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.

Minimal Power Disruption Expected During WAPCo Gas Pipeline Maintenance

The Government of Ghana has assured the public that electricity supply will experience minimal disruption on Sunday, January 18, as routine maintenance begins on the West African Gas Pipeline (WAPCo). The Ministry of Energy and GRIDCo say the exercise — scheduled from 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. — is essential for safety and reliability of gas flows to thermal plants in Tema. Alternative fuel arrangements are in place to keep generation stable and prevent major outages during the maintenance window.

Government Reviewing Saglemi Housing Deal and Private Takeover
The government is reassessing the Saglemi Housing Project agreement signed under the previous administration, which saw a private consortium take over the stalled housing development at Prampram. Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu says the project was intended as affordable public housing, but the late-stage transfer to private hands may undermine that original purpose. The review aims to ensure that the development serves public interest and delivers on its original objectives after years of stalling.

Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Detained in U.S.; Extradition Process Under Review
Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is currently being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid ongoing legal and immigration proceedings. U.S. authorities revoked his visa in 2025, prompting his detention in early January 2026 as Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor requests his extradition over alleged corruption and financial misconduct. Legal and political voices in Ghana have described the situation as a step toward accountability, while others warn that detention alone does not equate to justice. Ghanaian lawmakers have urged Ofori-Atta to return voluntarily and face the charges, and the extradition process — including dual criminality requirements — remains under review.

Comfort Antwi: Ghanaian Teen Dies in North Carolina Crash
A 16-year-old Ghanaian teenager, Comfort Antwi, has died following a head-on collision in Charlotte, North Carolina. The crash occurred on January 3, when the Toyota Yaris she was driving veered into oncoming traffic and struck a BMW, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Antwi was transported to hospital with critical injuries and succumbed on January 5. Loved ones have launched a GoFundMe appeal to support her family. She was a student leader and chorister with aspirations of becoming an ultrasound technician.

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.