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.

Justice Edward Amoako Asante
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Supreme Court Nominees Face Vetting as Judiciary Clears Path for $2 Million Skytrain Corruption Trial

Ghana's judicial landscape is undergoing significant transformation as Parliament continues the vetting of Supreme Court nominees and the judiciary clears the way for high-profile corruption cases to proceed. The Supreme Court recently dismissed an application by Solomon Asamoah, the former CEO of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), who sought an interlocutory injunction to halt his trial in the Accra High Court. Justice Senyo Dzamefe ruled that Asamoah's application lacked merit, stating that the issues raised were more appropriate for an appeal than an injunction. Asamoah, alongside Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, faces charges regarding an unauthorized $2 million payment for the Skytrain project, a case that has drawn intense public scrutiny regarding the management of public funds. Simultaneously, Parliament’s Appointments Committee has been vetting several nominees for the apex court, revealing diverse perspectives on the future of Ghana’s legal system. Justice Anthony Forson Jnr, a former President of the Ghana Bar Association, voiced strong opposition to capping the number of Supreme Court justices, arguing that the court’s heavy workload requires flexibility. Justice Edward Amoako Asante also appeared before the committee, where he opposed calls for a separate Bail Act, asserting that current laws are sufficient if properly applied. However, Justice Asante’s vetting was marked by a walkout from the Minority caucus, who raised objections regarding the nomination process. Additionally, nominee Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah defended the court’s constitutional right to depart from its own precedents to rectify injustices and ensure legal consistency. The legal reforms extend beyond the Supreme Court to the revival of the tribunal system under the new Tribunals Act. Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe, the NDC’s Director of Legal Affairs and CEO of the National Petroleum Authority, has moved to allay fears that these tribunals could be used as tools for political persecution. Tamakloe emphasized that the finalized law significantly curtails executive influence, noting that while the President nominates the tribunal chair based on Judicial Council advice, the Chief Justice appoints the remaining panel members. While legal practitioners like Martin Kpebu have expressed concerns about the inclusion of non-lawyers on these panels, the government maintains that the system is constitutionally sound and designed to enhance the efficiency of justice delivery. These developments collectively signal a period of intense legal and political activity under President John Mahama’s administration. As the High Court prepares to hear the defense in the Skytrain case on September 23, 2026, and the Court of Appeal considers further stays of proceedings, the focus remains on the independence of the judiciary. The outcome of the ongoing vettings and the practical implementation of the Tribunals Act will likely define the relationship between the executive and the judicial branches, balancing the drive for accountability with the protection of human rights and judicial stability.

Financial irregularities drop by 62.9 per cent - Deputy Finance Minister
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Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Demands GoldBod Probe as Government Reports 63% Drop in Financial Irregularities

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on President John Mahama’s administration to address significant operational loopholes within the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) to prevent future economic losses and sustain the cedi's stability. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that transparency in gold purchasing is a national economic necessity that transcends partisan politics, impacting public sector jobs and infrastructure. The demand for scrutiny follows reports from the UK branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) alleging a US$1.7 billion loss under the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) and calling for an independent forensic audit. Meanwhile, former Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor defended the DGPP as a cornerstone of the previous administration’s economic strategy, arguing that the current Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Policy (GANRAP) is merely a rebranding of the original initiative that successfully boosted gold reserves from 8.77 to 30.53 tonnes by late 2024. Simultaneously, Deputy Minister for Finance Thomas Ampem Nyarko reported a major achievement in fiscal discipline, with financial irregularities across five audited sectors dropping by 62.9%. Total infractions decreased from GH"20.72 billion in 2024 to GH"7.69 billion in 2025, exceeding the government’s target of a 50% reduction. Nyarko attributed this improvement to strengthened public financial management and stricter internal audit enforcement. However, he noted a concerning 156.3% rise in irregularities within Ministries and Agencies, urging heads of public institutions to transition from a passive response to audit findings toward a proactive culture of accountability and prevention to protect public funds. In the broader economic landscape, the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) released its 2025 State Ownership Report, revealing that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) carry total liabilities of GH"281.99 billion. SIGA Director-General Professor Michael Kpessa-Whyte clarified that while SIGA provides oversight, the Ministry of Finance and sector ministers remain responsible for managing the debts of loss-making entities, such as the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), which accounts for GH"82.31 billion of the total liability. To further promote financial inclusion, Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama reassured the public that the new non-interest banking initiative is a commercial service designed for ethical financial growth and inclusion, rather than a tool for promoting religious doctrine. The government also remains firm on its fiscal reforms despite industrial opposition, notably rejecting claims by Accra Brewery PLC (ABL) that changes to the beer excise duty regime would jeopardize 2,000 jobs. The Ministry of Finance asserted that ABL failed to provide evidence for its projections and noted that previous tax concessions cost the state GH"1.75 billion in foregone revenue over three years. Other industrial developments include the Ministry of Trade's efforts to revive cotton production in the Northern Region to support local textiles, and a clarification from journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni that Northshore Apparel GH received direct support from Ghana Exim Bank rather than through the One District, One Factory (1D1F) program. These developments underscore the administration's focus on balancing industrial growth with rigorous fiscal oversight.

Frederick Opare-Ansah — Chairman, NPP National Officers Elections Committee.
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NPP Commences National Officer Vetting as Parliamentary Leadership Shifts and NDC Mourns Key Strategist

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially commenced the vetting of 47 aspirants seeking national executive positions, marking a critical step in the party’s reorganization ahead of the 2028 general elections. The vetting process, which began on August 31, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on September 3, sets the stage for the national executive elections on October 3. This internal exercise follows a nomination period where three candidates, including high-profile figure Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), withdrew or failed to complete the filing process. The vetting committee, chaired by Cecilia Dapaah, is overseeing candidates for nine key roles, including National Chairperson, General Secretary, and National Treasurer. Prominent figures vying for the National Chairmanship, such as Paul Afoko and Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, have already appeared before the committee. Afoko described the vetting sessions as "frank and thorough," noting that the probing questions have prompted him to refine his strategies for the party's future. Similarly, Agyarko’s campaign team has sought to dispel rumors of internal friction, affirming his full support for the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. This focus on cohesion is mirrored by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who recently urged all NPP factions to unite behind Dr. Bawumia to ensure a disciplined and effective communication strategy for the 2028 campaign. In the legislative branch, the 9th Parliament has seen a significant change in its leadership structure. James Agalga, the Member of Parliament for Builsa North, has been appointed as the new Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, succeeding Mahama Ayariga, who has transitioned to head the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs. The Builsa Traditional Council has expressed its support for Agalga’s elevation, while Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has pledged to provide constructive opposition. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that while he will support the new Majority Leader in administrative matters, his primary focus remains transforming his caucus into a majority in future elections. Simultaneously, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is mourning the loss of Comrade Papa Assan, the Western Regional Elections Director, who passed away on August 30, 2026, after a brief illness. Assan was a pivotal figure in the NDC’s electoral machinery, credited with significant contributions to the party’s success in the 2024 general elections under President John Mahama, where the party won 15 out of 17 parliamentary seats in the Western Region. The NDC has directed that all party flags be flown at half-mast for three days in his honor, marking a somber moment amidst the broader political reorganization occurring across the country.

Rev. David Aboagye-Danquah - Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana
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Ghana’s Governance Reforms Gain Momentum as Parliament Approves Fiscal Council and BoG Tightens Financial Oversight

Ghana’s governance framework is undergoing a significant transition under President John Mahama as Parliament has approved a five-member Fiscal Council to strengthen economic management. Chaired by Dr. Emmanuel Oteng Kumah, the council includes prominent experts such as Dr. Henry Kofi Wampah and Professor Patrick Opoku Asuming. The body is tasked with promoting fiscal discipline and providing expert analysis of public financial management. Simultaneously, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has accelerated its regulatory efforts, with Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama announcing a 2027 deadline for the full implementation of the Virtual Asset Service Providers Act. To bolster financial integrity, the BoG has also inaugurated a Preliminary Investigation Committee to monitor undeclared foreign currency at borders, aiming to curb money laundering and tax evasion. Economic policy remains a point of contention between the current administration and the previous government’s economic team. Dr. Gideon Boako, MP for Tano North, has defended Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s claims regarding an IMF-imposed monthly cap on foreign exchange interventions during the previous term. Boako clarified that a cap of $80 million, later reduced to $60 million, was strictly followed to rebuild international reserves. He argued that this discipline provided the current government with greater flexibility in its own interventions. However, the current economic climate faces scrutiny from legal practitioner Martin Kpebu, who warned the NDC government that the reported 56.4% unemployment rate is a 'scary' indicator of the challenges ahead. Institutional and constitutional reforms are also taking center stage as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares to announce its official position on proposed amendments to the 1992 Constitution. These proposals include changes to presidential terms and dual citizenship eligibility. Parallel to these state reforms, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana has approved a landmark constitutional revision, allowing its members to serve in traditional leadership roles provided they renounce rituals that conflict with Christian doctrines. Meanwhile, civil society organizations, led by the POS Foundation and the Africa Centre for International Law and Accountability, are urging the government to prioritize human rights recommendations and the passage of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers Bill. In the media and social sectors, leaders are calling for greater responsibility in public discourse. David Tamakloe, President of PRINPAG, warned against confusing social media activities with professional journalism, emphasizing the need for rigorous standards in security reporting. This sentiment was echoed by Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Senior Presidential Aide to President Mahama, who advised that social media profiles have become public reference points that should be used for constructive advocacy. As the nation moves toward the 2028 electoral cycle, political and religious leaders, including Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, are advocating for the protection of Ghana’s religious tolerance, urging citizens to focus on policy debates rather than identity politics.

Participants from Ghana, Burkina Faso and Cote d’ Ivoire at the meeting
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Interior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Affirms Ghana’s Democratic Stability Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts

Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has reaffirmed the nation’s democratic resilience during a high-level meeting with Russian Ambassador Sergei Berdnikov. Highlighting Ghana’s history of peaceful power transfers and the citizens' commitment to stability, the Minister emphasized that despite current governance challenges, the nation remains a beacon of democracy in the region. This diplomatic engagement underscored the importance of international cooperation, with both officials discussing enhanced bilateral security ties and specialized training initiatives. The meeting aligns with Ghana's broader efforts to secure its borders and foster regional peace, exemplified by a week-long bilateral engagement in Wa with Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire. This initiative aimed to harmonize legal frameworks for Local Groups for Cross-Border Cooperation (LGCBCs), facilitating joint solutions to shared socio-economic challenges along shared boundaries. While Ghana focuses on regional consolidation, the global political landscape is being reshaped by a historic oil agreement between the United States and Venezuela. President Donald Trump announced a deal granting the U.S. 55% control over a joint venture to develop 17 strategic oil fields, encompassing over 65 billion barrels of proven reserves. Billed as a move to double American oil reserves and lower gas prices, the agreement follows the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces. Venezuelan interim President Delcy Rodriguez expressed optimism that the deal would trigger a $100 billion economic revival through private investment, though the 100-year concession faces significant questions regarding its legal and constitutional validity under international law. In Europe and Asia, the human cost of political and environmental crises continues to mount. At least 27 people were killed and hundreds evacuated following a series of Russian drone strikes in the Kyiv region of Ukraine. The attacks, which caused massive explosions at local warehouses and injured dozens, prompted President Volodymyr Zelensky to call for global solidarity and stricter safety measures regarding ammunition storage near residential areas. Simultaneously, in Tibet, severe flooding at Gyirong Port has reportedly claimed hundreds of lives. However, China’s state media has been accused of censoring the true scale of the disaster, prioritizing rescue narratives over survivor accounts and suppressing information that could lead to social unrest. These diverse developments—from the strengthening of local cross-border cooperation in West Africa to massive shifts in global energy control and the ongoing tragedy of the war in Ukraine—highlight a volatile international order. For Ghana, the emphasis remains on maintaining internal stability and fostering strategic partnerships to navigate these global uncertainties. As the Interior Ministry pursues deeper security cooperation with international allies, the nation continues to position itself as a stable partner in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, even as shadows of the past, such as the ongoing legal repercussions for figures linked to the 9/11 attacks, continue to influence modern perceptions of security and trust.

Douglas Quartey — Local Governance Expert
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Government Intensifies Local Accountability Measures Amidst Rising Public Grievances Over Utilities and Infrastructure

Ghana’s local governance landscape is facing a pivotal moment as the government moves to strengthen financial oversight while grappling with intensifying public demonstrations over service delivery. In a significant effort to bolster transparency, the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) and the Internal Audit Agency (IAA) have inaugurated new audit committees across nine municipal and district assemblies in the Oti Region and five regions in the north. Acting Director-General of the IAA, Mr. Conrad Dumbah, and Oti Regional officials emphasized that these committees are not adversaries to local management but essential partners in safeguarding public resources. These moves come at a time when local governance experts, including Douglas Quartey, are calling for a fundamental rethink of Ghana’s non-partisan local election system, arguing that partisan involvement would increase citizen participation and hold officials more strictly accountable. Simultaneously, the government is responding to a wave of social unrest rooted in utility and infrastructure failures. In the Ketu South Municipality, residents are prepared to stage a peaceful demonstration on September 1, 2026, under the banner "Enough Is Enough! Stop the Over-Billing Now!" The protest, led by convener Edem Mensah Viglo, targets the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) for persistent over-billing and delays in repairing faulty meters, which locals claim have crippled businesses and fueled unemployment. In response, the Minister for Energy, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced an independent investigation by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission to address these grievances. Similar frustrations are boiling over in Dome-Kwabenya, where stakeholders are demanding urgent transparency and action regarding the stalled Dome-Kwabenya-Kitase road project, citing safety risks and vehicle damage. In the Volta Region, the push for better governance is complicated by reports of exploitation among vulnerable populations. Elikplim Klu, the Volta Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), recently condemned caregivers for misappropriating funds and selling benefit application forms intended for persons with disabilities (PWDs). While the Ho Municipal Assembly successfully distributed GH 262,980 worth of livelihood items—including deep freezers and laptops—to 76 PWDs, the regional leadership has vowed to prosecute those hindering the rights of the disabled. Amidst these challenges, some local leaders have received praise; Chiefs and Queen Mothers in the Ho Municipality commended Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Hon. Stephen Adom for his judicious use of Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to improve healthcare and sanitation. As the administration of President John Mahama continues its term, these developments highlight a dual challenge: the need to maintain fiscal discipline through new audit structures while addressing the immediate, tangible needs of citizens. While Paramount Chiefs like Togbega Sesinu VI of Hoe continue to appeal for basic infrastructure such as water supply and telecommunications, the government's ability to resolve the ECG billing crisis and road infrastructure delays will likely serve as a litmus test for its commitment to decentralized development. The coming months will determine if the newly inaugurated audit committees can translate into better service delivery and if the promised investigations can restore public trust in state institutions.

Gov’t owes me GH¢5m, but Sports Minister won’t pick my calls — Shatta Wale fumes
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Shatta Wale Demands GH¢5m for Black Stars Promotion, Calls for Dissolution of Tourism Ministry

Ghanaian dancehall icon Shatta Wale has sparked a national conversation after publicly demanding GH¢5 million from the government for promotional services rendered during the Black Stars’ 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign. During a series of interviews, the artist expressed deep frustration over what he described as "total disrespect" from government officials, claiming that despite completing extensive advertising and promotional activities, his invoices remain unpaid. He specifically called out the Minister of Youth and Sports for failing to return his calls, highlighting a significant breakdown in communication between the state and the creative professionals it engages for national projects. While the government had previously announced a GH¢76 million allocation to support the Black Stars’ World Cup efforts, Shatta Wale clarified that his financial grievance is strictly professional. He noted that he had personally contributed $100,000 to the national team’s fundraising efforts in March 2026, but emphasized that this donation is entirely separate from the GH¢5 million debt owed to his business for contracted services. The artist’s complaints shed light on the broader challenges faced by the creative industry when entering commercial arrangements with state institutions, particularly regarding payment delays and lack of accountability. Beyond his financial claims, Shatta Wale offered a scathing assessment of President John Mahama’s current administration. While the musician stated he supports the President’s personal vision and ideology, he expressed profound dissatisfaction with the performance of the President’s appointees. Shatta Wale remarked that he could not identify a single "best-performing" minister in the current cabinet, suggesting that the execution of government policies is being hampered by ineffective leadership at the ministerial level. This distinction between the President and his staff underscores a complex political stance from one of the country’s most influential cultural figures. In a more radical policy proposal, the musician called for the total dissolution of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts. Despite acknowledging that former Deputy Minister and current MP Dzifa Gomashie is his aunt, he argued that the ministry has failed to provide innovative support for musicians and actors. Shatta Wale contended that the institution lacks the proactive initiatives necessary to promote Ghanaian talent on the international stage and suggested that the current structure is insufficient for the industry's growth. He urged the government to evolve beyond traditional roles and implement practical measures that directly benefit the creative economy, rather than maintaining what he views as an ineffective bureaucracy.

Artist's impression of the Multipurpose Multi-tiered Car Park and Airport Hotels Complex at Accra International Airport
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President Mahama Drives National Development Through Massive Infrastructure Investment and Public Sector Reforms

President John Mahama has signaled a robust commitment to national development, spearheading major infrastructure projects under the "Big Push" program while demanding higher standards of professionalism within the public sector. From the expansion of Accra’s aviation facilities to massive electrification efforts in the Volta Region, the administration is moving to address long-standing gaps in the country's physical and administrative framework. These initiatives are designed to anticipate future growth, with passenger traffic at the national airport alone projected to rise to 2.5 million by 2025. The President emphasized that infrastructure development must be matched by a commitment to quality and institutional integrity to ensure long-term national prosperity. Central to this development agenda is the launch of a multi-purpose car park and hotel complex at the Accra International Airport. The seven-storey project, which includes a 120-room five-star hotel and over 2,000 parking bays, is being funded internally by the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority and the Ghana Airports Company Limited. During the ceremony, President Mahama took a firm stance on service quality, instructing airport personnel to cease soliciting tips from travelers—a practice he warned damages Ghana’s international reputation. He emphasized that as infrastructure improves, so too must the conduct of the workers representing the nation at its primary gateway, noting that authorities are already taking strict actions, including dismissals, against such practices. Beyond the capital, the "Big Push" program is making significant strides in rural and regional connectivity. The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, led by Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has launched a GHS598 million electrification project aimed at connecting 206 communities in the Volta Region to the national grid within six months. Simultaneously, in the Upper West Region, Members of Parliament, including Wa West MP Peter Lanchene Toobu, have been actively monitoring road projects like the Wa-Tumu road. These efforts underscore a nationwide push to ensure that contractors deliver quality work on schedule to meet the government's goal of universal electricity access and improved transport links across the country. Complementing these physical developments are major policy shifts aimed at modernizing state institutions and ensuring public safety. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is transitioning to local production of vehicle number plates, constructing a manufacturing center in Accra to eliminate reliance on third-party imports and integrate RFID technology for enhanced security. In tandem with these administrative upgrades, Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka has proposed mandatory drug testing for all public sector recruits. This proposal follows the disqualification of over 6,000 security service applicants due to drug-related issues and mental health concerns, highlighting a strategic intent to maintain the integrity and professional standards of the nation's public workforce.

President John Dramani Mahama (right) exchanging pleasantries with Dr Cassiel Ato Forson (left), Minister of Finance and committee Chair
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President Mahama Inaugurates GH¢1bn Bawku Revitalisation Fund Amid Regional Security Operations in Niger and Nigeria

President John Dramani Mahama has officially inaugurated a steering committee to manage the GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund, a major initiative aimed at restoring the area as a primary commercial hub in Ghana. Chaired by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the committee includes key regional and local figures tasked with overseeing infrastructure development and essential service restoration. During the ceremony, President Mahama emphasized that recent improvements in security have paved the way for this economic intervention, expressing confidence that the fund will address the long-term challenges faced by the community following years of intermittent conflict. This move is being supported by local political figures; notably, Nelson Nobel Amedewonu of the NDC legal team defended the local MP’s recent silence on conflict matters as a strategic choice intended to preserve the fragile peace. While the government focuses on economic restoration in the north, domestic security forces remain active in other regions to maintain stability. A joint Police-Military operation in Kromase, near Nkwanta, recently resulted in the arrest of 11 suspects and the seizure of a pump-action gun, body armor, and various rounds of ammunition. Security agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to intelligence-led operations to ensure public safety. These domestic efforts occur against a backdrop of significant regional instability across West Africa, where military and civilian leaders are grappling with internal mutinies and escalating jihadist threats. In neighboring Niger, the military junta led by General Abdourahamane Tiani reported containing a serious mutiny attempt at Air Base 101 in the capital, Niamey. The unrest, which involved heavy gunfire and explosions near the presidential palace and the Diori Hamani International Airport, reportedly began when a group of soldiers breached military discipline and attempted to detain their comrades. While the junta claims to have regained control with the support of Russian forces, reports indicate that rebel troops briefly held positions at several barracks. The situation remains tense as the government urges the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, particularly as the region continues to face pressure from rival jihadist factions linked to al Qaeda and ISIS. Simultaneously, a major security crisis is unfolding in Nigeria’s Niger State, where President Bola Tinubu has ordered an intensive rescue mission following the mass abduction of hundreds of residents in the Borgu Local Government Area. A coordinated force comprising the military, police, and the Department of State Services has been deployed to the region to track the terrorists responsible for the Friday raid. These concurrent events in Ghana, Niger, and Nigeria underscore the complex security landscape in the Sahel and West Africa, where governments are forced to balance ambitious development agendas, like President Mahama’s revitalisation fund, with the immediate demands of national and regional security.

NPP National Executive Elections: 47 Aspirants Set for Vetting as Race for Party Leadership Intensifies
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NPP National Executive Elections: 47 Aspirants Set for Vetting as Race for Party Leadership Intensifies

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially commenced the vetting process for 47 aspirants seeking various national executive positions following the closure of nominations on August 29, 2026. These internal elections, scheduled for October 3, 2026, are a critical step for the party as it restructures to challenge President John Mahama’s administration in the 2028 general elections. Out of the 50 members who initially picked up forms, 47 successfully filed their nominations, marking the start of a high-stakes transition period for the country's primary opposition party. The race for the National Chairmanship has drawn significant attention, featuring heavyweights such as former Chairman Paul Afoko, former General Secretary John Boadu, Boakye Agyarko, and Sammy Crabbe. However, the field narrowed slightly when Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the former Ashanti Regional Chairman, withdrew his candidacy for the top post. In other key contests, incumbent General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong faces multiple challengers to retain his seat, while former Information Minister Nana Akomea has filed to contest for the First Vice Chairman position. Akomea, a former MP for Okaikwei South, is part of a competitive field of 13 aspirants vying for three vice-chairmanship roles. The vetting committee, chaired by Cecilia Abena Dapaah, began its four-day assessment on August 31, 2026. While most positions are fiercely contested, Dennis Miracles Aboagye is set to proceed unopposed as the National Communications Director after Evans Kodom stepped aside. Other notable departures from the race include Perpetual Ekua Lomokie Akwada, who failed to submit her forms for National Women Organiser by the deadline. The National Officers Elections Committee (NOEC) has emphasized its commitment to a transparent and credible process, urging all candidates to maintain party unity throughout the vetting and subsequent campaigning. Beyond the immediate executive elections, the NPP is already looking toward the 2028 presidential ticket. Patrick Yaw Boamah, the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, recently expressed his readiness to serve as the running mate to flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, stating his desire to help the party regain power. As the NPP prepares to elect its new national leadership in October, these internal dynamics will shape the party’s strategy. The successful candidates will be tasked with managing the party's machinery and bridging internal divisions to present a unified front in the next national election cycle.

Marietta Brew chairs 11-member committee to implement Constitution Review
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Marietta Brew Leads 11-Member Committee to Implement 1992 Constitution Reforms and Presidential Term Changes

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, has inaugurated an 11-member Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC) to advance the comprehensive review of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. Chaired by former Attorney-General Marietta Brew, the committee is tasked with translating accepted recommendations from the Professor H. Kwesi Prempeh Constitution Review Committee into actionable legislation. This move follows the government's release of a position paper that formally accepted various reforms aimed at strengthening the nation’s democratic framework. The CRIC is mandated to complete its work by November 2026, preparing the legal grounds for both entrenched and non-entrenched changes to the supreme law. Among the most notable proposals under review is the potential transition from a four-year to a five-year term for both the presidency and Parliament. Other significant amendments include the direct election of local government leaders, adjustments to the size of Parliament, lowering the minimum age for presidential candidates, and allowing dual citizens to contest national elections. Chair Marietta Brew emphasized that the committee’s role is to implement rather than re-evaluate the constitutional recommendations, ensuring that the process remains focused on legislative drafting and the preparation of a potential referendum, which may coincide with the 2027 district assembly elections. In tandem with the government’s efforts, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is finalizing its official stance on these proposed amendments. NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has constituted a specialized committee to reassess the party’s position on the reforms. This internal review committee, which includes legal experts from previous administrations, aims to provide a comprehensive response to the government’s position paper. The NPP has expressed a commitment to an inclusive process, asserting that any changes to the constitution must reflect a broad national consensus and preserve the stability of the country's democratic institutions. Highlighting the importance of these reforms, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang recently emphasized that Ghana’s democratic gains must not be taken for granted. Speaking at Jubilee House, she noted that the sustainability of democracy relies on credible elections, public trust, and a political culture of tolerance. These themes of stability were further echoed by former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who recently praised the Dagbon Traditional Council for maintaining the Peace Accord during a period of transition, illustrating the ongoing necessity of institutional and traditional frameworks in preserving national peace. As the CRIC begins its work, the Mahama administration has reaffirmed its dedication to accountable governance and the rule of law. The implementation process will require extensive legal and institutional procedures to ensure that the final reforms truly reflect the aspirations of the Ghanaian people. The successful navigation of these constitutional changes is viewed as a critical step in modernizing the republic's governance and ensuring that its democratic structures are resilient enough to face future challenges.

Bawumia engages small-scale miners over reforms for sustainable mining
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Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Outlines Mining Reforms and Gold-for-Oil Strategy Amid Security Tensions in Akyem Hemang

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has held extensive consultations with the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) to detail a vision for sustainable mining and economic stabilization. During these engagements, Bawumia highlighted how unconventional strategies, specifically the Gold-for-Oil and Domestic Gold Purchase programs, were designed to navigate Ghana’s balance of payments crisis. These initiatives, born out of the economic pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, aim to leverage the nation’s gold production to reduce reliance on foreign currency for fuel imports and strengthen the cedi. He noted that while International Monetary Fund (IMF) constraints limited direct foreign exchange interventions, the use of local gold has positioned Ghana as a pioneer in sovereign resource-backed financing. The discussions with small-scale miners focused heavily on structural reforms intended to promote responsible mining practices while safeguarding the environment and local livelihoods. Bawumia emphasized the need for "local value addition" and job creation within the extractive sector, suggesting that the NPP’s policy framework would prioritize stakeholder input to build a more resilient industry. By purchasing local gold with cedis to build reserves, Bawumia argues the state can mitigate the dollar demand that frequently drives currency depreciation. This approach is intended to transform the small-scale mining sector from a source of environmental concern into a key pillar of national economic security. However, these proposed reforms come at a time of heightened tension and reported violence within the mining sector. In the Eastern Region, the Narawa Mining Company has reported an alleged armed takeover of its concession in Akyem Hemang by individuals in military attire, resulting in the fatal shooting of a resident identified as Douglas Acheampong. While the company holds a valid lease until 2029, management claims their operations have been disrupted by intimidation and the destruction of infrastructure. The presence of armed groups has forced a withdrawal of workers, leading to urgent appeals for government intervention to restore order and legal clarity over land concessions. Addressing the violence in Akyem Hemang, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has moved to distance official security operatives from the incident. The Ministry’s Media Relations Officer, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, clarified that no personnel from the National Alternative Employment and Livelihood Programme (NAIMOS) were deployed to the area at the time of the shooting. The Ministry has warned of a growing trend of impersonators wearing military uniforms to carry out illegal activities, which undermines the credibility of state-led mining reforms. These conflicting reports underscore the significant challenges of reconciling the economic potential of small-scale mining with the persistent need for law enforcement and environmental protection.