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.

Mahama Administration Accelerates Social Protection and Youth Empowerment Programs to Safeguard National Stability
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Mahama Administration Accelerates Social Protection and Youth Empowerment Programs to Safeguard National Stability

The administration of President John Mahama has intensified its social intervention and youth empowerment efforts, with a significant focus on poverty alleviation as a cornerstone for national security. The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, recently announced that over 70% of households currently under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme have significantly improved their living conditions and incomes. This progress is expected to result in the graduation of approximately 350,000 households from the scheme, allowing the government to enroll 400,000 new vulnerable families to ensure broader coverage and economic stability across the country. During an extensive monitoring tour of the Northern and North East regions, Dr. Lartey visited Savelugu, Kumbungu, and the Gambaga Alleged Witches Camp to oversee the latest LEAP enrolment exercises. She emphasized that the government's "Reset Agenda" prioritizes accurate targeting and data updates to ensure support reaches the most deserving households. By engaging with traditional authorities and local government executives, the Minister underscored the necessity of community-level collaboration to ensure that the social safety net effectively transitions families from dependency to self-sufficiency. Parallel to these social protection measures, the government is addressing youth unemployment as a critical security imperative. A study conducted by Catholic Relief Services and the National Peace Council highlighted that 86% of respondents in northern Ghana identify youth unemployment as the primary driver of violent extremism. In response, Malik Basintale, CEO of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), reaffirmed the agency's commitment to expanding opportunities, particularly in the Western North Region. Basintale noted that the YEA has already facilitated over 9,000 youth placements in sanitation modules and provided skills training to 30,000 individuals nationwide to mitigate the risks associated with social exclusion and radicalization. Complementing these economic and social efforts, several initiatives are underway to foster leadership and civic responsibility among the youth. Osman Ayariga, CEO of the National Youth Authority (NYA), recently sought the blessings of the National Chief Imam for an upcoming National Youth Conference aimed at uniting young Ghanaians in national development. Furthermore, the European Union has bolstered these efforts through its Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) Project, which recently graduated a cohort of young leaders trained in ethical governance. On the security front, WAANSA Ghana has restructured its technical leadership to better combat the proliferation of illicit small arms, calling for the passage of the National Small Arms Bill to further secure the nation’s peace.

Former Goldman Sachs Investment Banker/TOR MD, Asante Berko convicted of foreign bribery and money laundering
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Former TOR MD Asante Berko Convicted in U.S. Over $1 Million Ghana Power Plant Bribery Scheme

Asante Kwaku Berko, a dual U.S.-Ghanaian citizen and former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), has been convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, for his role in a multi-million dollar international bribery scheme. Following a nine-day trial, Berko was found guilty of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and money laundering. The charges relate to more than $1 million in bribes paid to Ghanaian government officials to secure a power plant deal for a Turkish energy company during Ghana's energy crisis. Berko, who previously served as an Executive Director at Goldman Sachs, faces up to 30 years in prison and remains in custody pending sentencing. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Berko used his position to subvert fair competition by facilitating financing and orchestrating illicit payments. To conceal the bribery, Berko and his co-conspirators utilized shell companies and fraudulent invoicing to move funds, including direct payments to the then-Ghanaian Minister of Power. U.S. authorities emphasized that the scheme was a calculated attempt to profit from a national energy crisis. Berko was extradited from the United Kingdom in July 2024 to face these charges, following an earlier civil action by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the same conduct. In related international legal developments, the U.S. justice system has moved against other high-profile political and corporate entities. A federal appeals court recently halted a $400 million ballroom construction project at the White House initiated by the Trump administration, asserting that the Executive Branch lacks the authority to make such modifications without Congressional approval. Simultaneously, the tech giant Meta has been ordered by a New Mexico judge to pay $567 million for child safety violations, while the state of New Jersey has launched a lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the exploitation of delivery drivers through low pay and restrictive working conditions. The conviction of Asante Berko represents a significant victory for international anti-corruption efforts and highlights the reach of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Assistant Attorney General Tysen Duva noted that the Department of Justice remains committed to combating corruption that undermines the integrity of global markets. For Ghana, the case underscores the ongoing challenges of transparency in large-scale infrastructure projects and the legal consequences for officials and executives who bypass ethical and legal standards to secure government contracts.

Some of the demonstrators
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Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin and NPP Supporters Lead 'Democracy Under Attack' Protest Against Mahama Administration

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) took to the streets of Accra in a massive demonstration themed 'Democracy Under Attack,' accusing President John Mahama’s administration of selective justice and the systemic abuse of state institutions. Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong, hundreds of demonstrators clad in red and black marched from the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to the Supreme Court, Parliament House, and the Jubilee House. The party presented petitions highlighting several grievances, including concerns over judicial independence following the removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Torkornoo and the perceived political persecution of opposition members through the legal system. Afenyo-Markin warned that the current administration's actions are undermining democratic principles and suggested that such 'selective justice' could set a dangerous precedent for future political transitions. A significant point of contention arose at the Jubilee House, where the NPP delegation initially faced challenges with media access and later expressed outrage over the government's reception of their petition. With President Mahama away attending a national inter-faith memorial service for the eight victims of a recent military helicopter crash, Senior Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Akyenpim Jantuah was delegated to receive the document. Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin sparked a firestorm of criticism by referring to Jantuah as a 'nobody' and questioning the government's seriousness. Jantuah, who defended her authority and professional standing, has since announced her intention to petition Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for a formal retraction, describing the remarks as a direct insult to both her office and the Presidency. The fallout from the protest has drawn sharp condemnation from various sectors of Ghanaian society. Abigail Elorm Mensah, Deputy Women’s Organiser of the NDC, and Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, Chairperson of Parliament’s Women’s Caucus, both labeled Afenyo-Markin’s comments as 'sexist' and an affront to women in leadership. The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) and the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) also issued statements calling for an apology, arguing that such discourse undermines the progress made in female political participation. Meanwhile, the NPP’s National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, defended the protest's timing, stating it was a scheduling oversight rather than a sign of disrespect toward the helicopter crash victims, as critics had suggested. In response to the demonstration, the government has remained largely dismissive. Mustapha Gbande, Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, characterized the NPP’s petition as 'meritless' and 'nonsensical,' asserting that the Mahama administration is focused on nation-building and will not be swayed by 'political distractions.' Despite this dismissal, spokespersons like Dennis Miracles Aboagye have urged the government to show greater tolerance for dissent, warning that a culture of intimidation could stifle free expression. As the NPP vows to continue defending its members against alleged persecution, former National Chairman Paul Afoko has signaled a long-term focus on the 2028 elections, emphasizing a 'Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture' strategy to restore the party to power.

Dr Zanetor Agyemang Rawlings, the Member of Parliament for Klottey Korle has been nominated for appointment as Minister of Environment, Science and Technology.
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President Mahama Reshuffles Cabinet and Parliamentary Leadership, Nominating Dr. Zanetor Rawlings and James Agalga

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a significant executive and parliamentary reshuffle aimed at stabilizing his administration and filling critical vacancies following the tragic military helicopter crash of August 2025. The changes, submitted to Parliament on August 7, 2026, include the high-profile nomination of Klottey Korle MP Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Minister-designate for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. This reshuffle marks a strategic realignment as the government continues its recovery from the loss of several senior officials, including the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Dr. Murtala Mohammed. Under the new arrangements, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has been reassigned from the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources to lead the Ministry of Defence, a portfolio where he previously served as Deputy Minister. Taking over his former role is Ahmed Ibrahim, the Member of Parliament for Banda, who moves from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs. Meanwhile, Mahama Ayariga, the outgoing Majority Leader, has been nominated to lead the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs. Security analysts have already urged the incoming Defence Minister to prioritize the welfare of Ghana Armed Forces personnel and address escalating security concerns along the northern frontier. The executive reshuffle has triggered a corresponding leadership change within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Majority Caucus in Parliament. James Agalga, the MP for Builsa North and former Deputy Minister for the Interior, has been appointed as the new Majority Leader, succeeding Mahama Ayariga. Additionally, Kweku George Ricketts-Hagan has been named Deputy Majority Leader. Agalga’s appointment has drawn both support and scrutiny; while some, including former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul, questioned his readiness for the top leadership post, Agalga has dismissed concerns of intimidation, asserting that his extensive experience as a committee chairman and ranking member has fully equipped him to lead the House. The suddenness of the leadership change in Parliament has sparked concern among legislative watchdogs. Dr. Rasheed Draman, Executive Director of the African Centre for Parliamentary Affairs (ACEPA), described the move as "shocking," warning that frequent reshuffles of senior parliamentary leadership can undermine the separation of powers and disrupt ongoing legislative reforms. Despite these concerns, government spokespersons maintain that the realignment is necessary to enhance administrative efficiency and ensure the effective delivery of the administration’s legislative agenda as the party prepares for future electoral cycles. All new ministerial nominees, including Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings and Mr. Ayariga, are now scheduled to appear before the Appointments Committee of Parliament for vetting. These appointments are seen as a vital step in restoring institutional capacity and public trust following a challenging period of administrative vacancies. As the House prepares to resume full legislative activities, the focus will remain on how the new leadership under James Agalga maintains caucus discipline and steers the President’s policy priorities through the vetting process and the subsequent legislative session.

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah — Chairman, NPP Policy Coordination Committee
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President Mahama Administration Defends Diesel Relief as NPP Demands Transparency Amid Wider Economic and Environmental Reforms

President John Mahama’s administration has come under scrutiny from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the sustainability of recent fuel price interventions and agricultural reforms. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Chairman of the NPP Policy Coordination Committee, has challenged the government’s GH¢2.00 per litre reduction in diesel prices, labeling it a "temporary measure" that fails to address long-term costs. In response, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, clarified that the relief is funded by reducing regulatory margins from the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) rather than using tax revenue, ensuring no negative impact on the national treasury. Despite this, the NPP remains vocal, urging greater transparency regarding the long-term fiscal impact on the energy sector and transport fares. Beyond fuel costs, the government is navigating significant tension within the cocoa and financial sectors. Abena Osei-Asare, MP for Atiwa East, has urged President Mahama to review the Cocoa Board Amendment Bill, arguing that provisions requiring ministerial approval for land use changes infringe on farmers' property rights. This comes as Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced a new framework to utilize unclaimed balances in dormant bank accounts for national development, pledging to protect ownership rights while enhancing fiscal discipline. To ensure institutional accountability, the Right to Information (RTI) Commission has recently imposed GH¢20,000 fines on 254 public institutions, including various MDAs and the 37 Military Hospital, for failing to submit their 2025 annual reports. The fight against illegal mining, or galamsey, remains a central flashpoint for the administration. While the Bono Regional Security Council (REGSEC) recently seized 11 excavators and 32 motorbikes in a targeted crackdown, the Berekum Environmental Protection and Anti-Galamsey Coalition has announced plans for a major demonstration on August 11, 2026, to protest ongoing land degradation and community intimidation. Meanwhile, in the Northern Region, security remains a concern as the Sagnarigu Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew on the Damankungyili and Nyeshie communities following violent clashes that resulted in one death and several injuries. In a solemn moment for the nation, President Mahama recently unveiled a cenotaph at the Ministry of Defence to honor the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, who died in a helicopter crash in August 2025. This act of national remembrance occurs alongside efforts to stabilize international relations; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently refuted rumors that Saudi Arabia has blacklisted Ghana from its tourist e-visa program. As the Busia Institute for Rural and Democratic Development (BIRDD) prepares for its annual lecture in London, new Afrobarometer data highlights a significant decline in partisan attachment among Ghanaians. This shift suggests a growing demand for political alternatives and more accountable governance as the nation moves forward under the Mahama administration.

Little was left of Woro after suspected jihadists attacked in February. By Light Oriye Tamunotonye (AFP)
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Nigeria Rescues 300 Abductees as Regional Tensions in Somalia and Security Threats in Germany Escalate

Nigeria's security forces have completed one of the largest single-day rescue operations in the country's history, successfully liberating over 300 abducted citizens from the Kainji Lake National Park. The joint operation, which involved the armed forces and police, rescued 163 individuals from the Woro community in Kwara State and 145 from Niger State. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the mission as a significant breakthrough in the fight against mass kidnappings and the insurgency led by groups like Boko Haram. This victory comes amid a backdrop of high ransom demands, with reports indicating that kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria generated approximately $1.66 million between mid-2024 and mid-2025. Meanwhile, in East Africa, tensions have reached a breaking point as armed forces from Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland state launched a "planned security operation" against federal government troops in Galkayo. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni described the assault as a necessary message to those opposing his regional administration, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing power struggle between regional leaders and the federal government. In Europe, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has sounded the alarm over what he describes as a "hybrid attack scenario" at Leipzig airport. Flights were suspended after a drone carrying an explosive device was discovered near a Ukrainian Antonov AN-124 transport aircraft. While police successfully neutralized the threat, investigations are intensifying into the origin of the device and the parties responsible. This incident coincides with heightened scrutiny of German domestic security following the burial of Abdul B, a 21-year-old Islamist attacker who killed one person and injured 31 during a Berlin Pride event. Authorities are facing difficult questions regarding why the assailant was at liberty despite a prior conviction for attempting to join ISIS and a video found on his phone pledging allegiance to the militant group. Simultaneously, Spain is grappling with the aftermath of a massive border crisis in the enclave of Ceuta, where between 3,000 and 5,000 migrants remain following a surge of nearly 78,000 arrivals from Morocco. The crisis, which resulted in at least 78 confirmed deaths by drowning, was reportedly fueled by a coordinated social media disinformation campaign that generated 11 million views by falsely claiming the borders were open. Ceuta’s leader, Juan Jesús Vivas, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Spanish government’s response, while European Union officials have criticized the slow national reaction to the humanitarian emergency. In southern Africa, the South African government is moving to tighten oversight on political figures as Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola proposed new regulations for former heads of state. The move follows a controversial visit to India by ex-President Jacob Zuma, where he met with businessman Ajay Gupta, a figure central to the corruption scandals that defined Zuma's previous presidency. These interconnected events underscore a global landscape increasingly defined by complex security threats, ranging from traditional armed insurgencies and regional secessions to the modern challenges of hybrid warfare and digital disinformation. While the successful rescue in Nigeria provides a momentary reprieve for hundreds of families, the broader regional instability in Somalia and the evolving nature of extremist threats in Germany suggest that state security apparatuses remain under significant pressure. Moving forward, governments in both Africa and Europe are emphasizing the need for improved intelligence-sharing and stronger early-warning systems to mitigate the risks posed by non-state actors and cross-border political interference.

Chief Directors urged to embrace digital tools, innovation for effective service delivery
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Acting Defence Minister Cassiel Ato Forson Commissions Modernized Military Facilities at Burma Camp to Boost GAF Readiness

The Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has commissioned several new facilities at Burma Camp in Accra, reaffirming the government’s commitment to modernising military infrastructure for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). The commissioning of the Butler Barracks accommodation and office complex on August 5, 2026, marks a significant step in the administration's strategy to enhance national security through improved welfare and operational readiness. During the ceremony, Dr. Forson emphasized that military effectiveness begins with the living and working conditions of personnel, linking their well-being directly to the broader goals of national development. The newly opened infrastructure includes modern accommodation blocks, training areas, classrooms, and a specialized music hall for the Ghana Armed Forces Central Band. Air Vice Marshal Joshua Mensah-Larkai, the Chief of Staff, highlighted these developments as essential investments in the morale and readiness of the GAF. Meanwhile, Brigadier General Jonas Wiafe provided technical specifications for the project and issued a stern warning against the misuse of the facilities, stressing that strict maintenance protocols would be enforced to ensure the longevity of the state’s investment. In a parallel effort to enhance public sector efficiency, the Head of the Local Government Service, Professor Lord Mensah, has urged Chief Directors of Regional Coordinating Councils to embrace digital tools and artificial intelligence. Speaking at a three-day orientation programme in Kumasi, Professor Mensah noted that innovation and technology are critical for improving transparency and service delivery across the country. The Ashanti Regional Minister also addressed the gathering, calling for a new era of competent, ethical, and results-oriented public service that moves beyond mere compliance to deliver actionable outcomes for citizens. Together, these initiatives reflect a dual-track strategy by the government to strengthen both the security and administrative foundations of the state. While the military upgrades at Burma Camp focus on physical modernization and personnel welfare, the push for digital transformation in local government seeks to streamline bureaucracy and combat corruption. Leaders from both sectors have been tasked with upholding the values of professionalism, integrity, and accountability to ensure that these modern resources translate into tangible benefits for the Ghanaian people.

Police MTTD tops bribe chart as GSS data shows corruption pressures rising
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Ghana Statistical Service Reports Governance Gains Amid Rising Bribery Pressures and Police Integrity Concerns

The Government Statistician, Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu, has announced that Ghana is witnessing measurable progress in governance, though he cautioned that these gains remain fragile. Speaking at the launch of the Governance Series Wave 3 Report in Accra, Dr. Iddrisu revealed that the overall annual bribery rate in the country fell from 18.4% to 16.8%. This improvement is mirrored by a significant rise in citizen engagement, with the proportion of Ghanaians who feel their voices are unheard in decision-making processes decreasing from 42% to 30%. Additionally, the report noted that interactions between the public and state officials have increased, with 72% of citizens now engaging with public service providers. Despite the positive annual trend, the report highlights a worrying surge in corruption pressures during the latter half of 2025. Data indicates that nearly 70% of Ghanaians encountered requests for unofficial payments while accessing public services by the end of the year. Within the second half of 2025 specifically, the proportion of citizens who actually paid bribes rose from 14.3% to 18%. The Ghana Police Service, particularly the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), was identified as the primary institution where citizens face the highest frequency of bribery demands. This dichotomy suggests that while systemic reforms are beginning to take root, the day-to-day experience of many Ghanaians remains fraught with corruption. To combat these persistent challenges, the Ghana Statistical Service is advocating for a more aggressive shift toward digitized service delivery. By reducing direct human interface in administrative processes, the GSS believes the opportunities for officials to solicit unofficial fees will be significantly curtailed. There is also a growing trend of citizen resistance, with more individuals reportedly refusing to pay bribes when asked. Dr. Iddrisu emphasized that the sustainability of Ghana’s governance reforms depends on strengthening reporting mechanisms and ensuring that public services are transparent, inclusive, and protected from the influence of petty corruption as the country moves forward under the current administration.

Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie Faces Petitions Over Decision to Conduct High-Profile Criminal Trials During Judicial Vacation
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Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie Faces Petitions Over Decision to Conduct High-Profile Criminal Trials During Judicial Vacation

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has sparked a significant legal debate following his decision to permit specific high-profile criminal trials to proceed during the traditional judicial vacation. This directive led Justice Francis Achibonga to schedule hearings for Hanan Abdul-Wahab and Kwabena Adu-Boahene for mid-August, after obtaining clearance from the Chief Justice. While the move appears intended to expedite the delivery of justice in corruption-related matters, it has met with stiff resistance from defense teams who argue that the arrangement deviates from established judicial norms and constitutional protections. Lawyers representing Abdul-Wahab and Adu-Boahene, including prominent legal figures Samuel Atta Akyea and Godfred Yeboah Dame, have formally petitioned the Chief Justice to reverse the ruling. Their petitions contend that vacation courts are traditionally reserved for motions and interlocutory matters rather than full criminal trials. The legal teams further argue that the sudden scheduling violates their clients' right to legal representation, as many of their lawyers have prior commitments during the break. They cautioned that selectively continuing specific cases could create a perception of unequal treatment within the Ghanaian justice system, urging a withdrawal of the warrants authorizing these sittings. In contrast, the Chief Justice’s decision has found support among anti-corruption advocates and legal scholars who prioritize judicial efficiency. Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni expressed strong approval of the move, suggesting that corruption trials should ideally continue even through holidays like Christmas to prevent systemic delays. Similarly, Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare dismissed allegations of selective case assignment as "simply false," clarifying that the designation of vacation judges is a customary practice. Prof. Asare emphasized that judges maintain discretionary powers in managing their calendars and advocated for a transition to year-round court sittings. The controversy has reignited a broader discussion regarding the relevance of the annual long judicial vacation in Ghana. Anti-corruption campaigner Vitus Azeem criticized the practice as outdated, noting that it exacerbates the significant backlog of cases in the superior courts. Azeem argued that the historical justifications for the break are no longer valid and proposed a rotational leave system for judges to ensure the court remains operational throughout the year. As the judiciary balances the need for speed against the procedural rights of the accused, this standoff underscores a growing demand for structural reforms within the country's legal administration.

Ghanaian Municipalities Intensify Demolitions at Laboma, Agbogbloshie, and Kumasi to Tackle Flooding and Urban Disorder
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Ghanaian Municipalities Intensify Demolitions at Laboma, Agbogbloshie, and Kumasi to Tackle Flooding and Urban Disorder

The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) are set to launch a significant new phase of demolition exercises next week, targeting illegal structures at Laboma and Agbogbloshie to mitigate persistent flooding in the capital. Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Ocloo, emphasized that the initiative is a direct response to the devastating floods of June 29, which highlighted the critical need to reclaim waterways and restore buffer zones. The government’s strategy focuses on removing unauthorized buildings that obstruct the free flow of stormwater and dismantling structures that have encroached upon vital drainage infrastructure to ensure the long-term enforcement of planning regulations. In Agbogbloshie specifically, the AMA has called upon the Ministry of Works and Housing to expedite the clearing of the Galloway drain buffer zone. According to Solomon Noi, the AMA's Head of Waste Management, squatters have occupied approximately 50 meters of this essential area, which has not only blocked desilting and dredging operations but has also turned the zone into a hotspot for illegal waste disposal. The Assembly warns that without immediate action to reclaim this buffer, the capital’s flood mitigation efforts will remain severely compromised, leaving residents and businesses vulnerable to the impact of future heavy rains. Simultaneously, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) is navigating the political fallout of its own demolition efforts at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Mayor Richard Kwasi Ofori Boadi Agyemang recently dismissed allegations suggesting he had a personal financial stake in the installation of new prefabricated containers at the site. While the KMA maintains that the clearing of unauthorized stalls was necessary to restore order and improve sanitation, the swift appearance of new foundations for stalls has sparked public suspicion. The Mayor clarified that the KMA is not benefiting financially from the project and that only 14 compliant traders will be permitted to return, aiming to modernize the area while minimizing fire risks and dismissing speculations of favoritism. These coordinated and often controversial actions across Ghana’s major metropolitan areas signal a toughening stance by local authorities on urban planning and public safety. By enforcing planning regulations and removing illegal encroachments, the government aims to create more resilient urban environments. However, as seen in both Accra and Kumasi, these exercises face significant challenges, ranging from the displacement of squatters and traders to public skepticism regarding the transparency of rebuilding projects. The success of these initiatives will depend on the government’s ability to balance strict enforcement with sustainable urban development and clear communication with affected communities.

President Zelenskyy Appeals for Urgent Air Defenses Following Deadly Russian Missile Strikes and Ukrainian Counter-Attacks on Oil Refineries
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President Zelenskyy Appeals for Urgent Air Defenses Following Deadly Russian Missile Strikes and Ukrainian Counter-Attacks on Oil Refineries

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has reached a critical escalation as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed a series of strategic drone strikes on major Russian oil refineries, while simultaneously mourning the loss of at least 17 civilians in a devastating missile barrage on Kyiv. The Russian strike, which involved 28 ballistic missiles, notably overwhelmed Ukrainian defenses, with the national air force reporting zero successful interceptions. This failure highlights a dire shortage of air-defense ammunition and equipment, which Zelenskyy attributed to a 66% drop in foreign military supplies compared to the previous year. The attacks on Kyiv primarily targeted military logistics hubs and the Kvitneva station in Brovary, leaving 44 others wounded as the war enters its fifth year. In a tactical expansion of its aerial campaign, Ukrainian forces successfully targeted the Bashneft-Novoil refinery in Bashkortostan and the Slavneft-Yanos refinery in Yaroslavl. These long-range strikes, described by local Russian officials as the largest drone operation of the conflict to date, were intended to disrupt the oil revenues Moscow uses to finance its military operations. Beyond the refineries, Ukrainian forces also targeted Russian naval assets in the Black Sea, including patrol boats and vessels belonging to a "shadow fleet" used for oil exports. President Zelenskyy emphasized that these operations are necessary to bring Russia to the negotiating table by impacting its economic stability. In immediate retaliation for the refinery strikes, Russian forces launched a series of heavy bombardments across several Ukrainian regions, resulting in at least 11 additional civilian deaths. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as long-range shelling destroys infrastructure, contradicting Kremlin claims of a controlled war of attrition. With winter approaching, Ukrainian officials are expressing grave concerns regarding the vulnerability of the nation's power grid and civilian safety. Zelenskyy has intensified diplomatic discussions with NATO and international partners, including Finnish leadership, to secure high-altitude interceptors specifically designed to counter ballistic threats like the Iskander-M missile. As the conflict persists, the strategic landscape is increasingly defined by this cycle of high-stakes long-range strikes. While Ukraine demonstrates an increasing capability to hit targets deep within Russian territory, its domestic security remains fragile due to the depletion of air defense stocks. The future of the conflict now hinges on the speed of international military aid and the success of diplomatic efforts to bolster Ukraine's defensive perimeter before the peak of the winter season.

Oppong Nkrumah Demands Transparency Over $1.7 Billion Gold Purchase Losses as Government Defends Strategy
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Oppong Nkrumah Demands Transparency Over $1.7 Billion Gold Purchase Losses as Government Defends Strategy

A sharp political divide has emerged in Ghana’s Parliament following an International Monetary Fund (IMF) report revealing that the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) incurred losses exceeding $1.7 billion in 2025. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy Committee, has formally called for full disclosure regarding the monetary financing of the scheme, which represents approximately 1.5% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). While the programme was designed to bolster foreign exchange reserves, the scale of the financial deficit has sparked intense debate over the transparency of the central bank's liquidity measures and the potential long-term burden on Ghanaian taxpayers. Representing the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) perspective, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah emphasized that while the accumulation of gold reserves is a valid economic objective, the lack of transparency surrounding the total funds injected into the programme is deeply concerning. Speaking on the matter, he urged the Bank of Ghana to reveal the full extent of the financing arrangements to allow for a thorough assessment of the programme's impact on the wider economy. The Minority Caucus has signaled its intention to maintain rigorous scrutiny of the data, questioning whether the deferred costs of these losses will eventually lead to significant fiscal challenges for the current administration. Conversely, Attah Issah, the Member of Parliament for Sagnarigu, has mounted a robust defense of the DGPP, characterizing the financial losses as a "necessary sacrifice" for broader macroeconomic stability. Mr. Issah argued that the programme has played a pivotal role in restoring Ghana’s economic health, pointing to the dramatic reduction in inflation—which plummeted from a high of 54% to approximately 5%—and the subsequent stabilization of the cedi. He maintained that the government was aware of the fiscal costs associated with stabilization from the outset and argued that the benefits of curbing gold smuggling and rebuilding foreign reserves far outweigh the reported financial losses. Adding a technical perspective to the debate, Ken Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, has called for the Ghana Gold Board to significantly enhance its traceability systems. Mr. Ashigbey noted that for the DGPP to be truly effective and sustainable, the state must ensure that gold entering the formal market is not sourced from illegal mining operations. He advocated for increased resources for the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to combat 'galamsey' and suggested that stronger enforcement against illegal actors is essential to protect the integrity of the formal gold industry and the environment. As the government under President John Mahama continues its efforts toward economic recovery, the controversy over the DGPP highlights the ongoing tension between immediate stabilization tactics and long-term fiscal transparency. The debate is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as Parliament reviews the Bank of Ghana's financial reporting. Moving forward, the focus will likely remain on whether the executive can justify the multi-billion dollar cost of the gold programme to a public concerned about the transparency of state-led economic interventions.