Welcome to your daily digest of key developments from Ghana. These stories are curated for a global audience interested in Ghanaian affairs.

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One Dead, 37 Injured in Suhum-Mankrong Highway Collision

A tragic accident on January 11, 2026, claimed one life and injured 37 others on the Accra-Kumasi Highway at Mankrong in Suhum Municipality, Eastern Region. The crash involved a Zhong Tong bus (AS 7022-21) and a Man Diesel truck (GW 3969-U), both moving at the time. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded to a distress call at 6:59 am, led by Assistant Divisional Officer II Bernard Boamah. The deceased was a passenger on the bus, with injuries affecting 21 males and 16 females; the truck occupants escaped unharmed. Some victims were transported to Suhum Government Hospital before GNFS arrival. Firefighters extricated the body, aided the injured, cleared debris, and restored traffic. The bus suffered severe front damage, while the truck had minor rear impact. Eyewitnesses cited high bus speed as a factor, with investigations ongoing.

IPGs Commend Ghana Government for Settling $1.47 Billion Energy Arrears

Independent Power Generators (IPGs) in Ghana have praised the government for clearing $1.47 billion in legacy energy sector debts within its first year, calling it a pivotal move for sector stability. This includes full repayment of $597.15 million (plus interest) on the World Bank’s Partial Risk Guarantee, restoring the $500 million facility and enhancing Ghana’s international standing. In a statement, IPGs lauded the Ministries of Finance and Energy and Green Transition for timely actions, noting improved payment mechanisms like the Cash Waterfall. The clearance, completed by December 31, 2025, boosts investor confidence, supports economic growth, and fosters sustainability. IPGs reaffirmed their partnership for Ghana’s energy security.

Public Officers Constitutionally Obliged to Account for Tenure, Asserts Kwaku Azar

Legal scholar Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare (Kwaku Azar) stated on January 11, 2026, via Facebook that Ghanaian public officers are constitutionally bound to account for their tenure, countering claims otherwise. He cited the constitution’s foundational principles of probity and accountability, including Article 37(1) for a social order based on these values, Chapter 24’s code of conduct against conflicts, and Article 286’s asset declaration requirements before, during, and after office.

Unexplained wealth is presumed unlawful under Article 286(4). Azar highlighted the Auditor-General’s auditing powers, CHRAJ’s role, criminal laws on abuse, elections as accountability mechanisms, media duties under Article 162(5), and citizen participation in Article 240(1)(e). He concluded accountability permeates the constitution, viewing public office as stewardship, not exploitation.

Bank of Ghana Reveals GH¢5.66 Billion Loss in 2024 Domestic Gold Purchase Programme

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) disclosed that losses from its Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP), initiated in June 2021 to stabilize the currency, escalated to GH¢5.66 billion in 2024. This surge compares to GH¢74 million in 2022 and GH¢1.37 billion in 2023, attributed to net losses in gold and oil transactions (Net G40) and artisanal/small-scale mining (ASM) segments (Net G4R). The programme serves as a reserve buffer. In 2025, BoG purchased 110.99 tonnes of gold (including 100.6 tonnes from ASM), valued at US$11.4 billion, awaiting external audit. Details emerged from a right-to-information request by Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen; the 2024 Annual Report omitted specifics, and no full G4R profit/loss report exists.

Former Finance Minister Amin Adam Criticizes NDC’s PR on Energy Debt Payments

Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, ex-Finance Minister and Karaga MP, accused the NDC government of overhyping a $1.4 billion energy sector debt payment as a “PR gimmick,” deeming it routine rather than exceptional. He noted the previous NPP administration made a similar $1.4 billion payment in 2024 without publicity, as reflected in the 2025 Budget. Adam urged focus on transparency, consistency, and sustainable energy solutions, cautioning that selective narratives mislead the public. “The NDC government does PR with everything. Paying Energy Sector debts of $1.4 billion is not new,” he stated.

Labour Minister Projects 800,000 Jobs from Ghana’s Big Push Infrastructure Initiative

Minister of Labour, Jobs and Employment Dr. Rashid Pelpuo announced on January 12, 2026, that the Big Push Project—a massive nationwide infrastructure drive—will generate about 800,000 jobs across skill levels in 2026. Centered on road construction, it includes roles for engineers, supervisors, and workers, covering the entire country with projects like the Accra-Kumasi superhighway and regional networks. Described as unprecedented, the initiative will boost the economy through construction, machinery procurement, and spillover effects. Pelpuo stated: “It’s going to cover the whole country, and it’s going to be what has never happened in this country before.” The goal is to enhance infrastructure and propel Ghana toward middle-income status.

GTEC Approves University of Ghana Fees for 2025/2026 with No Academic Facility Increase

The Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has approved fees for the University of Ghana’s 2025/2026 academic year, freezing the Academic Facility User Fee at 2024/2025 levels. Other levies include: SRC dues (GH¢50), SRC Development Levy (GH¢150), GRASAG Development Levy (GH¢250), and Telecel Broadband Levy (GH¢122 for undergraduates, including freshmen). A one-time 75th Anniversary Levy of GH¢100 applies only this year. GTEC stressed student rights awareness, including opt-out options for certain levies, to ensure transparency. The move addresses fee schedule concerns. “This announcement seeks to resolve issues surrounding the 2025/2026 fee schedule… We are counting on the usual cooperation of all stakeholders,” per GTEC’s statement.

Mahama Heads to World Economic Forum After UK Meetings

President John Mahama left Accra on Sunday for the United Kingdom to meet with coordinators of the Accra Reset initiative, before traveling to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum. He is set to join forum sessions and hold bilateral talks with global leaders, underscoring Ghana’s commitment to international economic discussions. This move comes amid efforts to strengthen Ghana’s position on the world stage.

Mahama Administration Clears $1.47 Billion Energy Debt, Revives World Bank Guarantee

In its first year, the Mahama government has settled US$1.47 billion in inherited energy sector debts, fully restoring the World Bank’s US$500 million Partial Risk Guarantee for the Sankofa Gas Project. This includes repaying US$597.15 million drawn on the guarantee and clearing US$480 million in gas invoices to ENI and Vitol. The actions prevent sector collapse, boost investor confidence, and secure future payments through budgetary measures, marking a significant turnaround from prior governance issues.

National Security Uses Clean-Up Drives to Combat Prostitution in Tamale

In an unconventional approach, National Security operatives in Ghana’s Northern Region have initiated public clean-up exercises in Tamale to deter street prostitution. Collaborating with migration authorities, they arrested women in hotspots and required them to sweep streets and collect refuse as a disciplinary measure. While some locals praise it for promoting hygiene and order, critics argue it overlooks underlying causes like poverty. This is part of wider regional efforts against drugs and social vices.

Ghana Pays $393 Million to IPPs in Energy Sector Overhaul

As part of a broader US$1.47 billion debt clearance, the Mahama administration disbursed US$393 million to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in 2025, including major payments to Karpowership, Cenpower, and Sunon Asogli. These steps, combined with renegotiated contracts and a Cash Waterfall Mechanism, aim to stabilize electricity supply, prevent future arrears, and shift toward domestic gas production. Officials hail it as ending unchecked debt accumulation and restoring sector stability.

2026: Pivotal Year for Ghana’s Cannabis Industry, Says Chamber

The Chamber of Cannabis Industry Ghana labels 2026 as a critical juncture for the medicinal and industrial cannabis sector, post-2020 legalization of low-THC varieties. CEO Dr. Mark Darko calls for swift policy execution, including finalizing fees and guidelines, to harness opportunities in pharmaceuticals, exports, and job creation while ensuring compliance and public safety. The focus is on long-term, data-driven growth through stakeholder collaboration to integrate Ghana into global markets.

Criticism Mounts: Mahama’s Government Not Lean, Claims Bawumia Campaign Director

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, from the Bawumia Campaign, accuses President Mahama’s administration of bloating government despite appointing only 56 ministers, arguing that presidential staffers at Jubilee House function like deputy ministers with significant authority. Drawing from past experience, he insists true efficiency assessments must include these roles. This critique emerges in Ghana’s politically charged environment, questioning the NDC’s commitment to streamlined governance in its inaugural year.

Nigerian Investments Inject $103 Million into Ghana’s Economy in 2025

Dispelling myths of an informal “retail takeover,” official data shows Nigerian investors channeled US$103.61 million into Ghana via nine projects in the first nine months of 2025, focusing on general trade and wholesale. This created prospects for 9,498 jobs, mostly for Ghanaians, with a Q2 surge exceeding investments from China and the UAE. The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre highlights these structured inflows as boosting economic ties between the two nations.

Western Regional Minister Advocates Drones to Halt Illegal Mining at River Origins

Joseph Nelson, Western Regional Minister, proposes drone technology for surveillance at river sources to curb illegal mining (galamsey), criticizing current downstream efforts as insufficient against upstream pollution in rivers like Ankobra and Pra. This follows a military operation seizing equipment in Amenfi Central, exposing severe environmental and infrastructural damage. Security officials stress sustained monitoring to prevent resurgence, amid local complaints of disrupted livelihoods.

IGP’s FBI Badge Explained: Symbol of Ghana-US Security Partnership

Ghana’s Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohunu, wore a commemorative FBI New York Field Office badge at the 2025 WASSA event in Accra, sparking online curiosity. The pin, received during an October 2025 delegation visit to the FBI, signifies enhanced cooperation on cyber fraud, intelligence, and counterterrorism. It falls under the FBI’s Honorary Medals Programme for international allies.

Check back soon for updates as more developments unfold across Ghana and the global community.

Henry Arnold Gyamfi, a brilliant graduate from the University of Cape Coast (UCC) School of Medical Sciences, made history at the 2025 congregation.

The new graduate secured 10 out of 25 available awards, showcasing exceptional academic and clinical excellence.

The former student of T.I. Ahmadiyya Senior High School and trained Physician Assistant swept prizes, including:

• Best Graduating Student in Community Medicine;
• Best Graduating Student in Obstetrics & Gynaecology;
• Best Graduating Student in Paediatrics;
• Best Graduating Student in Internal Medicine;
• Best Graduating Student in Radiology;
• Best Graduating Student in Neuroscience;
• Best in Clinical Examination;
• Best Graduating Male Student;
• Best Male Medical Student; and the coveted
• Overall Best Performance award.

Sponsored throughout his medical studies by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Gyamfi expressed gratitude for the support that enabled his achievements.

He plans to complete housemanship before specializing in internal medicine with a subspecialty in cardiology, aiming to contribute to Ghana’s healthcare system.

UCC Vice-Chancellor Prof. Rosemond Boohene praised Gyamfi as an inspiration for aspiring medical professionals, stressing dedication and perseverance.

His remarkable feat underscores the high standards of medical training in Ghana and the impact of royal patronage on education.

The Ghana Police Service has launched a full-scale investigation after a viral TikTok video by an American tourist alleging she was kidnapped and robbed by masked officers during a night out in Accra.

But even as the case gains global traction, police say the woman at the center of the storm is now refusing to cooperate.

In a detailed statement issued Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) confirmed it is probing claims made by Arianna Naomi Mackey, a U.S. content creator who posted a video alleging “three masked police officers” stopped her Uber, seized her belongings, forced her into their patrol vehicle, and later drove her to an ATM to withdraw cash.

The video — posted on December 8 — quickly caught fire online, sparking alarm among travelers gearing up for Ghana’s December tourism boom and prompting fierce debate among Ghanaians who questioned whether her account adds up.

Police: “We Take This Seriously — But She Has Stopped Responding”

According to the police statement, investigators traced the video to a hotel in Accra where Mackey and two companions were staying. Records show they checked out on December 5, and airport checks confirmed she left Ghana the same day.

CID officials say they reached out to Mackey to assist with the investigation, but she offered no names, badge numbers, or a vehicle plate number — and said her Ghanaian friend, who she claimed was present, “does not want to be involved.”

Police added that Mackey has since deleted the video and blocked investigators on WhatsApp, ignoring calls and messages. Authorities are now seeking her cooperation through diplomatic channels.

Online Reactions: Doubt, Humor, and National Pride

Mackey’s claims rattled many viewers, especially as Detty December — Ghana’s most lucrative tourism season — kicks off. But online, Ghanaians overwhelmingly pushed back.

One commenter wrote:

“There’s no police officer who is masked in Ghana.”

Another insisted:

“This is definitely not the Ghana Police, and I’m standing on that.”

Others argued that while Ghana’s police have their flaws, kidnapping tourists is not one of them. A popular Ghanaian creator remarked:

“The Uber driver knows the people. They weren’t Ghana Police. Ghana police are very well-behaved, especially around foreigners.”

Some responses mixed skepticism with Ghana’s typical dry humor:

“Ghana police will not kidnap you. They will just ask for something for the boys.”

A Global Tourism Reputation at Stake

Ghana’s Detty December has become a magnet for African diaspora tourism, pumping millions into the economy each year. Stories like Mackey’s can undermine that momentum, especially as global travelers scroll TikTok for real-time guidance.

That’s partly why police officials stressed the importance of getting to the bottom of the allegations, not just for accountability, but to protect Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s safest destinations.

The Bigger Question: What Really Happened?

At this stage, the case sits in a shadowy intersection of tourism, social media influence, and public trust. Mackey’s disappearance from communication raises new questions, even as her original claims continue circulating online.

For now, the CID says it will keep digging.

“The Ghana Police Service treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case,” the statement read.

Whether the investigation will lead to answers may depend on whether the woman who sparked it decides to reappear.