Happy Wednesday! Catch up on the major news headlines in Ghana today, January 7, 2026, with these live updates. Check back throughout the day as we’ll update this page with fresh stories as they break.

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Ghana’s Inflation Dips Below Central Bank Target

Ghana’s inflation rate has fallen below the Bank of Ghana’s target range, prompting debate over whether slower price growth signals real economic stabilization or risks suppressed demand. Economists say the drop reflects tight monetary policy and improved supply conditions, but caution sustained progress depends on broader fiscal discipline.

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Mahama Meets Chiefs, Firms up Galamsey Fight

President John Dramani Mahama has landed in mining communities, engaging traditional leaders and demonstrating resolve in the anti-galamsey campaign. His tour aims to build local support for sustained environmental protection and enforcement efforts against illegal mining.

Haruna Iddrisu Proposes Petroleum Royalties for Scholarships

Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has proposed allocating 2.5% of petroleum royalties to fund a national scholarship authority. The initiative, aimed at expanding educational opportunities, is gaining traction amid calls for innovative use of energy revenues for human capital development.

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11 Foreigners Arrested in Tuba Over Fake Dollar Printing and Cyber Fraud

Authorities in Tuba, Ghana have arrested 11 foreign nationals linked to fake U.S. dollar production and cyber fraud schemes. The suspects are facing investigations related to currency counterfeiting and digital financial crimes.

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Ghana Police to Screen Shortlisted Recruits Starting January 12

The Ghana Police Service has announced that screening of shortlisted applicants for new recruit intake will begin on January 12. Prospective officers are being urged to prepare for the selection process, which includes medical and background evaluations.

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BoG Governor Attributes Inflation Drop to Fiscal Discipline

The Governor of the Bank of Ghana says the recent decline in inflation is the result of sustained fiscal discipline and coordinated monetary policy. He emphasized the central bank’s commitment to price stability and economic resilience.

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Ghana Ranks 6th in Africa in Global English Proficiency Index

Ghana has secured sixth place in Africa and 36th globally in the 2025 Education First (EF) English Proficiency Index, reflecting strong performance in adult English language skills across education, business and public life. The annual index, based on data from over 2.2 million test takers in 123 regions, ranks countries by proficiency from “Very High” to “Very Low,” highlighting Ghana’s continued role as a leading English-speaking nation on the continent. This ranking supports Ghana’s attractiveness for international business and education, building on its history of English as the official language and medium of instruction.

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New Statue to Honour JJ Rawlings to Be Unveiled

Plans are underway to unveil a statue in memory of Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving head of state, as a lasting tribute to his impact on the nation. The memorial will recognize Rawlings’ leadership and legacy, marking a significant moment for supporters and citizens reflecting on his role in Ghana’s political history. Family and organizers have announced the project as a way to honour his contributions and ensure his memory endures in national public space.

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Mahama Vows Zero Tolerance for Corruption as He Marks One Year in Office

President John Dramani Mahama has marked one year in office with a heartfelt reaffirmation of his commitment to ethical leadership, national unity, and inclusive governance during a national thanksgiving service at Jubilee House in Accra. Speaking at the event attended by religious leaders, senior officials, and diplomats, Mahama said the past year’s progress isn’t measured solely by statistics but by the “restoration of hope, trust, and direction” for all Ghanaians. He reiterated his administration’s pledge to govern with integrity, competence, compassion and service above self, particularly for youth, the vulnerable, and those who feel left out of the development agenda.

Mahama also stressed that the year ahead will test the nation’s resolve, patience and discipline, while offering opportunities to deepen reforms, accelerate growth and ensure progress is felt across every part of Ghana. He urged public officials to lead with humility and empathy, and reminded citizens that leadership is a trust to be stewarded for the common good. The president’s reflection comes amid broader commentary on his first year in office, including acknowledgment of difficult decisions taken to lay sustainable foundations for the country’s future development.

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President Mahama Holds Non-Denominational Thanksgiving Service to Mark One Year in Office

President John Dramani Mahama is marking one year in office with a non-denominational thanksgiving service at the forecourt of the Jubilee House.

Religious leaders, government officials, and members of the public are at the event to thank God for guidance and national stability over the past year.

The service is being held under the theme “Resetting. Rebuilding. Renewing.” The ceremony is aimed at expressing gratitude for the country’s stability over the past year while reaffirming the government’s pledge to national renewal and inclusive governance.

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Protests Won’t Fix Pay Crisis, Gamey Urges Patience for Unpaid Nurses and Midwives

In Kumasi, labor consultant, Austin Gamey, has called for calm as nurses and midwives press for long-overdue salary arrears. While health workers continue to voice frustration over delayed pay, with some reportedly unpaid for up to a year, Gamey cautioned that protests alone are not a solution and urged stakeholders to pursue procedural remedies. His comments come amid mounting pressure on the Ministry of Health to resolve the backlog affecting frontline staff who say the arrears are impacting livelihoods and straining healthcare delivery nationwide.

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GJA Calls for Immediate Dismissal of GNFS PRO Amid Assault Allegations

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is demanding the dismissal of the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Desmond Ackah, following the alleged assault of a Class FM journalist covering a fire outbreak in Kasoa.

The association described the alleged attack — disputed by GNFS leadership — as a threat to press freedom and urged police to arrest and prosecute personnel involved. The GJA has labelled the explanation offered by GNFS as “misleading and offensive,” and said internal disciplinary action alone would be insufficient without legal accountability.

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Mahama Says Anti-Galamsey Fight Yielding Results as Polluted Rivers Improve

President John Dramani Mahama is touting early signs of success in Ghana’s long-running fight against illegal mining — known locally as galamsey.

Speaking at the New Year School conference in Accra, Mahama recounted his own observation of waterways, like the Ayensu River, shifting from a dark “coffee” color to a lighter hue, signaling reduced mining pollution. He urged continued enforcement and sustainability efforts, stressing that environmental gains must be consolidated. Government agencies such as NAIMOS and the EPA were commended for their frontline roles in restoring water bodies and promoting sustainable practices.

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Oppong Nkrumah: Bawumia Outperformed Kufuor and Can Lead NPP to Victory

Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi, has publicly backed Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as a strong presidential contender for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), arguing that Bawumia outperformed former President John Agyekum Kufuor, in his first election bid. Drawing historical parallels, Oppong Nkrumah said Bawumia’s 2024 performance — despite political headwinds — showed he remains a formidable candidate capable of securing victory in future polls, provided party unity and robust campaigning.

Cedi Starts 2026 on a Positive Note with Stronger Exchange Rates

The Ghana cedi began the year showing resilience at forex bureaux, with the dollar trading around GHS12.10, offering relief to traders, importers, and travel planners.

Analysts suggest the improved start reflects heightened investor confidence and may signal stabilizing macroeconomic conditions early in 2026. The performance comes on the heels of strong economic indicators and could have positive implications for diaspora remittances and international trade flows.

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Bank of Ghana Ends 2025 with Record International Reserves

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) reported a record high of $13.8 billion in international reserves at the close of 2025 — a key buffer that can support monetary stability and foreign exchange liquidity. This milestone reflects efforts to strengthen the country’s external position amid global economic uncertainties, and could help cushion the cedi against volatility while reassuring foreign investors.

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Bond Market Sees Mixed Start to 2026 with Lower Turnover

At the start of the year, Ghana’s bond market experienced eased liquidity as overall turnover declined by 42% to GHS1.59 billion. While reduced trading activity may reflect the typical slow start after the festive season, market watchers note that liquidity patterns will be critical to monitoring government debt dynamics and investor appetite in the coming months.

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Fire Destroys Shops at Sefwi Juaboso Market

A major fire incident in Sefwi Juaboso Market has razed several shops, displacing traders and disrupting local commerce. Emergency teams responded to contain the blaze, while community leaders and victims are calling for swift support to rebuild livelihoods and address fire safety gaps in crowded market areas. The Sefwi Juaboso market fire follows similar incidents at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Kasoa.

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Prophet Fire Oja’s Clarifies He Was Not Arrested

Social media buzz around the reported arrest of controversial religious figure Prophet Fire Oja was quashed as he stated he has been “chilling at home,” denying any arrest took place. The clarification emerged amid widespread speculation after a circulating video sparked confusion online.

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Planned Power Outage in Cape Coast on January 8

Residents and businesses in Cape Coast are preparing for a scheduled power outage on January 8, as announced by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). The outage is intended to facilitate maintenance and infrastructure upgrades, though it has prompted calls for clear communication to minimise disruption.

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Ten Partners Agree Terms to Acquire FPSO by 2027

In a landmark energy sector development, TEN partners have agreed terms to acquire a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit by 2027, a strategic move expected to bolster Ghana’s offshore oil production capacity. The acquisition aligns with longer-term ambitions to expand domestic energy infrastructure and increase petroleum output.

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Mahama Keeps First-Class Travel Ban for Government Appointees

Government appointees will continue to be barred from first-class travel under President Mahama’s directive — a policy aimed at cost-cutting and fiscal discipline. The travel restriction is part of ongoing efforts under the current Mahama administration to streamline public expenditure while setting an example in public sector accountability.

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Asantehene Pays Historic Visit to Police Headquarters

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, paid a historic courtesy call to the Police Headquarters in Accra, reinforcing ties between traditional leadership and security agencies. The visit celebrated cooperation and shared goals for national safety and community partnership.

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