocated for an emergency recall of Parliament to facilitate a coordinated national response to what he described as an escalating narcotics crisis. Beyond the immediate arrests, security consultant Dr. Ishmael Norman has warned that Ghana’s "fragmented" drug enforcement architecture is being exploited by sophisticated criminal syndicates. He criticized the current reactive approach, calling for a unified inspection protocol between the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Customs, and National Security to close existing gaps. Minister of State Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that port security operations are under intense review to address identified weaknesses. As the two-week deadline for the new security roadmap approaches, the government faces significant pressure to implement decisive structural reforms to prevent the country’s ports from becoming a preferred gateway for global narcotics trafficking.

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Dominic Nitiwul and Accra Mayor Clash Over Agbogbloshie Redevelopment as Government Unveils National Local Governance Reforms

A heated political dispute has erupted between the Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, and the Accra Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, regarding the planned demolition of sections of the Konkomba Yam Market at Agbogbloshie. The redevelopment, intended to establish a new 24-hour economy market, has drawn sharp criticism from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament. Mr. Nitiwul has alleged that the demolition specifically targets the Konkomba community, labeling the move as "politically suicidal" and calling for President John Mahama to intervene. In response, Mayor Allotey has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has conducted extensive consultations with market leadership and traditional authorities since July 2026 to ensure the project modernizes infrastructure without unfairly displacing traders. The friction over the Agbogbloshie market coincides with a broader enforcement drive by the AMA to restore public order in the capital. The Assembly recently issued a one-week ultimatum to occupants of Gbagbasetey, popularly known as Dogo Beach, to vacate the area ahead of scheduled demolitions. This enforcement activity follows similar concerns raised by local entrepreneurs, such as actor Kwaku Manu, who appealed to the government to halt the demolition of beach properties like hotels, citing the devastating financial and emotional impact on investors. Despite these pleas, the AMA maintains that the clearance of temporary fishing bays and public lands is necessary to comply with land-use regulations and protect public spaces. Amidst these local tensions, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs is moving forward with a national transparency initiative. Minister Mahama Ayariga announced a partnership with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to provide live coverage of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly (MMDA) meetings. To support this effort, the government has procured 51 pickup vehicles to assist with logistical requirements. This initiative aims to enhance accountability and stimulate citizen interest in the upcoming District-Level Elections, ensuring that local governance processes are accessible to the public. Furthermore, the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation has launched the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework for 2026–2030. Executive Secretary Dr. Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia has urged District Coordinating Directors to prioritize tangible results that directly improve community welfare. However, the pressure on local leadership is already evident in the Ashanti Region, where National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters in Kwadaso have protested for the removal of Municipal Chief Executive Eric Asibey. The demonstrators accused Mr. Asibey of failing to properly execute the "Nkoko Nkitinkiti" poultry project, highlighting the growing demand for accountability and effective resource distribution at the grassroots level.