Ghana News
GoldBod Secures Major Gold Purchase Deal, Journalist Jailed for Contempt, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
These are today, Friday, June 26, 2026’s big stories across news platforms.
GoldBod Secures Landmark Deal to Purchase 30% of Large-Scale Miners’ Gold Output
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has signed a landmark agreement with the Ghana Chamber of Mines to purchase 30% of the gold output from all large-scale mining companies, effective July 1, 2026. Under the deal, miners will sell doré gold locally in cedis at a 0.55% discount using the Bank of Ghana reference rate.
The arrangement aims to support local refining, secure LBMA accreditation for a Ghanaian refinery by 2030, and advance President Mahama’s vision of ending raw mineral exports. It forms part of the Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Programme (GANRAP). Read the full story here
GJA Seeks Legal Guidance After Journalist Larry Dogbey Jailed for Contempt
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed deep concern over the conviction and seven-day jail sentence handed to Larry Alans Dogbey, Managing Editor of The Herald newspaper, for contempt of court. The Accra High Court, presided over by Justice Isaac Addo, sentenced Dogbey following a publication related to a legal dispute involving businessman Kevin Okyere and Petraco SA.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Dominic Hlordzi, the GJA described the development as unfortunate and announced it is seeking legal advice from its team to determine the next course of action. The association pledged solidarity with Dogbey, reiterated its commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism, and urged calm while legal processes continue. Read the full story here
NPP Refers Petitions Against Kennedy Agyapong to Disciplinary Committee
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has referred former presidential aspirant Kennedy Ohene Agyapong to its National Disciplinary Committee following multiple petitions over his recent public comments. The decision was taken by the party’s National Executive Committee and National Council, with the committee given two weeks to investigate and submit recommendations.
The petitions stem from Agyapong’s criticism of certain decisions by the previous NPP administration, including the non-operationalisation of the Afari Military Hospital and his warning that he would “spill the beans” if silenced. National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye confirmed the move as part of efforts to maintain party unity. Read the full story here
Police Bust Kumasi Drug Ring, Arrest Notorious Peddler ‘Con Papa’
The Ghana Police Service has dismantled a major drug distribution ring in Kumasi, arresting several suspects including the notorious peddler Kwame Afriyie, alias “Con Papa” or “American Man”. A raid on his residence and shop in Asawase yielded large quantities of compressed cannabis.
Other arrests included Kofi Acheampong (“Mokobiley”) in Asafo and a National Service personnel in Krofrom found with cannabis-laced drinks. Additional suspects were rounded up across multiple suburbs in a coordinated operation by the IGP Special Operations Team and Ashanti Regional Police. Read the full story here
Former Chief Justice Torkornoo Files New Motion at Supreme Court
Former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo has filed a fresh application at the Supreme Court seeking a review of its May 28, 2026 ruling on cases challenging her removal from office. She argues the court’s actions violated her right to a fair hearing, particularly after her lawyer withdrew and the Attorney-General was absent.
Torkornoo is asking the apex court to set aside the orders made on that day under Article 133 of the Constitution. Read the full story here
Sentuo Oil Refinery to Refine 100,000 Barrels Per Day – Energy Minister
Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor has announced that the ongoing expansion of the Sentuo Oil Refinery will increase its capacity from 40,000 to 100,000 barrels per day upon completion. The project is expected to create about 1,500 jobs, up from the current 700–800.
Jinapor described the development as a major boost to Ghana’s energy security and local value addition. Read the full story here
Flooding in Ghana: Asantehene Calls for Engineering Solutions
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has challenged engineers at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to develop lasting solutions to Ghana’s perennial flooding crisis. Speaking at the launch of KNUST’s 75th anniversary, he stressed the need for technical expertise in drainage design, urban planning, and waste management.
The Asantehene warned that without urgent engineering interventions, flooding would continue to overwhelm the country. Read the full story here
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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