Ghana News
Ghana News Live Blog: Key Updates Throughout Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Stay tuned! This page will be updated as more developments unfold. Below are concise news summaries of key stories of interest to Ghanaian and global readers.
Ofori-Atta’s High-Profile Immigration Hearing to Public
A United States immigration court barred public access to proceedings involving former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, citing sensitive issues surrounding his immigration case. The development means the public interest case will be held in private, further heightening international attention on the matter. 🔗 Read more: https://ghananewsglobal.com/setback-lawyers-cause-judge-to-close-ofori-attas-high-profile-immigration-hearing-to-public/
Ghana signs Historic 24-Hour Local Gold Refining Deal
Ghana has taken a major step to strengthen local value addition in its extractive sector with the signing of a historic gold refining agreement between the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and Gold Coast Refinery in Accra. The agreement was formally signed on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at GoldBod’s headquarters in the former Bank of Ghana building. According to details shared with journalists by GoldBod, the deal marks the first time the Government of Ghana has entered into a formal gold refining agreement with a locally based refinery, a move officials say could significantly reshape the country’s gold value chain. 🔗 Read more: https://ghananewsglobal.com/turning-point-for-ghanas-gold-sector-as-historic-24-hour-gold-refinery-deal-signed/
Agradaa Apologises, Pays GH¢100,000 to Settle Defamation Case with Empress Gifty
Evangelist Patricia Asiedu, popularly known as Agradaa, has issued a public apology and paid GH¢100,000 to gospel musician Empress Gifty as part of a mutual settlement of a high-profile defamation lawsuit. The case, which stemmed from comments Agradaa made on social media, was resolved out of court, bringing an end to months of public legal tension between the two figures.
🔗 Read more: https://www.graphic.com.gh/entertainment/showbiz-news/agradaa-apologises-and-pays-ghc100-000-to-empress-gifty-for-mutual-settlement-of-defamation-case.html
NPP’s Valentino Nii Noi Nortey Arrested in U.S. Over Alleged Stabbing of Wife
Valentino Nii Noi Nortey, identified as a member of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been arrested in the United States for allegedly stabbing his wife. Authorities say the incident is under active investigation, with legal proceedings expected to follow under U.S. law. The development has sparked public reaction both in Ghana and abroad.
🔗 Read more: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/npps-valentino-nii-noi-nortey-arrested-in-us-for-allegedly-stabbing-wife.html
Burst 42-Inch Transmission Line Disrupts Water Supply in Tema and Eastern Accra
Residents across Tema and parts of Eastern Accra are experiencing water shortages following the burst of a 42-inch transmission pipeline. The Ghana Water Company Limited has outlined affected communities and says repair works are underway to restore supply as quickly as possible.
🔗 Read more: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/burst-42-inch-transmission-line-disrupts-water-supply-across-tema-and-eastern-accra-see-the-affected-areas.html
Fire Destroys Dozens of Shops Near Circle VIP Station
A major fire outbreak near the Circle VIP transport terminal in Accra has destroyed dozens of shops, causing significant losses for traders. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze, but many business owners were left counting heavy financial losses as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
🔗 Read more: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/dozens-of-shops-razed-as-fire-breaks-out-near-circle-vvip-station.html
Notorious Drug Dealer Arrested in Budumburam by NACOC
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested a suspected notorious drug dealer in Budumburam, a community long associated with drug-related activity. Authorities say the arrest forms part of broader efforts to dismantle drug networks and reduce narcotics trafficking in the area.
🔗 Read more: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/budumburam-notorious-drug-dealer-arrested-by-nacoc.html
Police Probe Fatal Shooting Involving Female Officer at Weija
The Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into a fatal shooting incident at Weija involving a female police officer. Details surrounding the circumstances remain limited, but officials say the probe will establish the facts and determine any accountability.
🔗 Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/police-probe-fatal-shooting-involving-female-officer-at-weija/
Why Over 98% of Lands in Ghana Cannot Be Registered — Appeal Court Justice
An Appeal Court Justice has disclosed that more than 98% of lands in Ghana cannot be registered with a title, citing legal, customary and documentation challenges. The remarks have reignited debate over land administration reform and property rights in the country.
🔗 Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/heres-why-over-98-of-lands-in-ghana-cannot-be-registered-with-a-title-appeal-court-justice/
Parliament to Resume Sitting on February 3
Ghana’s Parliament is set to resume sittings on February 3, following a recess. Lawmakers are expected to take up pending legislation, committee work and national policy debates as the new session begins.
🔗 Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/parliament-to-resume-on-february-3/
Minority Demands Ablakwa’s Removal Amid U.S. Visa Freeze Concerns
The Minority in Parliament is calling for the removal of Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, citing what they describe as diplomatic failures following a reported U.S. visa freeze. The demand has intensified partisan debate over Ghana’s foreign relations and diplomatic strategy.
🔗 Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/us-visa-freeze-minority-demands-ablakwas-sacking-over-diplomatic-failures/
Gospel Music Legend Yaw Sarpong Passes Away
Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician and choral director Yaw Sarpong has passed away, sparking an outpouring of tributes across the country. Widely regarded as a pioneer of contemporary gospel music in Ghana, his influence shaped generations of musicians and worshippers.
🔗 Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/gospel-legend-yaw-sarpong-passes-away/
U.S. Embassy Opens Thousands of Visa Appointment Slots in Ghana
The U.S. Embassy in Ghana has announced the opening of thousands of new visa appointment slots, offering relief to applicants facing long waiting periods. The move is expected to ease backlogs and improve access to U.S. visa services for Ghanaians.
🔗 Read more: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/US-Embassy-opens-thousands-of-visa-appointment-slots-2018128
Ex-Finance Minister Ofori-Atta to Face U.S. Court as Ghana Seeks Extradition
Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is scheduled to appear before a U.S. court on January 20, 2026, after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement determined his visa status was revoked — a decision linked to ongoing investigations by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor. Ghana is pushing for his extradition to face legal proceedings related to the SML case, with authorities in both countries reportedly cooperating. Former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu is also expected in court on a related extradition matter.
Prince Kofi Amoabeng Open to Public Service, Sets Clear Conditions
Business figure and former UT Bank CEO Prince Kofi Amoabeng says he isn’t actively seeking a government role but would consider public service if terms align with his capacities and values. At nearly 74, Amoabeng states that any future engagement must allow him to fully commit, stressing impact over position amid renewed discussions about his potential contributions to national development.
🔗 Full story: https://www.myjoyonline.com/amoabeng-open-to-public-service-but-sets-clear-conditions/
Medical Kalabule: Ridge Hospital Patient Exploitation Detailed
An investigative exposé by The Fourth Estate sheds light on troubling practices at Ridge Hospital, where some surgeons allegedly direct patients to private pharmacies for costly surgical consumables that the public facility already owns. The report profiles multiple cases, including a patient spending the equivalent of over GHC 103,000 on supposed neurosurgical supplies — far above what the hospital received — raising concerns about pricing inconsistencies, procurement bypasses, and patient exploitation. (The Fourth Estate)
🔗 Full story: https://thefourthestategh.com/2026/01/medical-kalabule-inside-ridge-hospitals-system-that-exploits-patients-part-one/
Mining Industry Warns Reforms Could Deter Investment
Ghana’s proposed mining tax and royalty reforms — including scrapping stability agreements and increasing royalties to potentially 12% — risk discouraging investment and slowing gold output, the Chamber of Mines warns. While the government aims to boost revenues and tighten oversight, the industry body cautions that an overly aggressive fiscal framework could stall projects and cost jobs in Africa’s largest gold producer. (MyJoyOnline)
🔗 Full story: https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghanas-mining-reforms-risk-choking-investment-says-industry-body/
IES Defends National Petroleum Authority Price Floor Amid Fuel Pricing Debate
The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has backed the NPA’s price floor policy, asserting it helps stabilize Ghana’s petroleum market, prevent predatory pricing, and protect smaller oil marketers. The defence responds to claims that removing the floor would lower fuel costs, with IES calling for informed, evidence-based debate rather than oversimplified public narratives. (MyJoyOnline)
🔗 Full story: https://www.myjoyonline.com/ies-defends-npa-price-floor-policy-amid-debate-over-fuel-pricing/
Man Arrested for Allegedly Stabbing Relative in Eyes in Western North Region
Police in the Juaboso District have arrested a 55-year-old man, William Gyamfi, for allegedly stabbing a relative in both eyes with scissors during a domestic dispute in Sefwi Abrokofe. The victim is receiving emergency medical care, and residents are urging law enforcement to ensure thorough investigation and justice. (MyJoyOnline)
🔗 Full story: https://www.myjoyonline.com/man-arrested-for-allegedly-stabbing-relative-in-both-eyes-in-domestic-dispute/
Kennedy Agyapong Criticizes Bawumia Over Misattributed Comment
Flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Agyapong has publicly attacked former VP Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of making a contentious comment originally made by NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Wontumi. The misattribution has drawn social media criticism, with many observers questioning Agyapong’s claims and rhetoric within the New Patriotic Party’s internal dynamics. (MyJoyOnline)
🔗 Full story: https://www.myjoyonline.com/kennedy-agyapong-attacks-bawumia-over-wontumis-comment/
Government Probes Auction of 300 Metro Mass Transit Buses
The government has launched an investigation into the controversial auction of 300 buses from Metro Mass Transit, amid concerns about transparency, value for money, and proper procedures. Authorities are reviewing the process to determine accountability and ensure public resources are managed effectively. (CitiNewsroom.com)
🔗 Full story: https://citinewsroom.com/2026/01/govt-launches-probe-into-auction-of-300-metro-mass-transit-buses/
Three More Suspects Arrested in Adabraka Gold Robbery Case
Police have apprehended three additional suspects in connection with the Adabraka gold robbery, bolstering efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in high-value thefts. The arrests follow ongoing operations in Ashaiman and reflect intensified law enforcement action on organised crime. (CitiNewsroom.com)
🔗 Full story: https://citinewsroom.com/2026/01/adabraka-gold-robbery-three-more-suspects-picked-up-in-ashaiman/
Accra, Ghana – MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer Stephen Blewett has raised serious concerns about the escalating wave of fiber-optic cable sabotage and damage, revealing that recent incidents have knocked 157 network sites offline and severely degraded service for millions of customers across the country.
Speaking at the MTN Ghana Accra Media and Stakeholder Forum on April 17, 2026, Blewett described fiber cuts as one of the biggest operational challenges currently facing the company.
He explained that because fiber cables serve as the critical backbone linking multiple cell towers to the core network, a single cut — often caused by road construction or deliberate theft — can trigger widespread connectivity failures across entire suburbs and commercial areas.
“It’s not really just talking about cutting fiber to someone’s home,” he said. “When you cut fiber, you bring down all those sites, and that’s problematic.”
The disruptions are driven by two main factors: uncoordinated road expansion works and acts of vandalism or theft. Blewett noted that such incidents are not minor inconveniences but major threats to reliability, affecting businesses, hospitals, emergency services, and everyday users.
Despite MTN’s heavy investment in 4G and 5G infrastructure, the physical vulnerability of the fiber network continues to undermine service quality.
The CEO called for fiber-optic cables to be classified as Critical National Infrastructure to impose stricter legal penalties and urged better coordination between construction agencies and telecom operators.
As Ghana pushes its Digital Ghana agenda, analysts say resolving this “perennial headache” is essential for maintaining a robust and reliable digital economy.
Ghana News
Woman Demands GH¢150,000 from UK ‘Borga’, MTN Reveals Massive Fiber Sabotage and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We are bringing you the most relevant stories from Ghana today to keep you updated. Stories include an interesting dispute between a woman and her UK-based partner, revelations about major telecom infrastructure sabotage, health alerts on Mpox, and other key national developments.
Woman Demands GH¢150,000 from UK ‘Borga’ After He Allegedly Failed to Marry Her
Esther Latebia, a mother of two from Kasoa, is demanding GH¢150,000 in compensation from Mr Osei, a UK-based Ghanaian known locally as a “borga,” after he allegedly failed to honour his promise of marriage following a six-year romantic relationship conducted mainly through video calls. According to her account shared on Nhyira FM’s Obra Show, Mr Osei promised to build her a house, buy her a taxi for work, waive her rent until the house was completed, and support her two children until they completed tertiary education or found jobs. He also promised to marry her as his second wife. After six years, he reportedly changed his mind and withdrew all commitments, leaving her feeling used and seeking redress.
Read the full story here
A Muslim Woman’s Vision of the Second Coming of Jesus: A 30-Year Burden Finally Told
A 69-year-old Muslim woman from Ghana has finally shared a powerful spiritual vision she received in the 1990s about the second coming of Jesus Christ, a 30-year secret she kept due to fear, community pressure, and misunderstanding from both Muslims and Christians. In the vision, she stood in a massive global market where people were trading gold, diamonds, and engaging in various activities when a divine presence behind her instructed her to tell the world that “Jesus Christ is coming — very soon.” Despite the urgent message echoing across the market, no one seemed to notice or listen. The experience left her in uncontrollable tears the next morning, leading to years of isolation as she struggled to understand why, as a Muslim, she would receive such a message.
Read the full story here
157 Sites Disrupted – MTN CEO Reveals Massive Scale of Fibre Cable Sabotage
MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett has revealed that recent fibre-optic cable sabotage has knocked 157 network sites offline, causing widespread connectivity failures across multiple suburbs and affecting millions of customers. Speaking at the MTN Ghana Accra Media and Stakeholder Forum on April 17, 2026, he described fibre cuts — caused by uncoordinated road construction and deliberate theft or vandalism — as a “serious threat” to seamless service delivery. The interconnected nature of the infrastructure means a single cut can bring down numerous cell towers, disrupting businesses, hospitals, and emergency services. MTN is advocating for fibre-optic cables to be classified as “Critical National Infrastructure” to impose stricter penalties and is calling for better coordination of construction schedules.
Read the full story here
CHASS Warns Schools May Shut Down Over Free SHS Feeding Crisis
The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has warned that many Senior High Schools could be forced to shut down if the current crisis in the Free SHS feeding programme is not urgently addressed. School heads report severe delays in the release of feeding grants, leaving them unable to provide meals for students and forcing some schools to rely on credit from suppliers. The situation has created significant operational challenges and raised concerns about the sustainability of the flagship education policy. CHASS is calling on the government to release outstanding funds immediately to prevent further disruption to academic activities.
Read the full story here
Ghana’s NTEs Hit $5.006 Billion in 2025
Ghana’s Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) reached a record $5.006 billion in 2025, representing a more than 30% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare. Launching the 2025 Ghana Export Promotion Authority report in Accra, the minister described the growth as strong evidence that the country’s export diversification agenda is gaining momentum. NTEs now account for about 16% of Ghana’s total export earnings, signalling a gradual shift away from heavy dependence on traditional commodities like gold, oil, and cocoa. The government continues to support exporters through improved production capacity, quality standards, and access to finance via the Ghana EXIM Bank.
Read the full story here
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang in Spain to Participate in Fourth High-Level Meeting
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has arrived in Barcelona, Spain, to participate in the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the Initiative “In Defence of Democracy.” She was received by members of the Ghanaian community in Spain, led by Ghana’s Ambassador to Spain, Madam Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe. The Vice President is expected to join global leaders in high-level discussions focused on strengthening democratic governance and advancing collective efforts to safeguard democratic values worldwide.
Read the full story here
Ghana Health Service Confirms Over 1,000 Cases of Mpox
The Ghana Health Service has confirmed four new cases of Mpox, bringing the national total to 1,062 as of April 11, 2026. No new hospital admissions have been recorded, while the death toll remains at eight. Surveillance is ongoing across all 16 regions, with health teams actively monitoring to prevent further spread. Mpox is transmitted mainly through close physical contact, and the public has been advised to maintain strict hygiene, avoid contact with unusual rashes, and seek early medical care for flu-like symptoms.
Read the full story here
Accra, Ghana – The Government of Ghana has formally initiated high-level diplomatic engagements with Singapore to establish a permanent embassy in the Asian financial and technology hub, marking a strategic expansion of its global diplomatic presence.
The announcement follows a working visit by a Ghanaian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs James Gyakye Quayson to Singapore from April 10 to 15, 2026.
During discussions with Singapore’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development, Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Ghana officially conveyed its intention to open a resident mission.
The proposed embassy aims to enhance consular services for Ghanaian nationals, facilitate trade and investment flows, and deepen institutional cooperation in technology, capacity building, and economic development.
This move forms part of a broader foreign policy drive by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish new diplomatic missions and permanent chanceries in strategic locations, while reducing heavy reliance on rented premises that currently cost the state around $15 million annually.
Earlier commitments outlined at the 2025 Conference of Heads of Mission include opening missions in Massachusetts (USA), Dublin (Ireland), Lisbon (Portugal), and Singapore by 2026. Recent developments under this agenda include the opening of a new chancery in Ethiopia in February and planned missions in Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Serbia, and Hungary.
Singaporean authorities welcomed the proposal and expressed strong commitment to expanding bilateral ties with Ghana. Officials from both sides see the new mission as a platform to boost South-South cooperation and tap into Asia’s dynamic economic opportunities.
The establishment of the embassy is expected to be completed within the government’s 2026 diplomatic expansion timeline.
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Again Amid Stalled Peace Talks
MTN Ghana Reveals Massive Fiber Cable Sabotage Crisis Disrupting 157 Network Sites
Woman Demands GH¢150,000 from UK ‘Borga’, MTN Reveals Massive Fiber Sabotage and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
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