Ghana News
Ghana News Live Updates – January 10: Catch up all the major local news stories
Here is a curated summary of the key stories in Ghana today. Check back regularly as we bring you verified reports as they happen.
Domestic Blaze in Tse Addo Destroys Wooden Structures
A domestic fire broke out on January 9, 2026, at Tse Addo near the God Super Church in the Greater Accra Region. Firefighters responded swiftly after the blaze was reported at 8:01 a.m., bringing it under control by 8:32 a.m. and fully extinguishing it by 10:36 a.m. No injuries or fatalities were recorded.
However, nine wooden structures and their contents were completely destroyed, and a metal container was partially damaged. Emergency responders managed to save nearby buildings, including a self-contained house and the church. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Nine Remanded Over Assault on Police at Obuasi SHS Park
Nine suspects have been remanded into police custody by the Obuasi Circuit Court for their alleged involvement in an assault on police officers at the Tweapease Senior High School Park in the Ashanti Region. The men were arraigned and charged with assault on public officers following a viral video of the incident. They remain in custody as investigations continue. The Ghana Police Service has warned the public against attacks on law enforcement personnel.
Legal Advocate Urges Akufo-Addo to Bring Ofori-Atta Home
Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has urged former President Nana Akufo-Addo to encourage ex-Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to return to Ghana and engage with ongoing legal and accountability processes. Kpebu said now is opportune for Ofori-Atta to face any formal proceedings at home, stressing the importance of physical presence in resolving matters tied to his tenure. The appeal comes amid broader public discourse about legal responsibility and the role of former officials in national accountability efforts. Ofori-Atta served under Akufo-Addo as finance minister.
AG Confirms GH¢22M in Tax Evasion on DRIP Transactions
The Attorney-General’s office has confirmed that GH¢22 million in taxes were evaded in connection with the District Roads Improvement Program (DRIP) transactions, following verification from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine announced on Newsfile, a renowned weekend news analysis show, that while the company involved admitted to erroneous tax-exempt clearances, this does not negate the legal determination that duty should have been paid upon importation. In addition to the evaded tax, an alleged overpayment of $2 million has also been flagged for further pursuit by the government. Dr. Ayine rejected suggestions that the issues stemmed from clerical errors, signaling the state’s firm stance on accountability and revenue protection.
Economists: Ghana’s Economy Improving, But Risks Still Loom
Economists and industry stakeholders have noted improvement in Ghana’s economic performance, yet remain cautious about persistent risks. The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) highlighted gains compared to past years as well as underlying vulnerabilities that demand continued fiscal discipline and policy focus. According to COPEC, while macroeconomic indicators show progress, structural challenges and external pressures necessitate careful management to ensure sustained growth and economic resilience for Ghana in the year ahead.
Ayine Clarifies Ken Ofori-Atta’s U.S. Visa Revocation
Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine has clarified that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta’s U.S. visa revocation was not due to an overstay, countering public speculation. The clarification on Saturday, January 10, 2026, on a wide-ranging interview on Newsfile, comes amid heightened scrutiny of Ofori-Atta’s legal exposure and international standing, as Ghana intensifies accountability measures involving former officials.
Ayine Assures Fair Trial for Ofori-Atta
Dr. Ayine also formally assured lawyers for Ken Ofori-Atta that Ghana’s justice system will guarantee a fair and impartial process, reinforcing the government’s stance that accountability efforts will adhere strictly to the rule of law rather than political retribution.
Ayine Criticizes Saglémi Prosecution
Still on Newsfile, the Attorney-General described the prosecution of the Saglemi housing case as poorly investigated and weakly constructed, raising broader concerns about prosecutorial standards and institutional competence in high-profile corruption cases. According to him, it was legally and logically impossible to charge former Minister Collins Dauda with causing a $200 million financial loss. Dr Ayine revealed that only $94 million had been spent by the time Dauda left office, and prosecutors failed to show how his actions could be directly linked to the entire alleged loss.
ORAL Initiative to Boost State Revenue
The Office of the Attorney-General has assured Ghanaians that funds will soon begin flowing into state coffers through the ORAL (Operation Recover All Loot) initiative, signaling a more aggressive approach to asset recovery and public financial accountability.
Parkinson’s Disease to Benefit from Mahama Cares
The Ministry of Health has announced that Parkinson’s disease will be integrated into the Mahama Cares social protection framework, marking a significant expansion of Ghana’s public health safety net for chronic neurological conditions.
Mahama Orders Review of NLA–KGL Contract
President John Dramani Mahama has ordered a comprehensive review of the National Lottery Authority–KGL contract. The move reflects renewed scrutiny of the controversial public-private partnership and the Mahama government’s broader transparency agenda.
Emirates A380 Diverts to Accra After Smoke Alert
An Emirates A380 aircraft en route from Dubai diverted safely to Kotoka International Airport after a smoke alert in its cargo hold, highlighting Ghana’s growing role as a regional aviation safety and emergency response hub.
Mobile Money Vendor’s Death Sparks Public Concern
A mobile money vendor in Hohoe has died in an incident authorities say involved suicide, prompting renewed conversations about economic stress, mental health, and informal sector vulnerabilities in Ghana.
Domelevo Calls for Transparency in ORAL
Former Auditor-General Daniel Domelevo has urged authorities to keep the ORAL initiative active and transparent to maintain public confidence, stressing that credibility is essential for long-term institutional reform.
Special Needs Education to Be Free
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has announced that special needs education will be free from this academic year, a landmark policy shift aimed at improving inclusion and equal access to education nationwide.
Ofori-Atta Linked to U.S. Residency Application
Legal practitioner Martin Kpebu claims Ken Ofori-Atta has applied for U.S. permanent residency through his son, adding an international dimension to ongoing legal and political discussions surrounding the former finance minister.
NPP Campaign Boycott Threat Emerges
Claims have surfaced that Bryan Acheamong, a NPP presidential-candidate aspirant, threatened to boycott the NPP primaries following a dispute involving the Kwahu Traditional Council.
Family of Slain U.S.-Based Ghanaian Speaks Out
The family of George Ennin, the U.S.-based Ghanaian security guard who was fatally stabbed recently, has said they are heartbroken by the tragic incident. His sister has revealed that he could not survive because he was stabbed in the heart.
Ghana captain Jordan Ayew has issued a stirring pledge to deliver a performance that will make the nation proud as the Black Stars prepare for their fifth FIFA World Cup appearance, despite being drawn into a challenging Group L.
Speaking at a send-off event before the team departed Alexandria, Virginia, for their base camp in Rhode Island, the Leicester City forward acknowledged the magnitude of the task ahead but expressed unwavering confidence in his squad’s ability to compete.
Ghana will face Panama, England, and Croatia in the group stage — three opponents with strong international pedigrees.
“We have three massive games for us, and we want to make you guys proud; we want to make Ghana proud,” Ayew said. “Obviously, it’s not going to be easy, but with your prayers and support, hopefully, we’ll be successful.”
The Black Stars arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, on Thursday evening, June 11, 2026, for the final phase of their preparations.
According to the Ghana Football Association (GFA), head coach Carlos Queiroz and his squad are expected to resume training on Friday to fine-tune tactics and team cohesion ahead of their opening match.
Ghana is making its fifth appearance in the global showpiece, having previously qualified for the 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022 editions.
The country’s best performance came in 2010 when the Black Stars reached the quarterfinal stage in South Africa, narrowly missing out on a historic semifinal berth after a controversial penalty shootout loss to Uruguay.
The team will open its Group L campaign against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday, June 17, before facing England and Croatia in subsequent matches.
With Ayew at the helm, Ghanaians at home and in the diaspora are hoping the team can replicate — or surpass — the heroics of 2010.
Ghana News
‘Migrants Are Being Scapegoated’: Nigerian Envoy Slams South Africa as it Starts Evacuating Nationals
Nigeria has evacuated 268 of its citizens from South Africa, joining Ghana, Zimbabwe, and Malawi in pulling nationals from the country.
In recent weeks anti-migrant violence and rhetoric have been rising ahead of a June 30 protest-led deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave.
But beyond the humanitarian flight, Nigeria’s Consul General in South Africa, Ninikanwa Okey-Uche, delivered a sharp diplomatic rebuke: migrants make up less than 10% of South Africa’s population and cannot be “blamed for broken systems in education, health care, policing, unemployment.”
“Migrants are basically being scapegoated,” Okey-Uche told the BBC, calling on South African authorities to arrest known instigators of xenophobic attacks. “They’re not hiding. They’ve caused mayhem in people’s lives, but they’re walking free. Some of them are running for election.”
South Africa is due to hold local government elections in November, and analysts say migration is being weaponized as a campaign issue.
In response to weeks of protests, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced new measures including jailing employers who hire undocumented workers, dedicated deportation courts, and a nationwide biometric database.
One evacuated Nigerian passenger, Justin, who had lived in South Africa since 1998, told the BBC he was attacked in a taxi and called slurs.
“They say we must leave on or before 30th June. Because of the way they are killing our brothers, I’m not safe,” he said.
Ghana News
US Pledges Enduring Partnership with Ghana at 250th Independence Fete: Amid Aid Policy Shifts, Envoy Cites $2.5bn Health Investment
The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to its long-standing partnership with Ghana, with Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson using the 250th anniversary of American independence to pivot the relationship away from traditional aid dependency toward mutual economic resilience and security cooperation.
Speaking at the 250th Independence Day Celebration in Accra on June 10, 2026, Olson acknowledged ongoing shifts in US foreign assistance policy but declared that the bilateral bond is now defined by “not dependence, but resilience” and “a two-way exchange of investment, innovation, and expertise.”
Citing over $2.5 billion invested in Ghana’s health sector alone over two decades, Olson detailed tangible outcomes including life-saving treatment for 24,000 people living with HIV, annual malaria protection for 1.5 million children, and COVID-19 vaccinations for 7.5 million Ghanaians.
He also pointed to commercial partnerships such as Zipline’s drone delivery network, which has completed 800,000 medical deliveries in Ghana since 2019, saving an estimated 10,000 lives.
“The United States remains the largest financial contributor to health emergencies across the continent,” Olson said, referencing a $200 million direct commitment to the ongoing Ebola response in the DRC and Uganda as part of a broader $1.8 billion regional humanitarian contribution.
Beyond health, the Chargé d’Affaires highlighted deepening economic integration, noting that American companies like Newmont — Ghana’s single largest taxpayer, employ thousands of Ghanaians, with 99% local workforce including the country manager.
He also pointed to emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, advanced agriculture, and rural wireless technology deployment across hundreds of base stations to bridge West Africa’s digital divide.
In the realm of security and justice, Olson confirmed recent extradition cooperation, including the handover of Sedina Tamakloe Attionu to Ghanaian authorities and the extradition by Ghana of multiple individuals wanted for cybercrime in the US.
“We are proud to work together to ensure that those alleged to have committed criminal acts face justice,” he said.
Looking ahead, Olson noted expanded visa access for Ghanaians ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the US is co-hosting, urging citizens to see the US as an accessible partner for education, business, and travel.
“Two hundred and fifty years into America’s independence and nearly 70 years into Ghana’s, we look to the future with optimism, confidence, and renewed purpose,” Olson concluded.
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