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.

Parliament to Probe $1.7 Billion GoldBod Controversy Amid NPP Allegations of Financial Mismanagement
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Parliament to Probe $1.7 Billion GoldBod Controversy Amid NPP Allegations of Financial Mismanagement

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has announced a formal investigation into a reported US$1.7 billion (GH¢22 billion) financial impact involving the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP). The inquiry follows a motion from the Minority in Parliament seeking clarity on whether this figure represents a genuine financial loss or an operational cost of government policy. Speaker Bagbin confirmed that the motion, filed on August 21, 2026, will allow lawmakers to scrutinize the transactions and the role of GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi, ensuring that the public receives a transparent accounting of the state's gold trading activities. The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has aggressively challenged the government's management of the sector, with Deputy General Secretary Haruna Mohammed and National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye demanding full accountability. The NPP argues that the US$1.7 billion loss reported by the IMF could have funded critical national infrastructure, such as the Agenda 111 hospital project. Furthermore, the party has accused GoldBod of enabling illegal mining (galamsey) by maintaining a gold-buying system with weak traceability, which allegedly allows illegally mined gold to enter the formal market. NPP officials emphasized that they will utilize all parliamentary avenues to ensure the truth behind these financial discrepancies is uncovered. In defense of the program, Majority leadership, including outgoing leader Mahama Ayariga and incoming leader James Agalga, maintains that the DGPP has been instrumental in stabilizing the cedi and containing inflation. Agalga refuted claims of a loss, citing an Auditor-General’s report that suggests GoldBod recorded a surplus exceeding GH¢4 billion. While expressing openness to an investigation, the Majority advocates for a broader probe that extends back to 2021, covering the program's inception under the previous administration. They argue that the current financial implications are strategic costs necessary for building national reserves rather than evidence of mismanagement. The controversy is further complicated by concerns over transparency and intensifying political legal battles. The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) has accused GoldBod of breaching the Ghana Gold Board Act, 2025, by allegedly removing quarterly trading reports from its website. This lack of disclosure has prompted calls for the restoration of public access to financial records. Amidst these institutional tensions, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has initiated a defamation suit against CEO Sammy Gyamfi following allegations of extortion. As Parliament prepares to convene its probe, the outcome is expected to have significant implications for Ghana’s financial governance and the future of its strategic gold reserves.

Justice Edward Amoako Asante, Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah and Tony Forson nominated for Supreme Court bench
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Parliament Vets President Mahama’s Nominees as James Agalga Succeeds Mahama Ayariga as Majority Leader

Ghana’s Parliament reconvened on August 24, 2026, for a high-stakes five-day emergency session to address a backlog of urgent government business following a recall by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. The recall, requested by President John Mahama, is primarily focused on the vetting of new ministerial and judicial nominees and the consideration of the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (Amendment) Bill. This extraordinary sitting comes less than a month after the House adjourned in July, highlighting the administration's push to finalize key appointments and financial sector reforms during the President's second term. A central development of the session was the formal transition of leadership within the Majority Caucus. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) officially appointed James Agalga, Member of Parliament for Builsa North, as the new Majority Leader, succeeding Mahama Ayariga. The transition was marked by a procedural clarification from Speaker Bagbin, who initially challenged President Mahama’s attempt to nominate Agalga directly. The Speaker emphasized that the authority to change parliamentary leadership rests with the political party and its caucus, not the Presidency. Following this, NDC General Secretary Fifi Kwetey submitted the required formal notification to the Speaker, ensuring the appointment adhered to established parliamentary standing orders. The Appointments Committee has launched a rigorous vetting schedule, beginning with Mahama Ayariga, now the Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, the nominee for the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology. Additionally, the committee is reviewing three presidential nominations for the Supreme Court: Justice Sophia Rosetta Bernasko-Essah, Justice Edward Amoako Asante, and Anthony Forson Jr., a former President of the Ghana Bar Association. These nominations followed recommendations from the Judicial Council and advice from the Council of State, in accordance with Article 144(2) of the 1992 Constitution. Amidst these proceedings, outgoing Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga delivered a pointed caution to his colleagues, urging Members of Parliament to refrain from using their offices to shield politicians from criminal prosecution. Under the theme "Crime is Crime," Ayariga warned that politicizing law enforcement actions or intimidating investigators undermines the rule of law and creates a double standard between officials and ordinary citizens. He called for absolute respect for judicial independence and the prompt hearing of cases to ensure fairness in the legal process. Despite the busy agenda, the Minority Caucus has expressed significant frustration over the efficiency of the recall. Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh criticized the early adjournment of the first day’s sitting after only two hours, accusing the Majority of being unprepared to deliberate on the critical Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Amendment Bill. The Minority emphasized that the emergency recall, which concludes on August 28, must be used effectively to address the financial stability measures and legislative items that justified the interruption of the parliamentary recess.

osp
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Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin Sues GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi Amid Extortion Allegations and OSP Assessment

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is embroiled in a significant legal and political dispute following allegations of extortion made by Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). The controversy began after Afenyo-Markin demanded accountability for a reported $1.7 billion loss by the Bank of Ghana under its Domestic Gold Purchase Programme in 2025. In response, Gyamfi labeled the Minority Leader an "extortionist," prompting Afenyo-Markin to file defamation lawsuits in the Accra High Court and the Achimota Circuit Court seeking GH¢15 million in damages. While Afenyo-Markin has expressed his full readiness to cooperate with the Ghana Police Service and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to clear his name, the allegations have sparked a broader national conversation regarding the integrity of Parliament. The OSP has confirmed it is currently assessing three petitions related to these claims to determine if a formal investigation is warranted. Governance experts and civil society leaders have warned that the public spat could further erode trust in Ghana’s democratic institutions. Dr. John Osae-Kwapong of CDD-Ghana and Dr. Rasheed Dramani of the Africa Centre for Parliamentary Affairs emphasized that these allegations exacerbate an existing crisis of confidence in the legislature, fueled by high perceptions of corruption. Dr. Dramani criticized the culture of "partisan solidarity" that often shields MPs from accountability and proposed the formation of an independent committee, including eminent citizens, to investigate such matters transparently. Former Lands Minister Inusah Fuseini echoed these sentiments, warning that the perception of MPs prioritizing personal gain over their public mandate threatens the legitimacy of the house. Amidst the escalating tension, incoming Majority Leader James Agalga has called for a "temporary ceasefire," urging all parties to exercise restraint and allow state institutions to conclude their investigations. While some legal observers have suggested Afenyo-Markin step aside temporarily to preserve the dignity of his office, the Minority Leader maintains that his conscience is clear and he has served with integrity. As the legal proceedings commence under the current Mahama administration, the resolution of this case is seen as a critical test for parliamentary self-scrutiny and the ability of state investigative bodies to uphold accountability in the face of high-level political conflict.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (right), Minister of Foreign Affairs, handing over the equipment to Nana Asare Bediako, Executive Secretary of the Ghana Refugee Board
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President Mahama and Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Drive Governance Agenda as Ghana Reports Significant Drop in Debt Servicing Costs

Ghana's political landscape this week is defined by a robust executive agenda, with President John Mahama extending regional solidarity in Guinea while Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced a significant milestone in the country’s debt management. Following a high-profile visit to Conakry to support victims of a tragic landfill collapse, the President’s administration highlighted domestic fiscal progress, noting that Ghana now allocates less than 20% of its revenue to debt servicing, a sharp decline from previous levels of nearly 50%. Simultaneously, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, attending the ‘Meko Bono’ festival in Atebubu, emphasized the government’s commitment to the '24-hour economy' and industrial initiatives like 'Feed Ghana,' urging local leaders to leverage cultural heritage for youth job creation and tourism development. Legislative and institutional reforms have also taken center stage, as the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Jobs, led by Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, begins drafting a comprehensive bill on workplace safety and health. This push for better working conditions coincides with a strategic agreement between the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ghana Institution of Surveyors to resolve valuation discrepancies that have historically delayed national infrastructure projects. Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza emphasized that the collaboration aims to ensure transparent, evidence-based compensation for individuals affected by road construction. However, these macroeconomic indicators face scrutiny from figures such as Bridgette Dzogbenuku of the Progressive People’s Party, who argued at a recent youth academy that GDP gains must translate into improved grassroots livelihoods and tangible job opportunities to be considered successful. The judiciary is navigating its own set of administrative and ethical challenges. Ofoase-Ayirebi MP Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has escalated his legal challenge to the Supreme Court, questioning the Chief Justice’s authority to conduct criminal trials during the annual legal vacation—a move he argues impacts constitutional fairness and the right to representation. Amidst these legal debates, Judge Angela Attachie of the Adenta Circuit Court issued a stern warning to legal practitioners against public outbursts and threats directed at the bench, maintaining that judicial disagreements must be settled through formal appeals to protect the integrity of the law. These tensions over accountability were echoed at a media-government symposium marking the 77th anniversary of the Ghana Journalists Association, where Deputy Government Spokesperson Shamima Muslim called for a sustained partnership to safeguard democratic gains against misinformation. In regional affairs, Ghana continues to assert its diplomatic influence, demonstrated by President Mahama's outreach in Guinea and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' donation of over GH₵539,000 in passport equipment to the Ghana Refugee Board to enhance humanitarian services. Locally, the debate over decentralization has been revitalized by calls from NPP communicators for the direct election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to enhance local accountability and public trust. As the government moves to support vulnerable populations—exemplified by the Nkwanta North District Assembly’s recognized efforts for Persons with Disabilities—the administration remains focused on balancing fiscal discipline with inclusive social development across the country.

Mustapha Gbande — Deputy General Secretary, NDC
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Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin Decries 'Intimidation' as NDC Majority Asserts Power in Parliament

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has raised an alarm over what he describes as a systematic strategy by the John Mahama administration to intimidate and silence the opposition through state investigations. Speaking on the current parliamentary landscape, Afenyo-Markin highlighted the significant challenges faced by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) caucus, which holds 87 seats against the National Democratic Congress (NDC) majority of 189 members. He alleged that several NPP MPs are being targeted with 'unfounded' investigations by the Bureau of National Investigation (BNI), creating a climate of fear that hinders free expression and substantive debate within the house. Despite these hurdles, the Minority Leader remains defiant, labeling his caucus a 'mighty minority' and vowing to prioritize the quality of their contributions to ensure their oversight role is not diminished by sheer numbers. Central to the escalating tension between the two sides is a heated debate over the operations of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. Afenyo-Markin has formally called for a parliamentary inquiry into reported losses amounting to GH"22 billion, asserting that public accountability must prevail over political protectionism. In response, outgoing Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the expenditures, arguing that the alleged losses are actually necessary costs incurred to stabilize the cedi and curb inflation. Ayariga emphasized that the government's gold purchase policy is a strategic economic lever that should be viewed through the lens of currency strengthening rather than simple financial loss. The friction extends to local governance, where the NPP Communications Directorate in the Ahafo Region has called on President John Mahama to dismiss the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asunafo North, Joseph Akparibo. The demand follows controversial remarks by the MCE, who reportedly described the 2019 creation of the Ahafo Region as a 'useless' initiative. This local dispute mirrors broader criticisms of the administration, including former Special Prosecutor Martin Amidu's public disappointment in President Mahama's anti-corruption efforts and Bryan Acheampong’s warning that the NDC’s 'honeymoon' period with the electorate will soon end as Ghanaians demand tangible results and infrastructure delivery. Internally, both major parties are repositioning themselves for future stability and electoral success. NDC Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande has issued a strong call for unity and cohesion within the party's Volta Region base, warning that personal interests must not undermine the collective strength of the governing party. Simultaneously, former Minister Akwasi Opong-Fosu is engaging Western Region stakeholders to refine a message of 'Restoration and Renewal' in preparation for the 2028 cycle. As the Mahama administration moves past its inaugural months, the political atmosphere remains charged with demands for accountability, regional respect, and a shift from investigation-led politics to economic fulfillment.

President John Dramani Mahama
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President Mahama Champions 'Accra Reset' as Ghana Prepares for 2027 AU Chairmanship and Celebrates US Visa Ruling

President John Dramani Mahama has outlined a bold "Accra Reset" vision for Africa’s economic future, calling for a definitive end to the continent's "dependency syndrome." In a recent interview on TRT World’s Bigger Than Five, President Mahama emphasized that African nations must transition from being exporters of raw materials to hubs of local value addition. He argued that retaining control over resources and enhancing local manufacturing, particularly in pharmaceuticals and health systems, is essential for job creation and global competitiveness. This vision for self-reliance is not merely economic but also political, as the President continues to advocate for Africa’s stronger representation in global decision-making bodies, including a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Complementing this strategic vision, Ghana is intensifying its diplomatic machinery ahead of President Mahama’s scheduled assumption of the African Union (AU) Chairmanship in January 2027. A High-Level Committee of Experts, led by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has officially submitted five comprehensive reports to the Presidency. These documents establish the strategic pillars and work programs intended to ensure Ghana’s leadership results in substantive progress for the continent rather than serving as a ceremonial role. In a related diplomatic move, the President has appointed Timothy Koku Gobah as Ambassador and Consul General to the Republic of Congo, a decision lauded by the Keta Senior High Technical School alumni for its recognition of professional excellence. On the international front, a significant legal victory has been recorded for Ghanaian citizens and other nationals affected by restrictive U.S. immigration policies. U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas invalidated a directive from the State Department that had suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Ghana. The court ruled that the policy, which targeted nearly 40% of the world's nations based on perceived financial risks, constituted executive overreach and violated federal laws against nationality-based discrimination. This ruling reinstates pathways for family reunification and professional migration, providing a vital lifeline to thousands of families who had been separated by the broad-based ban. These developments unfold against a backdrop of complex global shifts, including heightened U.S. financial pressure on Iran and calls for an expanded arms embargo across all of Sudan to curb external interference. Simultaneously, Ghana continues to strengthen its ties with nations like Ukraine, which recently celebrated its 35th year of independence. As Ghana prepares for its 2027 AU leadership, the "Accra Reset" serves as a guiding framework for navigating these global tensions, prioritizing mutual respect, the protection of national sovereignty, and a commitment to shared prosperity through equitable international partnerships.

National Lottery Authority Urges Staff to End Strike Over 17% Salary Increase Demand
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National Lottery Authority Urges Staff to End Strike Over 17% Salary Increase Demand

Management of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) has appealed to its workforce and the local staff union to call off a sit-down strike that commenced on August 24, 2026. The industrial action was triggered by a stalemate in negotiations regarding salary adjustments for the 2026 fiscal year. While the union is firmly demanding a 17% pay raise, the NLA management has offered a 12% increase, citing significant financial constraints and existing tax liabilities that have limited the Authority's fiscal flexibility. The dispute is rooted in a discrepancy between the workers' expectations and the NLA's current financial health. According to management, the Authority is currently managing a tax liability of over GH"5 million uncovered by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which pertains to the period between 2016 and 2022. These tax arrears have directly impacted the NLA's ability to meet the union's higher demands. The union, however, maintains that the 17% increase is necessary to offset a reduction in workers' take-home pay caused by recent tax adjustments and the rising cost of living. In an effort to resolve the impasse, the NLA has been engaging with the National Labour Commission (NLC) and the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission. Director-General Mohammed Abdul-Salam expressed surprise at the strike, noting that the matter was already under arbitration when the staff decided to walk out. Recent interventions by the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations have sought to bring both parties back to the negotiation table. Management has also reportedly appealed to the Minister of Finance for a waiver on accumulated tax penalties to help ease the financial burden on the Authority. As of the latest reports, management remains committed to an amicable resolution but emphasizes the importance of resuming operations to fulfill the NLA's revenue-generating mandate for national development. The ongoing mediation by the National Labour Commission will be pivotal in determining whether the staff union will accept the 12% offer or if a middle ground can be reached to end the industrial action and restore normalcy to the Authority's operations.

Mahama Administration Accelerates Infrastructure Agenda with GH¢790M Road Investment and National Shift to Solar Lighting
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Mahama Administration Accelerates Infrastructure Agenda with GH¢790M Road Investment and National Shift to Solar Lighting

The Government of Ghana, under the administration of President John Mahama, is intensifying its national development agenda through a series of major infrastructure projects and a strategic shift in public utility management. Central to this effort is a GH¢790.8 million investment in feeder roads within the Nkoranza North District and the commencement of the 1.5-kilometre Dambai Bridge in the Oti Region. These projects, which align with the government’s focus on rural connectivity and economic growth, are designed to bridge the gap between agrarian hubs and urban markets while boosting regional tourism. In the Bono East Region, the Bono Manso-Kranka-Pinihi and Tankor-Fiema-Buabeng-Busunya roads are among several critical stretches seeing steady progress, with completion targeted for March 2028. Regional Minister Francis Owusu Antwi noted that these roads are vital for reducing post-harvest losses for farmers and improving access to the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary. Similarly, construction on the Dambai Bridge, which began in early 2026, is projected to be finalized by May 2029, promising to transform movement across the Oti River. Meanwhile, in the Upper West Region, Wa West MP Peter Lanchene Toobu has called on local executives to rigorously monitor "Big Push" projects, specifically the Wa-Tumu Road, to ensure quality and timely delivery by contractors. To address utility reliability and urban resilience, Minister for Roads and Highways Governs Kwame Agbodza and Minister for Energy and Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor have announced a nationwide transition to solar-powered streetlights. This move aims to mitigate the impact of localized faults and reduce reliance on the national grid; notably, Agbodza clarified that recent traffic light failures were due to stolen underground cables rather than power supply issues. Simultaneously, the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces has been deployed to reclaim the Lafa water retention basin in Mallam. This effort is part of a broader strategy to prevent the perennial flooding that plagues Weija and Dansoman by removing illegal structures and silt that have compromised the basin's capacity. Underpinning these physical developments is a renewed emphasis on transparent local governance and community participation. Central Regional Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah has institutionalized public accountability forums, such as the recent engagement at Twifo Hemang, to allow citizens to evaluate the performance of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). Coupled with local initiatives like the new storm drains and the 24-Hour Economy Market project in Ejura-Sekyedumase, these efforts signal a comprehensive approach by the Mahama government to modernize national infrastructure while ensuring that local authorities remain answerable to the public.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak Eases Motorbike Restrictions in Bawku Municipality
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Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak Eases Motorbike Restrictions in Bawku Municipality

The Ministry of the Interior has announced a significant easing of motorbike riding restrictions in the Bawku Municipality and its surrounding areas, effective Tuesday, August 25, 2026. Under the new directive, both men and women are now permitted to use motorbikes between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily. This decision, which replaces more stringent previous limitations on mobility, follows a positive assessment of the security situation in the Upper East Region by the National Security Council. The move is seen as a major step toward restoring daily economic and social activities in a region that has faced long-standing security challenges. Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak confirmed that while mobility has been improved during daylight hours, other critical security measures remain firmly in place to prevent a resurgence of violence. A nightly curfew spanning from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. continues to be enforced throughout the municipality to ensure public safety. Furthermore, the government has maintained a total ban on the possession and carrying of arms, ammunition, or any offensive weapons. Authorities have warned that strict penalties will be applied to anyone found violating these standing orders, and security agencies remain on high alert to maintain order. The easing of the ban is part of the Mahama administration's broader strategy to restore normalcy and foster sustainable peace in the conflict-prone area. Minister Mohammed-Mubarak emphasized the importance of ongoing peace efforts, noting that the government is working closely with traditional and community leaders to encourage dialogue and reconciliation. The Minister also indicated that the National Security Council is monitoring other regions under similar restrictions, suggesting that if security improvements continue to stabilize, further relaxations of curfews and bans may be considered for other parts of the country. In light of the new directive, the government is urging residents and traditional authorities to exercise maximum restraint and cooperate fully with security agencies to protect the relative peace achieved so far. Officials have called on all stakeholders to pursue non-violent solutions to local challenges and emphasized that the sustainability of these relaxed measures depends on the continued cooperation of the community. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police as the municipality transitions toward a more open and mobile environment.

Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak - Interior Minister
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Interior Minister Muntaka Outlines Sweeping Security Reforms and Accountability Measures in National Briefing

Interior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka has unveiled a comprehensive update on Ghana’s national security landscape, highlighting significant progress in prosecutorial actions and technological modernization. Speaking during the Government Accountability Series on August 24, 2026, the Minister revealed that 26 suspects have been prosecuted for election-related violence stemming from the 2020 and 2024 general elections. Following a directive for a thorough probe by President John Mahama, 25 of these individuals are currently on trial while one has been discharged. However, 13 suspects remain at large, including Alhaji Abdul-Latif Copshe, a prime suspect in the 2024 Nyankpala shooting who was controversially elected as an NPP Constituency Youth Organiser while in hiding. The Minister urged the public to assist the police in locating these fugitives to ensure full accountability for the 15 deaths and 40 injuries recorded during those periods. In a major shift toward digital governance, the Ministry announced that routine roadside checks by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) will be phased out by September 2026. A new automated system, TRAFITECH, will utilize cameras and radar to detect over 47 different traffic offences, sending electronic notifications directly to offenders. This initiative, supported by the deployment of 700 digital enrolment stations nationwide, aims to eliminate opportunities for roadside corruption and modernize the relationship between motorists and law enforcement. Additionally, the government is implementing new helmet safety standards following the legalization of commercial motorcycle use, with enforcement set to begin in December after an extensive educational campaign. Addressing immigration and border security, Minister Muntaka reported that 4,201 foreign nationals have been removed from the country since 2025, including 2,281 migrant beggars and individuals linked to transnational organized crime. The Minister acknowledged the challenges of managing 48 monitored border crossings, of which only 12 currently possess biometric systems. To combat the issue of deported individuals re-entering through unapproved routes, the government has procured drones and anti-ballistic cabins while enhancing surveillance technology. These measures are being balanced with Ghana’s obligations under the ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement of Persons and the nation’s tradition of hospitality. The briefing also highlighted a robust crackdown on the illicit drug trade, with the government freezing approximately GH¢6.9 million and $440,000 in cash, along with the seizure of 73 assets linked to trafficking and money laundering. Since January 2025, security agencies have arrested 217 individuals and seized over 8,500 kilograms of narcotics. While celebrating these successes, the Minister noted that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has yet to submit its final report regarding alleged assassination attempts on Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng. As the Ministry awaits these findings, the government remains focused on professionalizing the security services, though the Minister noted a recent challenge where several recruits were dropped from training after becoming pregnant following their initial medical screenings.

SkyTrain case: Court gives accused more time to file defence
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High Court Grants Third Extension to Solomon Asamoah and Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi in $2 Million SkyTrain Trial

The Accra High Court has granted former officials of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), Solomon Asamoah and Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, a third extension to file their witness statements in the ongoing $2 million Accra SkyTrain case. The court has moved the deadline for the defense to September 23, 2026, providing the accused additional time to prepare their responses to charges of financial misconduct. This decision comes after the previous deadline of August 20, 2026, expired, further extending a legal process that began following allegations of improper use of public funds for an unrealized infrastructure project. Mr. Asamoah, the former Chief Executive of GIIF, and Professor Ameyaw-Akumfi, the former Board Chairman, face multiple counts including conspiracy to cause financial loss to the state and the dissipation of public funds. The prosecution's case centers on the allegation that $2 million was paid toward the Accra SkyTrain project without the necessary approvals from the GIIF Board. The Deputy Attorney-General, Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, strongly opposed the request for an extension, arguing that the accused had consistently failed to comply with the court's timelines and were causing unnecessary delays in the administration of justice. Legal representatives for the defendants argued that the extension was necessary due to pending applications they have filed at the Supreme Court. While the High Court maintained that filings at the apex court should not naturally serve as a stay of proceedings, the judge ultimately granted the request to ensure the defendants' right to a fair trial was preserved. Both Asamoah and Ameyaw-Akumfi have pleaded not guilty to all charges, maintaining that their actions regarding the SkyTrain project were within legal bounds. Following the filing of the witness statements in late September, the court has scheduled a case management conference to take place from October 5 to 7, 2026. This conference will be a critical step in setting the roadmap for the trial and determining the admissibility of evidence related to the project's feasibility and authorization. The case remains a high-profile matter in Ghana, as it touches on the accountability of public officials in managing state-led investment initiatives and the transparency of large-scale infrastructure procurement.

Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah Spearheads Mining Law Overhaul Amid Enforcement Scandals and Labor Disputes
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Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah Spearheads Mining Law Overhaul Amid Enforcement Scandals and Labor Disputes

The Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, is spearheading a major transformation of Ghana’s mining sector through significant legislative reforms and infrastructure development. At the heart of this strategy is a Cabinet-endorsed overhaul of the Minerals and Mining Act of 2006, which seeks to modernize regulations and strengthen state oversight. Central to these efforts is the recent commissioning of an ultra-modern Minerals Commission regional office in Kumasi, designed to decentralize operations and enhance service delivery for the Ashanti, Bono, and Ahafo regions. Deputy Minister Yusif Sulemana emphasized that these investments are vital for the responsible management of Ghana's rich mineral deposits and for maximizing economic returns for the state. Under the proposed legal reforms, mining lease durations will be reduced from 30 years to 20 years, and development agreements that previously shielded shell companies from certain taxes will be abolished. The government also aims to streamline licensing processes to attract genuine investors while improving transparency. However, these administrative gains are being met with resistance from the Ghana Mineworkers' Union (GMWU). Led by General Secretary Abdul-Moomin Gbana, the union has called for an immediate suspension of directives favoring contract mining over owner-mining. The GMWU warns that this shift has led to a rise in precarious employment, with over 95% of mining jobs now under contract, resulting in worker pay cuts of up to 50% and a significant reduction in benefits. On the enforcement front, the fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, remains a complex battleground of successes and systemic failures. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) recently conducted a high-impact sweep in Ablebo, Nzema East, where they destroyed 86 Chanfang machines and arrested three individuals to protect the Ankobra River. Conversely, the Blue Water Guards program has come under heavy fire from Akwasi Konadu, MP for Manhyia North. Following the arrest of nine guards for bribery and impersonation, Konadu described the program as a failed experiment and urged an independent audit. He argued that the government's focus on increasing personnel numbers has not translated into environmental protection, insisting on measurable outcomes over slogans and uniforms. Looking toward the future, the government is also positioning Ghana within the global energy transition by launching a major research project on critical minerals governance. Former Lands Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor highlighted the strategic importance of lithium, cobalt, and manganese in the clean energy supply chain. This initiative seeks to ensure that Africa’s role in providing essential minerals for electric vehicles and renewable technologies is grounded in justice and fairness. As the Ministry moves forward with reclamation exercises for abandoned sites and further decentralization, the balance between industrial modernization, labor rights, and environmental integrity remains the primary challenge for the Mahama administration’s mining agenda.