Happy Tuesday! Check out the big stories dominating Ghana’s news cycle today. Stay informed.

Police Arrest 39-Year-Old Suspect in Murder of UCC Student Innocentia Avinu

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a 39-year-old man, Michael Mensah, in connection with the murder of University of Cape Coast (UCC) Level 200 student Innocentia Atsufui Avinu. The suspect, who claims to be a teacher but also works as a driver, was apprehended on June 15, 2026, at the Pedu Lorry Station in Cape Coast through intelligence-led operations by the Inspector-General of Police’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Mensah allegedly picked up the deceased from the Ayensu Plaza hostel area on June 11 around 6:48 p.m. and transported her to Hutchland Beach, where she was last seen alive before her body was discovered. Investigations are ongoing, and the police have assured the public of further updates. Read the full story here

COCOBOD Defends Unprecedented Cocoa Price Intervention to Save the Sector

COCOBOD has strongly defended the government’s decision to intervene in cocoa producer prices this season, describing it as a necessary measure to protect farmers and safeguard the industry’s contribution to Ghana’s GDP. Head of Public Affairs Jerome Sam explained that the mid-season price adjustment in February deviated from the usual practice due to challenging global market developments that began last year.

Sam emphasised that without intervention, prices would have fallen further in line with international trends, as seen in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire. The decision prioritised farmers’ income and livelihoods while ensuring long-term sector sustainability. Read the full story here

President Mahama Accepts Sophia Akuffo’s Resignation from Council of State

President John Dramani Mahama has formally accepted the resignation of former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo from the Council of State. Akuffo submitted her resignation letter in September 2025, with the process delayed at the request of the Council to engage her on any underlying concerns.

Minister of State Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that engagements did not change her decision, leading to acceptance of the resignation. The government has initiated the constitutional process to appoint a replacement. Read the full story here

IEA and Global Info Analytics Release Conflicting Reports on Mahama’s Performance

Two major polling organisations have released sharply contrasting assessments of President John Dramani Mahama’s performance 18 months into his term. The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) reported a decline in approval to 58.9% in its May 2026 survey (down from 68% previously), while Global Info Analytics recorded a rise to 71%.

The divergent findings have sparked intense debate on social media, with public opinion split amid concerns over the cost of living, power supply, and economic conditions. Read the full story here

Ghanaian Master’s Students in UK to Picket Over Unpaid Scholarship Fees

Six Ghanaian master’s students at Loughborough University plan to protest at the Ghana High Commission in London on June 16, 2026, over nearly two years of unpaid tuition fees and stipends by the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat. The students, who commenced studies in September 2024, say outstanding payments total GHC3.42 million, risking their ability to graduate on July 7.

Despite repeated assurances, no payments have been made for tuition or living stipends, leading to withheld graduation documents. The students say they have exhausted other avenues. Read the full story here

Ablakwa: Government Exploring All Channels to Secure Thomas Partey’s Canada Visa

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has stated that the government is using all diplomatic channels to resolve the visa denial for Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opener against Panama. Canada refused the visa due to ongoing rape charges in the UK, where Partey has pleaded not guilty.

Ablakwa described the decision as “high-handed” and unfair, arguing it violates the presumption of innocence. Discussions have been held with Canadian officials, and further administrative and legal options are being pursued. Read the full story here

Military Deployed to Bawku SHS After Student Riot Over Exam Malpractice Crackdown

Military personnel have been deployed to Bawku Senior High School in the Upper East Region following a violent student riot that caused extensive damage to school property and resulted in the assault of teachers. The disturbance erupted around 1:00 a.m. on June 15 after authorities prevented final-year students from engaging in examination malpractice.

One teacher was allegedly kidnapped and another injured and referred to Bolgatanga for treatment. The military was brought in to restore calm and prevent further escalation. Investigations are ongoing. Read the full story here

Bole SHS Teacher Under Investigation Over Alleged Sexual Misconduct with Final-Year Student

Authorities at Bole Senior High School (Bole SHS) in the Savannah Region have launched an internal investigation into a science tutor accused of engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct with a final-year student. The probe was triggered after a video allegedly showing the two individuals in one of the school’s science laboratories surfaced and began circulating widely on social media, causing shock and widespread discussion within the school and the Bole community.

School authorities have initiated formal processes to establish the facts of the case, with a committee scheduled to meet the teacher on Monday, June 15, 2026. Neither the school nor relevant education officials had issued a public comment on the matter at the time of reporting. The incident adds to ongoing national concerns about teacher-student misconduct in Ghanaian schools. Read the full story here

Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.

A new book examining the significant challenges faced by women traders in Ghanaian marketplaces is set to spotlight the critical role market women play in national development and offer policy recommendations to address longstanding social and economic barriers.

The book project began in July 2019 when Professor Ezenwayi Amaechi Ejiribe traveled to Ghana to conduct training programs and seminars for market women entrepreneurs.

A Social Entrepreneur and the Founder of Micro Enterprise Social Entrepreneurship (MESENow), an organization that empowers women, youth, and grassroots entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into impact, Professor Ezenwayi Amaechi Ejiribe, was introduced to Professor Joseph Ofori-Dankwa, who shared a similar passion for empowering market women and had co-founded The Makola Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial literacy education and financial resources to market traders in Ghana.

What began as an initial conversation between the two scholars evolved into a collaborative effort to document and analyze the complex realities of women traders’ lives.

As discussions progressed, the project expanded beyond economic challenges to examine the significant social injustices that market women frequently face as they strive to support their families and communities.

Recognizing the importance of this dimension, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Founder and Chair of the Centre for Social Justice and a respected advocate for social justice in Ghana, joined the project and contributed valuable expertise and perspective.

The book introduces the concept of “jolts,” which are significant disruptions and challenges that affect market women and their businesses.

Through a comprehensive framework, the editors categorize and analyze the economic, environmental, health-related, social, and policy-related jolts experienced by women traders across Ghana.

The book further explores how structural inequalities and systemic barriers often intensify the effects of these disruptions.

Bringing together contributions from scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and subject-matter experts, the book provides an in-depth examination of the realities facing women traders and assesses current policies and interventions implemented by national and local government authorities.

Contributors also offer evidence-informed recommendations and practical strategies aimed at reducing the impact of these challenges and promoting greater economic opportunity and social equity.

“In addition to being among the most important contributors to Ghana’s economy, market women entrepreneurs sustain households, strengthen communities, and drive trade across the country. Yet many continue to face significant obstacles that often go unrecognized. This book seeks to amplify their experiences and encourage meaningful action,” said Professor Joseph Ofori-Dankwa.

“We need to empower market women traders instead of excluding and leaving them behind when discussing policies and frameworks that influence their success”, said Professor Ezenwayi Amaechi Ejiribe.

When we address issues that market women entrepreneurs face, it translates into an investment in the health, education, and the structure of the community, said Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey.

Women traders serve as vital drivers of economic activity, household stability, and community development throughout Ghana. By raising awareness of the challenges they face, documenting the social injustices embedded within those challenges, and identifying actionable solutions, the book aims to contribute to a more equitable marketplace and support broader national development efforts.

The editors hope the book will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, educators, advocates, and community leaders working to advance economic empowerment and social justice for women entrepreneurs.

About the Book

Title: African Women Entrepreneurs in the Informal Economy: Social Justice Implications of Market Jolts in Ghana

Editors: Professor Ezenwayi Amaechi Ejiribe, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, and Professor Joseph Ofori-Dankwa.

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Publication Year: 2025