Ghana News
Ghana News Updates (Jan 13, 2026): Catch up on the Major Stories
Stay informed with this rolling coverage of the latest news from Ghana. As stories break, we’ll add more updates to keep you in the know on the major local stories. Check back soon.
Ghana Intercepted Over 2,000 Guns and Ammunition at Airports in 2023
Ghana’s Auditor-General has raised concerns over aviation security vulnerabilities after the 2024 audit report revealed that more than 2,000 guns and ammunition were intercepted from passengers at the country’s airports in 2023 alone. The findings, which came to light during scrutiny by Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), highlight an “increasing number” of weapons being carried by travelers, and point to critical policy shortcomings that allowed some passengers to board flights despite interceptions. Read more here.
The report, covering operations at Kotoka International Airport and other facilities, documented the seizure of over 2,000 firearms and rounds of ammunition during the year. All intercepted cases were referred to the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) for further action.
FBI Involvement Raises Stakes in Ken Ofori-Atta Detention – Ghana’s US Envoy
Ghana’s High Commissioner to the US, Victor Smith, has disclosed that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta remains in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody amid immigration status queries. Smith disclosed that the FBI is involved in Ofori-Atta’s case, suggesting potential criminal elements or a Ghana government request for his assistance in investigations. Ofori-Atta, who has a pending adjustment of status petition, declined consular access from the Ghanaian embassy without his lawyers and later refused meetings entirely. Smith suspects a mix of immigration issues and possible Interpol alerts in the high-profile case. Read more here.
‘Infection Spread’ Feared: Teshie Water Crisis Triggers Healthcare Emergency
A prolonged water shortage in Accra’s Teshie-Nungua area, stemming from the October 2025 shutdown of the Teshie-Nungua Desalination Plant over unpaid debts, has sparked a healthcare crisis at facilities like Camp 2 Health Centre. Sanitation breakdowns, including unflushable toilets and reused unwashed bedsheets, raise fears of infection outbreaks and waterborne diseases. Nurses report buying sachet water personally for patient care and over-relying on sanitizers, which harms skin. Residents endure high costs and long travels for water, with GWCL promising resolutions but offering limited progress, exacerbating hygiene and public health risks in affected communities like Teshie, Nungua, and Spintex. Read more here.
After Years of Losses, BoG Tightens Controls and Slashes Fees in Gold Programme Overhaul
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has overhauled its Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP), launched in 2021 to stabilize the economy amid forex pressures, after incurring audited losses from 2022-2024 due to timing differences, forex conversions, and dore gold costs. Reforms in 2025 include ring-fencing proceeds, stricter settlements with guarantees, and fee reductions (off-taker discounts, agent fees, assay charges) to cut total costs to 1.7%. Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama told Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee the programme was not profit-driven but served national interest, rejecting high-buy/low-sell claims. Future plans for 2026 involve hedging, cost negotiations, and phasing out BoG funding for sustainability. Read more here.
Re-Electing Old Flagbearer Will Be a “Trainwreck” for NPP – Prof Frimpong-Boateng
Former Environment Minister Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng has warned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against re-electing its previous flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, labeling it a potential “trainwreck” amid unaddressed reasons for the party’s recent electoral defeat. He criticized the last selection process for alleged bribery, intimidation, and manipulation, calling the NPP “fake” and detached from its roots. While describing Dr. Bawumia as a “nice person,” Frimpong-Boateng urged him to distance himself from those linked to economic failures under Akufo-Addo to regain trust. Read more here.
BoG Governor Calls for Review of GoldBod’s Trading Model, Proposes Budget Support to Sustain Gold for Reserves Programme
Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama has urged Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to review GoldBod’s trading model for inefficiencies and provide budgetary support from the Ministry of Finance to cover costs, ensuring the Gold for Reserves programme’s sustainability. The initiative, which formalizes small-scale gold transactions to bolster national reserves, has generated profits but at BoG’s expense, with $214 million in losses by September 2025 per IMF reports. Asiama stressed a unified national approach to address transactional and insurance burdens without abandoning the program, aligning it with broader economic stabilization goals. Read more here.
Weak Forex Controls Could Cost Banks Their Trading Licences – BoG Warns
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has issued a stern warning to commercial banks over “material weaknesses” in internal controls for foreign currency transactions, identified through examinations and surveillance, which heighten risks of fraud, money laundering, and market disruption. Banks must implement multi-tier authorizations, enhanced AML/CFT checks, duty segregation, real-time monitoring, daily reconciliations, internal audits, and staff training. Licence renewals now depend on compliance, with sanctions under relevant acts for violations, as part of efforts to safeguard Ghana’s forex market integrity amid economic recovery. Read more here.
Widespread Blackout Hits Major Parts of Kumasi
A widespread power outage struck significant areas of Kumasi on January 13, 2026, disrupting daily activities, with limited details available on causes or restoration timelines from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). Residents reported impacts across major parts of the city, highlighting ongoing challenges in Ghana’s energy infrastructure. Read more here.
Reactions as Akosua Serwaa, Papa Shee Spotted at High Court in Kumasi
Akosua Serwaa, first wife of the late Highlife legend Daddy Lumba, was spotted at Kumasi High Court alongside family friend Papa Shee, sparking social media speculation of a new legal case amid ongoing estate disputes. She visited her lawyer, William Kusi beforehand and was greeted by supporters from Team Legal Wives. This follows her November 2025 court loss recognizing both her and Priscilla Ofori as wives of Daddy Lumba, after Lumba’s death in July 2025, with Serwaa skipping his funeral but returning to Ghana recently from Germany. Read more here.
A-Plus’ Land Sale App Sparks Tension in Winneba and Gomoa as Communities Reject ‘Litigation-Free’ Claims
Gomoa Central MP Kwame A-Plus’s Digital Land Acquisition and Management Platform (DILAP), launched in October 2025 to sell “litigation-free” lands for the Gomoa Central Special Economic Zone, has ignited tensions in Effutu and Gomoa. On January 8, 2026, A-Plus allegedly led armed forces to seize disputed lands along the Winneba-Cape Coast Road, assaulting locals and drawing accusations of land grabs and conflicts of interest. Effutu traditional leaders reject the app’s claims, insisting on direct engagement with chiefs, and a petition demands adherence to law, amid fears of escalating inter-community conflicts. Read more here.
No Protocol Admissions in Ongoing Police Recruitment — Interior Minister
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has assured transparency in the 2026 Ghana Police Service recruitment, stating no “protocol” admissions will occur, with presidential backing to prevent interference. The paperless screening of 29,812 applicants began smoothly in Accra across multiple centres, with orderly batches, refreshments, and close monitoring. He warned against fraudsters posing as agents, noting arrests for attempts to compromise the process. Read more here.
Chairman Wontumi Begins Fight for Freedom in Galamsey Case, Witness Delivers Testimony
Ashanti NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Wontumi) began his defense in an Accra High Court trial over illegal mining charges linked to Akonta Mining in the Samreboi concession and Tano Nimire Forest Reserve. The first prosecution witness, artisanal miner Michael Gyedu Ayisi, testified to no documentary evidence of concession transfers, basing claims on verbal statements, and admitted no direct interaction with Wontumi. The case, adjourned to January 13, 2026, follows Wontumi’s October 2025 arrest and bail, amid allegations of unauthorized activities since 2022. Read more here.
Wendy Shay Beats Moliy and Tiwa Savage to Win Best Female Artiste in West Africa at 2026 AFRIMA
Ghanaian singer Wendy Shay triumphed at the 2026 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos on January 11, winning Best Female Artiste in West Africa for her hit Too Late, beating nominees like Moliy, Amaarae, Tiwa Savage, and Ayra Starr. As the sole Ghanaian winner, she thanked her fans, team, and protégé Tracy Shay for viral promotion. The event celebrated African talent, with other victors including Rema and Burna Boy, underscoring Shay’s rising status in regional music. Read more here.
Check back soon for updates as more developments unfold across Ghana and the global community
Welcome to our rolling news summary from Ghana. These stories reflect the nation’s landscape. Check back for more news updates as the day progresses and new information becomes available.
Ghanaian PhD Students in UK Begin Mass Withdrawals Over Unpaid Scholarships
Ghanaian PhD students in the UK are withdrawing from programs due to unpaid tuition and stipends for nearly two years, facing debt, evictions, and visa curtailments. The PhD Cohort-UK plans demonstrations at the Ghana High Commission in London and has petitioned UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for intervention. A student stated: “Our situation has reached a breaking point… If the fees aren’t paid by the end of this month, my Tier 4 visa will be curtailed, and I will be deported with nothing but debt.”
Prempeh College Students Caught in Violent Fistfight During School Competition
Prempeh College students engaged in a violent fistfight with Cadet Corps members during the 2026 Ashanti Regional Senior High Schools Boys’ Soccer Festival at Baba Yara Sports Stadium, as captured in a video shared on January 16, 2026, by SikaOfficial on and republished GhanaWeb. The incident has sparked public outrage over rising student indiscipline, with calls for arrests as a deterrent.
Ghana Navy Foils Illegal Fuel Bunkering Along Keta-Aflao Coast
The Ghana Navy conducted two raids dismantling illegal fuel bunkering operations in Volta Region, seizing 162 fuel-filled 25-litre gallons and 32 200-litre barrels on January 13, 2026, and intercepting seven modified canoes with 378 empty barrels on January 15, 2026. Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin reaffirmed commitment to maritime security, urging public cooperation to protect national security, marine biodiversity, and the blue economy.
Minister Calls for Inter-Ministerial Force to Fix Accra’s Rush-Hour Transit Crises
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs Ahmed Ibrahim urged an inter-ministerial alliance with the Ministry of Roads to repair Accra’s intra-roads during a January 16, 2026, stakeholder meeting hosted by the Ministry of Transport. He warned private operators of government intervention if roads remain unmotorable, citing a €1 million grant for Ayalolo bus revival, and stated: “We need to bring my brother, the Road Minister, in so that the intra-roads that are not motorable are fixed.”
Ex-Manager Case: Black Sherif’s Contract Breach Deemed ‘Technical’ as Court Awards GH¢50k Instead of GH¢1.1m Demand
The High Court in Accra ruled Black Sherif’s contract breach with former manager Shadrach Owusu Agyei ‘technical’, awarding GH¢50k in nominal damages and GH¢15k in costs against the plaintiff, dismissing most claims due to lack of evidence, according to MyJoyOnline. Justice Afia Adu-Amankwa noted no proven substantial loss from the breach.
Esther Smith Refutes Claims Pastor Elvis Agyemang Charged for Prayers
Esther Smith’s management denied social media allegations that Pastor Elvis Agyemang of Alpha Hour charged for prayers, calling them false and explaining that no money was requested. They urged verification of facts and praised the pastor’s integrity: “At no point was any amount requested, demanded, or charged for prayers.”
Antoine Semenyo’s £65m Manchester City Switch Sparks Discussions in UK Parliament
Antoine Semenyo’s £65m transfer from AFC Bournemouth to Manchester City sparked UK Parliament discussions on January 15, 2026, with Labour MP Tom Hayes praising his farewell ad in the Bournemouth Echo, linking it to advocacy for raising social media age limits. Hayes called Semenyo “a superstar on the pitch and a gentleman off it.”
Ghana Eager to Change the Narrative at 2026 World Cup
After missing the 2025 AFCON, Ghana’s Black Stars qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, drawn in Group L with Croatia, England, and Panama. Coach Otto Addo aims for redemption with key players like Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Kudus, and Thomas Partey.
GRA Launches AI-Powered System to Boost Revenue and Curb Customs Fraud
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) launched Publican AI on January 16, 2026, to enhance revenue and curb customs fraud using real-time analytics. Deputy Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem stated:
“The AI tool will help us achieve accurate duty determination,” while Commissioner-General Dr Anthony Sarpong added: “The Publican AI system will give us 100% coverage of assessment.”
Ken Ofori-Atta to Face Deportation – AG Discloses
Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine disclosed that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta faces high deportation risk from the US, with a January 20, 2026, immigration hearing. Ayine stated:
“The possibility is very high and he could either self-deport or face deportation by the immigration judge.”
Check back for more news updates as the day progresses and new information becomes available.
Ghana News
6-Year-Old U.S. Citizen Stuck in Nigeria Pleads with Trump to Let Adopted Sibling Come Home With Family
A heartfelt plea from 6-year-old Harriet Wilson is trending on social media as the young girl appeals directly to President Donald Trump to reverse a U.S. immigration policy that has left her family stranded in Nigeria with their adopted special-needs sibling, Ollie.
In a short video shared widely across social media, Harriet speaks on behalf of the Wilson family, explaining that they legally adopted Ollie nearly a year ago.
“Ollie is my baby. Ollie belongs to our family,” she says, her voice steady and sincere. “When we first came here, Ollie was really sick and small. We loved them and fed them and took care of them… and now they’re a happy toddler.”
The Wilsons have followed every legal step in the international adoption process and have been waiting patiently to bring Ollie home to the United States. However, Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective January 1, 2026, suspended or limited entry and visa issuance for nationals from 39 countries — including Nigeria — and removed previous categorical exemptions for adoption visas (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4).
Harriet’s message is clear and deeply emotional:
“Some people say we could go back to America without Ollie, but that would mean leaving them at an orphanage, which we’re not going to do. My parents wouldn’t send me to an orphanage or any of my siblings. And we won’t leave Ollie at an orphanage either. So if Ollie can’t come to America, we can’t come to America. Our family stays together.”
Addressing President Trump directly, she adds:
“I know you make big decisions for our country, so I’m asking you with my whole heart, please change your mind. Please fix this mistake so that our baby can come home with us. Please, President Trump, help our family go home together.”
The Wilson family’s situation has become a focal point in discussions about the human impact of U.S. immigration restrictions on international adoptions, particularly from African nations. Hundreds of other adoptive families are reportedly facing similar barriers, with some children remaining in orphanages indefinitely.
The plea comes amid broader concerns among the African diaspora and global adoption communities about the effects of Proclamation 10998, which targets countries including Nigeria, Ghana, and several others in West and East Africa.
While non-immigrant visas (tourist, business, student) remain largely unaffected, the suspension of immigrant visa categories has created significant uncertainty for families pursuing permanent family reunification or adoption.
The Wilson family continues to call for public support — urging viewers to engage with the video, share their story, and contact U.S. senators and representatives to advocate for the reinstatement of adoption visa exemptions.
Watch Harriet’s full message here: Harriet Wilson’s Plea to President Trump
Ghana News
Ghana’s Former Finance Minister Ofori-Atta Declared ‘Illegal Alien’ in the U.S., Faces Possible Deportation
The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has officially confirmed that former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is classified as an “illegal alien” in the United States, having overstayed his visa following its revocation in mid-2025.
In a statement released on January 15, 2026, ICE detailed that Ofori-Atta, who remains in custody at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia, entered the U.S. on a temporary visa that expired, and he failed to depart or regularize his status.
The agency described him as an “illegal alien” under U.S. immigration law, a designation that significantly complicates his legal position amid Ghana’s ongoing extradition request, reports say.
Ofori-Atta, who served as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, faces 78 criminal charges in Ghana, including allegations of corruption, financial misconduct, and procurement irregularities tied to the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) contract and payments for the National Cathedral project.
Ghana formally submitted its extradition request to the U.S. Department of Justice on December 10, 2025.
The ICE confirmation adds new pressure to the case, which has already sparked intense diplomatic engagement between Accra and Washington. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa recently announced that U.S. authorities assured Ghana they would not block extradition proceedings for Ofori-Atta or fugitive former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, signaling potential cooperation despite the immigration classification.
Legal experts note that the “illegal alien” status could accelerate removal proceedings, though Ofori-Atta’s defense team has filed a petition for adjustment of status and is challenging the detention.
A U.S. immigration court hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2026, where his case will be further reviewed.
The development continues to draw widespread attention in Ghana, fueling debates on accountability for public officials, the strength of bilateral relations, and the intersection of immigration enforcement with international justice.
Ofori-Atta’s case remains a major test of Ghana–U.S. diplomatic and law-enforcement ties under the Mahama administration’s anti-corruption and accountability drive.
African Diaspora Federal Credit Union Opens in Missouri: First U.S. Institution Dedicated to Empowering Global African Diaspora and Black Americans
Ghanaian PhD Students in UK Begin Mass Withdrawals Over Unpaid Scholarships, Facing Debt and Deportation
Ghana News Updates ( Saturday, Jan 17, 2026): Catch up on the Major Stories
-
Ghana News24 hours ago6-Year-Old U.S. Citizen Stuck in Nigeria Pleads with Trump to Let Adopted Sibling Come Home With Family
-
Culture8 hours agoMrBeast to Transform a Ghanaian Village in Ambitious Humanitarian Project
-
Business12 hours agoGhana’s Mining Overhaul Risks Investor Flight: Scrapping Stability Pacts and Doubling Royalties Could Deter FDI
-
Africa Watch11 hours agoMuseveni Leads with 68% as Bobi Wine Trails in Early Uganda 2026 Election Results
-
Africa Watch10 hours agoWest African Migrants Deported from the U.S. Accuse Ghana of Human Rights Abuses
-
From the Diaspora9 hours agoGhana Ranks 8th Globally in Proportion of Students Pursuing STEM in the U.S.
-
Business9 hours agoMicrosoft Study Flags These 40 Jobs as Most at Risk by AI