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.

Monetisation in politics is threatening democracy - Alban Bagbin
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Speaker Alban Bagbin and Regional Leaders Warn Against Rising Political Monetization and Corruption

Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and senior regional officials have issued a stark warning regarding the escalating influence of money in politics, arguing that the “financialization” of the democratic process is alienating ordinary citizens and undermining the integrity of governance across Africa. Speaking at the High-Level Regional Convening on the Financialization of Politics in Africa held in Accra, Bagbin emphasized that the rising costs of political participation have shifted the focus from ideas and public service to financial power. This trend, he noted, creates a distortion of democracy where only the wealthy can compete, leading to widespread public distrust and civic disengagement. He called for practical reforms in political financing to improve transparency and safeguard democratic integrity globally. Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, echoed these concerns, calling for urgent reforms to political financing laws to ensure that capable individuals—particularly women and youth—are not barred from leadership by exorbitant electoral costs. Ampem highlighted that the lack of a comprehensive legal framework for political financing remains a critical gap in Ghana’s governance. While the government is pursuing initiatives like the Conduct of Public Officers Bill and the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan to enhance transparency, he asserted that reforming how political activities are funded is a developmental necessity. Adding a regional perspective, Kwame Edem Senanu, Chairperson of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption, revealed that the AU is drafting a model law on political finance to assist the 49 member states that have ratified the anti-corruption convention in curbing unregulated financial practices and state capture. Beyond legislative frameworks, Speaker Bagbin underscored the moral dimensions of the crisis during a National Development Conference organized by the Church of Pentecost. He argued that the “greatest infrastructure any nation can build is the character of its people,” asserting that corruption cannot be defeated through legal sanctions alone as it is fundamentally a moral deficiency. Bagbin called for a national renewal centered on integrity, urging Ghanaians to support leaders who prioritize national interest over partisan gain and to nurture a generation of public servants who value truth over self-interest. This sentiment was supported by the Minister of Local Government, Ahmed Ibrahim, who expressed concern over a perceived moral decline within the nation’s education sector and broader society. Complementing these high-level calls for reform, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has intensified its grassroots efforts, targeting the youth as the vanguard of a corruption-free future. Marking African Union Anti-Corruption Day, GACC Executive Secretary Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh and regional focal person Mr. Emmanuel Anafo engaged with over 23,000 students across multiple districts, including Paga and Cape Coast. They encouraged students to adopt the “three Rs”—Refuse, Reject, and Report—when confronted with corrupt practices. By linking corruption directly to failing public infrastructure and public safety risks, the GACC aims to instill a culture of accountability and transparency. These combined efforts from the legislature, executive, and civil society signal a growing consensus that protecting Africa’s democratic future requires both structural financial reform and a fundamental moral reset.

Dealing with flood waste: President Mahama activates 6 idle Zoomlion stations
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President Mahama Leads Post-Flood Clean-Up as Minority Demands National Mourning and Long-Term Sanitation Policy

Following the devastating floods of June 29 that claimed approximately 30 lives and caused extensive property damage in Accra, President John Dramani Mahama has spearheaded a high-profile two-day National General Cleaning Exercise. The initiative, which saw active participation from the President and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on July 10 and 11, aimed to restore sanitation and clear debris across seven regions. To bolster these efforts, President Mahama ordered the immediate operationalization of six previously idle waste transfer stations managed by Zoomlion Ghana Limited in the Greater Accra Region, located in Achimota, Teshie, Kpone, Ashaiman, Pantang, and Adipa. While advocacy groups like AfriSAFE have praised the leadership shown during the exercise, the government faces mounting political pressure to move beyond temporary measures and address the systemic causes of urban flooding. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has been vocal in his criticism, labeling the two-day clean-up a "short-term fix" that fails to address underlying infrastructure deficits. During parliamentary proceedings on July 14, Afenyo-Markin urged the government to implement a comprehensive national sanitation policy focused on drainage and flood prevention. He also called for a formal period of national mourning to honor the victims of the June 29 disaster, criticizing the lack of an official national address and noting an inconsistency in the government’s response compared to previous tragedies. Complementing this call for accountability, the Minority has demanded separate ministerial briefings on the sustainability of the cleaning initiatives and the performance of the national team in the recent World Cup. On the operational front, the government has mobilized the military to assist in desilting drains and clearing waste to prevent disease outbreaks, with Deputy Minister for Defence Ernest Brogya Genfi emphasizing the necessity of logistical support from the private sector. Simultaneously, a strict enforcement of land-use regulations is underway. TDC Ghana Limited is set to begin demolishing illegal structures on the Sakumono Ramsar Site on July 15 to protect ecologically sensitive wetlands, while Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has ordered similar demolitions in Kumasi, targeting structures obstructing waterways. These actions are supported by environmental specialists like Dr. Kofi Anokye, who advocates for criminalizing the sale of unplanned land to prevent future obstructions of drainage systems. Beyond immediate recovery, national leaders are emphasizing long-term climate resilience and international engagement. Vice President Opoku-Agyemang has called for Ghana to strengthen its role in international climate negotiations to secure global financing, noting Africa's vulnerability despite low emissions. In a similar vein, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has pledged support for climate resilience initiatives aimed at empowering rural women through sustainable shea production. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the political discourse has shifted toward a dual-track approach: immediate structural enforcement and waste management, paired with a robust national policy framework to mitigate the impacts of the global climate crisis on Ghana’s urban and rural populations.

Ghana Honors Legacy of Late Dagbon Overlord Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II Following His Passing
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Ghana Honors Legacy of Late Dagbon Overlord Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II Following His Passing

The nation of Ghana is in mourning following the transition of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, the 41st Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, who passed away on July 11, 2026. His death has been described by the Government of Ghana and various state institutions as a significant national loss, marking the end of a transformative era for the Dagbon traditional area. The late Ya-Na, who ascended the throne on January 18, 2019, is widely credited with cementing a historic peace process that ended decades of intra-ethnic conflict and restored traditional authority in Northern Ghana. Tributes have poured in from the highest levels of government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, who praised the late ruler for his tireless efforts in promoting reconciliation and unity. Former President Nana Akufo-Addo and former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also expressed their condolences, highlighting the Ya-Na's pivotal role in ending the Dagbon crises and his reputation as a wise, selfless leader. The Presidency emphasized that his legacy of statesmanship and development would continue to inspire future generations, while former leaders reflected on the personal friendships and stable leadership the Overlord provided during his reign. The Parliament of Ghana and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs have also issued formal statements mourning the monarch. Minister Ahmed Ibrahim recognized the Overlord’s contributions to national unity and cultural preservation, noting that his leadership was essential in fostering socio-economic development within the Gbewaa Palace's jurisdiction. Parliament specifically commended his success in harmonizing the Abudu and Andani royal gates, urging the people of Dagbon to remain united during this difficult period and to honor the King’s memory by avoiding discord during the mourning process. In Yendi, the traditional seat of the Dagbon Kingdom, the Municipal Directorate has announced the temporary closure of all schools as a mark of respect and in accordance with local customary mourning practices. State officials and traditional authorities have called on the youth and the various royal families to uphold the late Ya-Na’s legacy of peace as the kingdom prepares for the succession process. The Ministry of Local Government has pledged full support to the Regent and the Dagbon Traditional Council to ensure a dignified mourning period and a transition that reflects the stability the late Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II worked so hard to achieve.

Justin Kodua Frimpong — NPP General Secretary
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Paul Afoko Launches National Chairmanship Bid as NPP Completes 88% of Constituency Elections for 2028 Reorganization

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has successfully conducted executive elections in 245 out of 276 constituencies, marking an 88.7% success rate in its nationwide effort to rebuild party structures following the 2024 general election defeat. NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong and Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have characterized the process as largely peaceful and a vital step toward the 2028 elections. However, the reorganization has not been without friction; elections in 31 constituencies remain in dispute, with 23 postponed and others, such as Tema East and Tema Central, halted by court injunctions. Violent disruptions were also recorded in Bantama and Ejura Sekyedumase, where media personality Okatakyie Kwame Afrifa Mensah and six others were arrested for allegedly attacking police and disrupting the polls. Amidst this grassroots restructuring, the race for national leadership has intensified with the formal entry of former National Chairman Paul Awentami Afoko. Launching his campaign in Accra, Afoko introduced a "3Rs" agenda—Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture Power—aimed at healing internal divisions and restoring the party's founding values. Afoko, who was suspended in 2015, publicly expressed forgiveness toward those involved in his past disciplinary issues and emphasized that his neutrality makes him the ideal candidate to bridge factional gaps. Concurrently, supporters of former General Secretary John Boadu are advocating for his leadership, citing his proven track record of stabilizing the party during previous periods of crisis and his ability to collaborate effectively with Flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. At the local level, several incumbents and new faces have emerged to lead their respective constituencies. In Tano North, Kakari Appau was retained as chairman, while Dr. Eugene Danquah Ofori-Appiah secured the chairmanship in Atwima Nwabiagya South with a pledge to create a database for youth job creation. Other notable victories include Muniru Tanko in Techiman South, Majeed Salifu in Sissala East, and Evans Kwame Buami as Second Vice Chairman in Ho Central. These newly elected officials are being urged to operate "open-door" administrations to maximize member participation and grassroots mobilization, particularly in the Ashanti Region, which Chairman Wontumi described as the party's "engine room" where they aim to secure over 85% of the vote. As the NPP prepares for the next phase of its internal elections, the broader political landscape for 2028 is already shifting with the emergence of new voices. For instance, 22-year-old law student Nana Agyeiwaa Baffoe-Bonnie Michaels has declared her candidacy for the Manhyia South parliamentary seat under The Base Movement Ghana, challenging traditional party dominance with a focus on youth unemployment and infrastructure. For the NPP, the coming months will be a test of whether the party can resolve its 31 constituency disputes and transition into a unified national executive body capable of overcoming the factionalism that Paul Afoko and other leaders warn could jeopardize their return to power.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye — Picked up by EOCO
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Dennis Miracles Aboagye Released on GH¢50m Bail Amid NPP Outcry Over Alleged GH¢55m Misconduct Investigation

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a prominent spokesperson for New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after meeting a stringent GH¢50 million bail. Aboagye, the former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport on July 11 upon his return to Ghana. The arrest follows a forensic audit and a subsequent petition alleging financial and procurement irregularities totaling approximately GH¢55 million during his tenure at the IMCCoD between 2022 and 2025. The investigation reportedly involves charges of conspiracy to steal, money laundering, and abuse of public office. The conditions of Aboagye's release have sparked intense legal and political debate. His legal team, including Samuel Atta Akyea and Kwesi Botwey Jr., condemned the GH¢50 million bail requirement—which demanded three sureties, two of whom must provide justified properties—as "cruel, oppressive, and unrealistic." They argued that the manner of his arrest and subsequent detention without immediate interrogation for over 48 hours undermined the rule of law. During the investigation, EOCO officials escorted Aboagye to his residence in Larteh Akuapem for a search operation. While EOCO maintains that the process is impartial and constitutional, they noted that a co-accused individual, former accountant Gerald Appiah, has already begun refunding some of the disputed funds. The NPP leadership has responded with significant backlash, characterizing the arrest as a politically motivated "Rambo-style" operation intended to silence a vocal government critic. NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin have called the EOCO's actions a threat to democracy, with the Minority in Parliament demanding a briefing from the Attorney General on the matter. Supporters gathered at the EOCO headquarters to protest the detention, while party stalwarts like Sylvester Tetteh warned that the "elephant" (the NPP) would not forget the perceived intimidation of its members. Conversely, critics from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have urged the public to allow state institutions to work, arguing that accountability for state funds must be prioritized over partisan loyalty. As the investigation continues, the case remains a high-profile example of the tensions between anti-corruption enforcement and political optics in Ghana. While Aboagye has now secured his temporary freedom, EOCO has indicated that the probe is ongoing and further actions may be taken as more evidence is processed. The situation sets a complex precedent for the treatment of political figures under investigation, raising broader questions about the fairness of bail conditions and the perceived independence of state investigative bodies in a highly polarized political environment.

Workers of China Jiangxi Engineering Ghana Limited working on a section of the Nkwanta-Oti Damango section of the upgrading of the Eastern Corridor Road
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Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Champions Law Enforcement Reforms as Ghana Advances Multi-Sectoral Security and Infrastructure Initiatives

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for a significant enhancement in public education regarding law enforcement to foster trust and compliance with Ghana’s legal systems. During a working visit to the Ministry of the Interior, the Vice President emphasized that community collaboration is vital for national safety. Interior Minister Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak reported substantial progress in this area, including the recovery of 73 assets linked to drug trafficking and the digitalization of ministry services. The Ministry has also been active in managing regional stability, recently revising curfew hours in the Nkwanta South Municipality to 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. to balance security needs with local peace-building efforts following advice from the National Security Council. On the legislative front, the government is facing mounting pressure from disability organizations to urgently approve the revised Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2026. Activists argue that the bill is essential to align national laws with international human rights standards and to protect the dignity of over 2.1 million citizens. Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has pledged his support for climate resilience initiatives aimed at empowering rural women in northern Ghana, specifically focusing on sustainable shea production. Parallel to these efforts, the Greater Accra Regional Ghana Bar Association has called for a "reboot" of corporate governance, shifting the focus from mere compliance to transparency and ethical leadership as part of broader judicial reforms intended to strengthen public confidence in democracy. Infrastructure development remains a cornerstone of the current administration’s agenda, though it faces challenges with contractor performance. Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza recently issued a stern warning to contractors on the Eastern Corridor Road project, particularly China Jiangxi Engineering Ghana Limited, for failing to deploy adequate resources to meet deadlines. In the energy sector, Minister John Abdulai Jinapor met with British High Commissioner Christian Rogg to discuss reforms in electricity distribution and renewable energy, highlighting plans for a Green Transition Fund. Additionally, the Ghana Armed Forces have launched a major modernization project at Burma Camp to replace aging barracks with modern housing units, while the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) announced a transition to digital number plates beginning in 2027. International relations and the welfare of Ghanaians abroad have also seen significant activity. The government is preparing to evacuate nearly 900 citizens from South Africa starting July 25, 2026, following registration after recent xenophobic incidents. This follows a successful program that has seen over 8,000 irregular migrants return from Libya since 2017. To further engage the youth in the diaspora, the government introduced the Diaspora National Service program, designed to reconnect young Ghanaians abroad with their heritage through cultural immersion. Amidst these developments, the U.S. Embassy in Accra has announced a temporary suspension of routine consular services from July 20 to July 31, 2026, for scheduled maintenance, though emergency services for citizens will remain active. As the political landscape evolves toward future elections, new voices are emerging in the constituency race. Nana Agyeiwaa Baffoe-Bonnie Michaels, a 22-year-old law student, has declared her candidacy for the Manhyia South parliamentary seat in 2028, running on a platform of youth employment and education reform. Her entry coincides with local government efforts to revitalize urban centers, including the restoration of streetlights in Bolgatanga and a firm directive from the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly for squatters to vacate unauthorized structures near the Asafo Interchange. These diverse administrative and political actions reflect a broader national push toward modernization and accountability under the government's current development agenda.

Nana Takyi Firi (3rd from left), Krontihene of the Techiman Traditional Council, presenting the signed document to Francis Owusu Antwi, Bono East Regional Minister
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Ghana Government and Traditional Authorities Move to Secure Land for Development Amidst Calls for Stricter Mining and Infrastructure Oversight

Government officials and traditional authorities across Ghana are intensifying efforts to secure land for public infrastructure while simultaneously addressing the neglect of state-owned properties and the unregulated sale of land. In the Bono East Region, the Techiman Traditional Council has formalized a Deed of Gift for 310 acres to the government to establish ministries and public agencies. This initiative, combined with 40 acres already held by the state, aims to rectify infrastructure deficits and enhance service delivery. However, this progress is contrasted by significant neglect in nearby Wenchi, where a newly constructed Judicial Service bungalow remains unoccupied and overgrown with weeds. Assembly Member Eric Osei has decried this as a waste of public resources, noting that the High Court Judge and other key staff are currently forced to reside in rented private accommodation while state facilities sit empty. Parallel to infrastructure management, the Ghanaian legislature is pushing for greater transparency in the extractive sector. Davis Ansah Opoku, Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), has called on the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to publish a comprehensive register of all mining leases granted to local and foreign firms. This demand for an updated register, including concession locations and operational status, is intended to help distinguish legitimate operations from illegal mining. While Opoku commended the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Minerals Commission for implementing most recommendations from recent audit reports, Deputy Minister for Lands Alhaji Yusif Sulemana is advocating for mandatory reclamation bonds to ensure mining operators fulfill their environmental restoration obligations. Simultaneously, state agencies are launching aggressive enforcement actions against illegal encroachment on ecologically sensitive lands. TDC Ghana Limited has announced plans to demolish unauthorized structures and shipping containers on the Sakumono Ramsar Site starting July 15, 2026, to mitigate flooding risks and protect wetland ecology. This move is mirrored in the Ashanti Region, where Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal structures behind the COCOBOD building in Kumasi. The Minister emphasized that the government's 'reset mandate' necessitates action against unauthorized constructions on waterways, regardless of how long they have existed, to prevent urban disasters. These developments have prompted calls for systemic policy reforms regarding land use and urban planning. Environmental specialist Dr. Kofi Anokye has urged the government to criminalize the sale of unplanned land, arguing that traditional landowners must be held accountable for the indiscriminate sales that lead to obstructed drainage systems and perennial flooding. As the government seeks to balance development with environmental protection, the collaboration between traditional councils, local assemblies, and national regulators remains critical in ensuring that public land is utilized effectively and that infrastructure projects do not fall into disrepair.

National Tributes Pour in Following Passing of Dagbon Overlord Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II
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National Tributes Pour in Following Passing of Dagbon Overlord Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II

Ghana is in a state of national mourning following the passing of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, the 41st Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, who died on July 11, 2026. Since ascending to the throne on January 18, 2019, the late Ya-Na was widely credited with steering the Dagbon Traditional Area through a historic period of reconciliation and peace. In an official statement, the Parliament of Ghana expressed deep sorrow, describing his death as a significant national loss and extending condolences to the Gbewaa Palace, the Dagbon Traditional Council, and the royal family. In a show of respect and adherence to local customs, the Yendi Municipal Directorate announced the temporary closure of all schools within the municipality during the initial mourning period. Political leaders from across the spectrum have united to celebrate the Ya-Na’s legacy of statesmanship. President John Dramani Mahama praised the late ruler for his pivotal role in restoring harmony between the Abudu and Andani royal gates after decades of conflict. Similar sentiments were echoed by Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who highlighted the Ya-Na’s wisdom and his unwavering commitment to community development and national unity. Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu further emphasized the Overlord's role as a unifier, urging the youth and the people of Dagbon to honor his memory by maintaining the peace he worked so hard to establish. The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, led by Minister Ahmed Ibrahim, has pledged full support to the bereaved family and the Dagbon community. The Ministry underscored the Ya-Na’s contributions to cultural preservation and socio-economic stability, noting that his leadership served as a model for traditional governance in the modern era. As the nation reflects on this loss, Parliament has urged all stakeholders to avoid discord during the succession process, emphasizing that the best tribute to the late King would be the continued stability of the Dagbon Kingdom. While the nation mourns, other significant political and judicial developments continue to unfold. In the Eastern Region, the Sra Langmasi Royals have called for the recusal of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie from the ongoing Yilo Krobo chieftaincy dispute to ensure public confidence in the judicial process. Meanwhile, in Wenchi, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia recently eulogized the late Dr. Kofi Abrefia Busia on his 113th birthday, celebrating the former Prime Minister’s legacy of intellectual leadership and service to the youth. Together, these events highlight a complex landscape of traditional transitions and the ongoing effort to preserve Ghana's political and judicial integrity.

Ghana Enhances Local Governance: New DVLA Office Opens in Salaga as GDCA Advocates for Increased District Funding
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Ghana Enhances Local Governance: New DVLA Office Opens in Salaga as GDCA Advocates for Increased District Funding

The Government of Ghana has taken a significant step toward decentralizing essential public services with the inauguration of a new Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) office in Salaga. The facility, commissioned to serve the East Gonja Municipality and surrounding areas, aims to alleviate the burden on residents who previously traveled long distances for vehicle registration and licensing. Member of Parliament for Salaga South, Hon. Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah, described the opening as a historic milestone that will foster local economic growth and reduce transportation costs. This move is part of a broader strategy to bring governance closer to the people, with discussions already underway to establish a Passport Application Centre and a Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) office in the municipality. While physical infrastructure expands, the Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA) is intensifying calls for a more robust fiscal framework to support local government entities. The GDCA has urged the central government to increase the constitutional minimum allocation to the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) from its current 5% to at least 10%. This recommendation comes in response to the Cabinet's approval of a new National Decentralization Policy, which suggests raising the allocation to 7.5%. The GDCA argues that the proposed increase is insufficient to meet the development needs of underserved communities and has criticized the central government for pre-committing funds before they reach the local level, thereby limiting the financial autonomy of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). In addition to fiscal reforms, the GDCA is advocating for structural changes to the local governance system, including the direct, non-partisan election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). The association believes that combining meaningful fiscal decentralization with democratic leadership at the local level is the only way to ensure effective service delivery. These advocacy efforts highlight a growing consensus among civil society organizations that local authorities must be empowered with both the legal mandate and the financial resources necessary to manage community development independently. Adding to the government's focus on transparency and service delivery, the Presidency Communications Directorate has announced that the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, will appear on the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The session, scheduled for 10:00 am, will provide the public with updates on government policies regarding land administration, resource management, and environmental protection. This initiative is designed to allow the ministry to address public concerns directly and outline priorities for the sector, reinforcing the administration's commitment to accountability. Together, these developments reflect a multifaceted approach to governance in Ghana, balancing the physical decentralization of services like the DVLA with high-level policy debates over fiscal autonomy and administrative transparency. As the government continues to expand its reach through new facilities and accountability sessions, the ongoing dialogue with organizations like the GDCA will be crucial in determining the future of local development. The success of these initiatives will likely depend on whether the government can match its infrastructure gains with the fiscal reforms necessary to sustain long-term growth across all districts.

Monetisation in politics is threatening democracy - Alban Bagbin
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Speaker Bagbin and Ghana’s Finance Ministry Demand Urgent Reforms to Halt the Monetization of African Politics

Ghanaian leadership and anti-corruption advocates are sounding an urgent alarm over the escalating influence of money in politics, warning that the 'financialization' of democratic processes is sidelining ordinary citizens and undermining the integrity of governance across Africa. Speaking at the High-Level Regional Convening on the Financialization of Politics in Accra, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, cautioned that rising political costs are creating insurmountable barriers for women, youth, and capable leaders without deep pockets. This trend, they argued, transforms democracy into a marketplace where financial power overshadows public service commitment, leading to widespread public distrust and civic disengagement. To combat these challenges, Deputy Minister Ampem emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive legal framework for political financing. While Ghana has introduced measures such as the Conduct of Public Officers Bill and a National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan, officials acknowledge that more robust transparency is required to curb opaque funding practices, vote-buying, and illicit financial flows. Kwame Edem Senanu, Chairperson of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption, echoed these calls, revealing that the AU is drafting a model law on political party financing to assist the 49 member states that have ratified the anti-corruption convention. These stakeholders argue that unregulated financial practices lead to state capture and distort electoral processes, making reform a critical developmental priority. Beyond legal and legislative frameworks, Speaker Bagbin has proposed a shift toward 'moral infrastructure,' asserting that corruption is fundamentally a moral deficiency that cannot be solved by legal sanctions alone. Speaking at a National Development Conference organized by the Church of Pentecost, Bagbin argued that the greatest infrastructure a nation can build is the character of its people. He urged a national renewal centered on integrity, calling for public servants to place service above self-interest and for political leaders to prioritize national progress over partisan gain. This sentiment was supported by the Minister of Local Government, Ahmed Ibrahim, who noted a worrying moral decline in society that requires a values-based intervention. Complementing these high-level calls for reform, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) is targeting the younger generation to foster a culture of integrity. During African Union Anti-Corruption Day celebrations, GACC officials reached out to thousands of students across dozens of districts, encouraging them to adopt the 'three Rs'—Refuse, Reject, and Report—when faced with corruption. By linking corruption to tangible consequences like poor public infrastructure and safety hazards, the GACC aims to instill accountability in future leaders. Collectively, these efforts represent a multi-tiered approach to safeguarding democracy, combining legislative reform, moral leadership, and grassroots education to ensure that merit, rather than money, defines the future of African governance.

Eric Opoku (3rd from left), Minister of Food and Agriculture, being conducted round one of the construction sites
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Minister Eric Opoku Highlights Economic Gains in Agriculture as Parliament Calls for Probe into Poultry Program Misuse

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has announced a significant economic milestone, reporting that food inflation in Ghana has dropped below four percent. This decline, described as a historic achievement not seen in decades, is attributed to intentional government investments and policy implementations aimed at reducing the cost of living. To further support the agricultural sector against global price hikes driven by geopolitical tensions, the government has distributed nearly 500,000 bags of free fertilizer to peasant farmers, who constitute the majority of the nation's farming population. This initiative aims to stabilize domestic food prices and enhance food security for households across the country. Infrastructure and corporate partnerships are also at the forefront of the Ministry's current agenda. The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) recently secured a GH¢1.068 million sponsorship from 3TREES Ghana Painting Ltd for the renovation of its national headquarters under the Brighten Ghana Initiative. Meanwhile, Minister Opoku recently inspected the Ekyeamamfrom and Konadu irrigation projects in the Kwahu Afram Plains, which are 85% and 96% complete, respectively. These projects are critical to reducing Ghana's $3 billion food import bill, although they face significant hurdles, including funding gaps and disruptions caused by Fulani herdsmen. The Minister has also promised an upcoming national address specifically targeting challenges within the tomato industry. Despite these advancements, the agricultural sector faces intense scrutiny over the management of public resources. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has officially called on the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate the 'Nkoko Nkitinkiti' poultry programme. The call for a probe follows admissions that some beneficiaries consumed the birds provided for rearing instead of using them to boost local poultry production. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that such misuse of state funds demands strict accountability. This controversy coincides with a new study, 'Youth in Just Food Systems Transitions,' which advocates for a bipartisan, long-term food systems policy to insulate agricultural development from political interference and better support the 40% of Ghanaian youth engaged in the sector. In a related effort to mitigate the environmental impact of illegal mining on agricultural and water resources, the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD) has committed GHS 8.4 million to rehabilitate water treatment systems in the Western and Central Regions. CEO Sammy Gyamfi clarified that while the current administration inherited these environmental challenges, they are committed to restoring water quality affected by severe siltation. These various initiatives—from infrastructure development and corporate partnerships to environmental restoration—underscore a complex national effort to modernize Ghana’s food systems while navigating the challenges of accountability and sustainable resource management.

Chairman Wontumi's lawyer seeks Supreme Court interpretation of Minerals and Mining Act
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Cabinet Approves Constitutional Review Proposals as Supreme Court Weighs Presidential Term Limits and Financial Sector Rulings

The Cabinet of Ghana has reached a significant milestone in the nation's governance by finalizing its deliberations on the Government’s Position Paper regarding the review of the 1992 Constitution. This progress marks a critical phase in constitutional reform, paving the way for formal announcements on several high-stakes recommendations. Among the key proposals under consideration are the extension of presidential terms from four to five years, the separation of the roles of Ministers of State from Members of Parliament, the establishment of an independent Emoluments Commission, and significant reforms to the appointment process for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine is expected to publish the Position Paper and provide a detailed public briefing in the coming week to outline the next steps for implementation. While the executive branch moves forward with reforms, the judicial branch is addressing fundamental questions regarding the presidency itself. Two individuals, Ganiwu Alhassan and Kenneth Kwabena Agyei Kuranchie, have filed separate suits at the Supreme Court seeking a definitive interpretation of Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution. The plaintiffs are challenging the current understanding of presidential term limits, specifically questioning whether the two-term restriction applies to non-consecutive terms. Kuranchie argues that a break of at least one electoral cycle should reset eligibility, a legal maneuver that follows his previous attempts to disqualify President John Mahama. The Attorney-General has been given 14 days to respond to these filings, which could reshape the eligibility criteria for future Ghanaian elections. In a parallel legal development affecting the financial sector, the Supreme Court has issued a stay of execution on a Court of Appeal ruling that ordered the Bank of Ghana to restore the operating licence of GN Savings and Loans Limited. The central bank had appealed the lower court's decision, which sought to reverse a revocation made during the 2017 financial sector clean-up. This suspension ensures that the status quo remains unchanged while the Supreme Court reviews whether the Bank of Ghana acted within its regulatory powers. The final verdict is expected to clarify the extent of the central bank's authority in licensing and oversight, carrying significant implications for other financial institutions affected by past reforms. Further intensifying the legal and political landscape, high-profile figures are facing scrutiny in the courts. Lawyers for the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi), are seeking a Supreme Court interpretation of the Minerals and Mining Act, arguing that provisions under which he is being prosecuted for unauthorized mining are unconstitutionally vague. Simultaneously, Nana Appiah Mensah of Menzgold has filed witness statements as his long-running fraud trial continues. Amidst these developments, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has issued a call for legislative leadership in the fight against corruption, urging Members of Parliament to enhance their oversight of public finances and political financing to ensure democratic integrity and transparency across all public institutions.