From falling fuel prices that promise a merrier Christmas, to a brazen courtroom invasion in Bono-East and a major health alert on everyday products, Ghana is making headlines at home and abroad.

Here’s your crisp, no-nonsense digest of the stories shaping the nation today – curated for Ghanaians everywhere and friends of Ghana across the globe. Enjoy.

1. Fuel Prices to Drop for Christmas

Ghanaians could enjoy lighter wallets this holiday season as petroleum prices signal a downward trend, according to Gabriel Kumi, Board Chairman of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC). Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition on December 12, Kumi highlighted global declines in key products: diesel down about 10%, petrol around 6%, and LPG between 1-1.5%.

“Fortunately, Ghanaians are going to have a very good Christmas in terms of petroleum prices, because already the indication is that the price of finished petroleum products is going down,” he said.

The relief is set to kick in mid-December, with a general drop expected by the December 16 pricing window, provided the cedi holds steady. This comes as a second window covering the festive period promises further easing, easing strains on transport and cooking costs for families from Kumasi markets to Accra commuters. For global watchers eyeing Ghana’s economic pulse, this stability underscores the interplay of international oil markets and local currency resilience amid ongoing forex pressures.

2. Crackdown on Forex Black Market Dealers Seen As a Disrupter

The government’s aggressive raids on black market forex traders are backfiring, distorting rates and fueling cedi instability that ripples into fuel pricing, says Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC).

On December 11, Amoah’s team witnessed rates swing wildly within an hour while sourcing dollars, blaming the task force’s arrests—such as the seizure of GH¢1.2 million from 41 traders in Accra—for “unintended shocks.”

“Whatever the task force did yesterday… is also having a negative impact,” he noted, urging a “more friendly way” to regulate dealers who supply vital forex access.

This volatility exacerbates fuel costs, as the cedi’s erratic “on and off” performance—gaining then losing value—hikes import bills for petroleum. With recent police actions clamping down on “abokyi” operators, COPEC calls for a policy rethink to avoid worsening distortions. For international investors tracking West Africa’s currency woes, this news reflects the tightrope between enforcement and economic flow in Ghana’s informal markets.

3. Mob Storms District Court, Frees Prisoners in Shocking Assault on Justice System

A violent mob disrupted proceedings at the Kwame Danso District Court in Bono-East Region on December 10, freeing two remand prisoners and leaving judicial staff traumatized in a brazen attack that has sparked nationwide outrage.

The incident unfolded during the trial of Isaac Kwabena Mintah and two others on charges of unlawful damage, stealing, and assault; enraged locals, chanting threats from the nearby police station, stormed the courtroom with weapons, smashed furniture, and targeted the magistrate’s chambers before Atebubu reinforcements intervened. The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) condemned the “disturbing trend” in a December 11 statement by National President Samuel Afotey Otu, demanding the Inspector General of Police (IGP) apprehend perpetrators and Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie shutter the court until safety is assured.

“We further demand that the Inspector General of Police and his team take immediate steps to apprehend the perpetrators… and bring them to face the full rigor of the law,” JUSAG urged.

This follows repeated assaults on local police stations, raising alarms over Ghana’s rule-of-law reputation as Africa’s democratic beacon— a concern for global human rights observers monitoring vigilante justice in emerging democracies.

4. UNICEF-FDA Probe Exposes Toxic Metals in Everyday Ghanaian Products

A stark joint report from UNICEF and Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has uncovered alarming levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury in popular items like cereal mixes, turmeric, and skin creams, posing severe health risks to vulnerable populations.

Testing 1,691 samples, the study found lead exceeding safe limits by over 100 times (up to 11,000 ppm vs. 20 ppm cap) in 78% of unbranded kohl from Upper East and Eastern regions, 42.1% of turmeric in Greater Accra and Central areas, 29% of cadmium-laced Tom Brown cereal mixes, and 24.6% of lead-tainted bentonite clay. Skin-lightening creams also failed miserably. UNICEF health specialist Dr. Emmanuel Kyeremateng-Amoah warned of lead poisoning’s devastating effects, calling for bolstered ministry resources for testing.

The FDA vows arrests for violators and stresses checking expiry dates and packaging. Consumers are advised to shun unbranded goods; for the global African diaspora sourcing heritage remedies, this is a wake-up call on supply chain safety in traditional markets.

5. Ghanaian Influencer Abu Trica Indicted in US for $8M Romance Scam

Snapchat sensation Abu Trica, real name Frederick Kumi, a 31-year-old from Swedru, faces up to 20 years in a US federal indictment for his role in an $8 million romance fraud ring targeting elderly Americans since 2023.

Charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering by the FBI’s Cleveland Division, Trica allegedly used AI-faked personas to build trust via messages and calls, then siphoned funds for sham emergencies, routing proceeds through US accomplices to Ghana.

Ghanaian authorities have arrested him, marking a win for cross-border cyber enforcement led by Divine Selasi Agbeti. Social media erupted with condemnation of his cash-flaunting videos, drawing parallels to Hushpuppi:

“They will commit fraud then start flaunting… for what?” tweeted one person.

Another commented: “Small small, dem go barb all of them 1 by 1.”

Others invoked Proverbs on deceitful gains, lamenting how such displays pressure youth into crime. As Ghana grapples with its digital underbelly, this case spotlights the perils of unchecked online opulence for a global audience tuning into African influencer scandals.

6. President Mahama Lands in Kenya for State Visit, Eyes Jamhuri Day Ties

President John Dramani Mahama arrived in Nairobi on December 12 for an official state visit to Kenya, received with full military honors as Guest of Honour for tomorrow’s Jamhuri Day celebrations marking the republic’s founding. Accompanied by key officials, Mahama will attend a presidential luncheon hosted by President William Ruto before departing on December 13.

While specifics on trade or security agendas remain light, the trip underscores strengthening bilateral bonds amid East-West African diplomacy. For global observers, it’s a timely flex of Ghana’s regional leadership post-election.

7. US Diasporan Battles Greedy Landlord in Ghana Rent Dispute

A US-based Ghanaian returnee, @starringcourtny on TikTok, claims her landlord hiked fees post-payment of $1,532.62 for a 27-day “super safe” apartment stay, invoicing extras because “they could get more.”

“A dollar is a dollar; it doesn’t change for me,” she vented, armed with receipts and cedi conversions.

After escalating to Ghana’s Rent Control Office, a December 22 mediation is set—the landlord cited “complications” for missing the initial slot. Her story is an example of pitfalls for diaspora renters navigating homecoming deals; thorough docs are key, experts say.

Checkout what the print media are reporting also today