Ghana News
Catch up on What’s Happening Across Ghana: Live Update of Major Stories (Jan. 7, 2026)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
American Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections
The West Africa Corridor’s Dirty Secret: Liberia’s Record Cocaine Bust Exposes State-Sanctioned Trafficking
Top Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026
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Ghana News3 hours agoTop Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026
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Ghana News2 hours agoAmerican Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections
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Africa Watch2 hours agoThe West Africa Corridor’s Dirty Secret: Liberia’s Record Cocaine Bust Exposes State-Sanctioned Trafficking