Ghana News
Google Unlocks Virtual Tours of Ghana’s UNESCO Sites and Asante Heritage
A decade after first bringing Street View to the “Gateway to Africa,” Google has returned with its most ambitious imagery update yet, deploying next-generation camera technology to offer the world a sharper, more vivid digital window into Ghana’s urban hubs and historic coastlines.
Announced on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the major expansion provides deeper and broader coverage across Ghana’s largest cities, national highways, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and scenic nature reserves.
The tech giant aims to keep Google Maps fresh and comprehensive while making the country’s rich cultural tapestry globally accessible via a mobile device or desktop computer.
“We are thrilled to share a major imagery update across Ghana, featuring an expanded coverage of the country’s bustling cities, national highways, and historic heritage sites,” said Cynthia Wei, Street View Program Manager at Google.
From Kejetia Market to Coastal Forts

The latest refresh allows users to stroll through the vibrant streets of Accra and Kumasi digitally. Urban explorers can now view the striking, ship-like architecture of the National Theatre of Ghana, navigate the sprawling, colorful stalls of Kumasi’s famous Kejetia Market, or take a virtual tour outside iconic athletic venues like the Accra Sports Stadium and Baba Yara Stadium.
Beyond city centers, the imagery charts major highways, allowing users to virtually drive the N10 north through Tamale or follow the N12 and N2 highways to explore the eastern and western regions. Utilizing Google’s upgraded, ultra-portable camera systems, the update brings sharper colors and crisper imaging to the app.
The expansion also shines a spotlight on Ghana’s rich historical and natural heritage. International users can now take a virtual journey to the coast to explore the historic forts lining the Gulf of Guinea—including designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Inland, near Kumasi, the imagery captures the unique architecture of the traditional Asante buildings, offering a glimpse into the legacy of the great Asante Empire.
Eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts will also benefit, as the update traces eco-friendly paths along major river systems—including the Volta River—and provides virtual tours of botanical gardens, nature reserves, and the pristine beaches stretching across Ghana’s southern coast.
A Commitment to Deeper Coastal Coverage
To mark this milestone, Google brought its latest ultra-portable, high-resolution Street View camera to the country in 2026. Perry Nelson, Site Lead for Google Ghana, invited users to dive in, stating:
“Head over to Google Maps, drop the Pegman, and start your virtual journey today.”
Looking ahead, Google has prioritized deepening its footprint along the coast. The immediate goal is to transform single highway lines into detailed, granular city views for culturally rich coastal hubs like Cape Coast and Takoradi.
To access the new imagery, users can simply open Google Maps. On a desktop browser, they can drag and drop the yellow Pegman icon onto blue-highlighted roads. On mobile devices, users can zoom in, drop a red pin on a specific location, and tap the resulting photo thumbnail to enter Street View.
The update transforms Google Maps into a powerful tool for global travelers, historians, and armchair explorers, providing an unprecedented glimpse into the vibrant heart of West Africa.
To activate Google Street View, simply open Google Maps, search for a location, and look for the Street View imagery by using the methods below:
On a Computer (Web Browser) Search for a location or address on maps.google.com.
- Click the small yellow Pegman icon in the bottom-right corner.
- The map will highlight all available Street View areas in blue lines or dots.
- Drag and drop Pegman onto a blue-highlighted road to enter Street View.
- On a Smartphone or Tablet (iOS & Android)
Open the Google Maps app and search for a place.
- Zoom in on the map until you find the exact street you want to see.
- Tap and hold on the map to drop a red pin.
- A small photo thumbnail of the location will pop up (usually in the bottom-left or top-left corner).
- Tap the thumbnail to enter Street View.
Alternatively, in the mobile app, you can tap the Layers icon (the stacked squares at the top right) and select Street View to highlight all accessible roads in blue.
Ghana News
American Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections
With the 2026 U.S. midterm elections fast approaching, American citizens living in Ghana are receiving a timely boost to ensure their voices are heard from thousands of miles away.
The Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana is set to host a specialized voter registration and assistance event this weekend, designed to navigate the complexities of overseas voting.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 2:00 PM (Ghana time) at Theia’s Coffee House in the Airport Residential Area of Accra. Volunteers will be on the ground to provide trained assistance, guiding participants through the process of registering to vote and requesting their absentee ballots. The organizers have set a goal to register at least 50 new overseas voters in a single afternoon.
“This is a crucial opportunity,” said Lenny Baer, a volunteer with the Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana. “Many US citizens often don’t realize they can vote from overseas. We can, and our votes help determine the outcome of elections across the US.”
Why This Outreach Matters
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party representing Americans living outside the United States . The organization operates a volunteer-run network with chapters on six continents, working to protect the voting rights of the estimated 9 million Americans living abroad .
While the event is hosted by Democrats Abroad, the organizers emphasize that it is open to all U.S. citizens living in Ghana, irrespective of political party affiliation . This nonpartisan approach to voter assistance is a core tenant of the organization’s mission, reflecting their commitment to helping any American facing voting challenges . Through their platform, VoteFromAbroad.org, they provide a public service that helps citizens register and participate in elections regardless of their political leanings .
Midterm elections historically see lower voter turnout than presidential elections, particularly among overseas voters who often face bureaucratic hurdles or are simply unaware of their eligibility . With all 435 House seats and approximately 36 Senate seats up for grabs in 2026, every single vote—including those from Accra—holds the potential to tip the balance of power in Congress .
How to Participate
For those unable to attend the event in person, organizers have confirmed that a virtual session will be held simultaneously . Interested voters can RSVP through the VoteFromAbroad.org platform to receive the online meeting link and receive the same level of one-on-one assistance in completing their ballot request forms.
Trained voting assistants will also be available to answer questions, help participants complete their Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)—the standard federal form needed to request a ballot—and ensure that their voting rights are protected .
For Americans in Ghana, this Saturday’s event is more than just a registration drive; it is a critical lifeline to the democratic process back home, ensuring that their geographic distance does not translate into political silence.
Ghana News
Top Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026
Monday, August 24, 2026 – Ghana’s front pages are dominated by a fierce political standoff over GoldBod’s massive financial losses, a significant government U-turn granting a lifeline to Adamus Resources, and a highly competitive race for NPP national executive positions ahead of the 2028 elections.
1. The GoldBod $1.7bn Loss Saga: War of Words Escalates
The Minority in Parliament is refusing to back down on the GoldBod losses, while the state gold company’s CEO faces intense scrutiny.
- “No Distraction: Afenyo-Markin, Minority Sustain Heat …On $1.7bn Gold Loss” (Day Break), with The Daily Statesman stating “PERSONAL ATTACKS WON’T DISTRACT US.”
- The Source reports “Sammy Gyamfi’s Extortion Claim False – Afenyo-Markin,” while The Inquisitor and The Daily Gist note the Minority Leader is “Threatening Legal Action” over the allegation.
- The Informer headlines “Minority Hauls GoldBod CEO Before Parliament” over the controversy.
- NewsCentra digs into the numbers, reporting “GH¢29.1bn Gold Losses In 4 Years – The role of GoldBod and BoG explained,” while The Custodian leads with “Minority Vows To Probe GH¢22bn Gold Trading Loss.”
2. Mahama Intervenes: The Adamus U-Turn
President John Dramani Mahama has stepped into the heated standoff between the Lands Ministry and Adamus Resources, granting the mining giant a 12-month reprieve.
- Daily Democrat and The Insight lead with “Mahama Rescues Adamus Resources” / “Gives Adamus Reprieve.”
- The Daily Banner and The Ghanaian Publisher frame this as a “Government Flip-Flop Questioned” or a “U-Turn.”
- The Informer reports the President “Gives Company Amnesty To Operate Under New Arrangement.”
3. NPP Internal Elections: 50 Battle for Top Posts
The race for the NPP’s national executive positions is officially underway, drawing a massive field of candidates.
- Daily Guide reports “50 Battle For NPP Top Posts,” while The Source and NewsCentra note “50 Aspirants Chase 11 Positions.”
- The Chronicle and The Daily Gist report “Afoko Files Chairmanship Papers Morrow” (Tuesday).
- In the Communications Director race, Daily Analyst and The Source report “Gordon Asare-Bediako withdraws from NPP Communications Race …Endorses Dennis Miracles Aboagye.”
- Republic Press highlights the upcoming internal vote with “50 Battle For NPP National Executive Posts.”
4. Galamsey, Security, and Public Health
- Daily Analyst leads with a tragic report: “Kakum Forest Reserve Wildlife Guard Shot Dead.”
- The Daily Statesman reports “Galamsey destroys over 100 acres of farmland,” while The Informer quotes the Interior Minister vowing to “Get Tough!” on illegal mining.
- On the health front, Daily Analyst and The Exclusive report Ghana’s plan to “Reverse 70% Medicine Imports Through 24-Hour Economy,” while Daily Democrat notes a “GMTF, Atlantic Lifesciences Partner to Cut Drug Costs.”
5. Economy, Banking, and Tax
- Graphic Business leads with a major fiscal milestone: “Ghana now spends less than 20% on servicing debt.” This is supported by The Custodian, which reports “Ghana Signs €163m Debt Restructuring Deal With Belgium.”
- B&FT highlights “Gov’t weighs lifting grain export ban …amid 70,000mt rice glut.” The paper also reports “Robust investor confidence in economy returns …local investments hit US$816m, FDIs US$2.62bn.”
- Graphic Business also flags the “23 banks, one dollar, many prices” phenomenon, exposing varying FX costs across banks.
6. Judicial and Political Fallout
- Republic Press reports the “Supreme Court clears way for legal vacation criminal trials …Dismisses Oppong Nkrumah’s injunction bid,” a ruling also confirmed by Daily Guide.
- The Daily Gist reports a tragic cross-border incident: “Man Drowns While Helping Travellers Cross Ghana-Togo River.”
Ghana News
Ghanaian Firms Inject €425,000 of Own Funds to Ignite ‘Made in Ghana’ Health Innovation
In a powerful demonstration of local ownership, Ghanaian research institutions and pharmaceutical manufacturers are contributing an additional €425,000 of their own money to implement innovative health projects, signaling a robust commitment to advancing homegrown medical solutions beyond relying on foreign aid alone.
The co-funding is part of a €2 million grant package awarded under the PharmaVax Ghana program, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU).
The initiative is designed to bridge the critical gap between scientific discovery and industrial-scale manufacturing within Ghana.
While the grants provide vital financial fuel, the local co-investment—which ranges from €10,000 to €150,000 across the eight winning projects—represents a crucial “skin in the game” approach.
It shows that local institutions are not merely passive recipients of aid, but active stakeholders willing to risk their own capital to bring products to the market. This practical commitment underscores the sustainability of the projects, ensuring they are not abandoned once international funding cycles end.

The projects span a wide range of medical priorities, including fast-dissolving oral tablets for child-friendly malaria treatment, AI-powered diagnostic tools for Mpox and malaria, standardized herbal treatments for hypertension and liver disease, and stability data for locally produced tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.

Highlighting the importance of this local participation, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), emphasized that the funds are meant to catalyze local capabilities.
“Ghana has the scientific talent, the research institutions and an increasingly capable pharmaceutical industry to develop health solutions that respond to our own priorities,” he stated. “By bringing these strengths together, we are creating the foundation for medicines and vaccines that are developed in Ghana, manufactured in Ghana, and have the potential to benefit the wider region.”
Ghana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, echoed this sentiment, noting that the initiative marks a journey where researchers and manufacturers collaborate to transform scientific discoveries into life-saving products.
The €425,000 in local contributions—combined with the €2 million in grants and technical assistance from the EU and Germany—positions Ghana as a rising hub for pharmaceutical industrialization in West Africa, moving the nation closer to health security and economic self-reliance.
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