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Ghana News Live Blog: Key Updates Throughout Tuesday, January 20, 2026

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Stay tuned! This page will be updated as more developments unfold. Below are concise news summaries of key stories of interest to Ghanaian and global readers.


Ofori-Atta’s High-Profile Immigration Hearing to Public

A United States immigration court barred public access to proceedings involving former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, citing sensitive issues surrounding his immigration case. The development means the public interest case will be held in private, further heightening international attention on the matter. 🔗 Read more: https://ghananewsglobal.com/setback-lawyers-cause-judge-to-close-ofori-attas-high-profile-immigration-hearing-to-public/


Ghana signs Historic 24-Hour Local Gold Refining Deal

Ghana has taken a major step to strengthen local value addition in its extractive sector with the signing of a historic gold refining agreement between the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) and Gold Coast Refinery in Accra. The agreement was formally signed on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at GoldBod’s headquarters in the former Bank of Ghana building. According to details shared with journalists by GoldBod, the deal marks the first time the Government of Ghana has entered into a formal gold refining agreement with a locally based refinery, a move officials say could significantly reshape the country’s gold value chain. 🔗 Read more: https://ghananewsglobal.com/turning-point-for-ghanas-gold-sector-as-historic-24-hour-gold-refinery-deal-signed/


Agradaa Apologises, Pays GH¢100,000 to Settle Defamation Case with Empress Gifty

Evangelist Patricia Asiedu, popularly known as Agradaa, has issued a public apology and paid GH¢100,000 to gospel musician Empress Gifty as part of a mutual settlement of a high-profile defamation lawsuit. The case, which stemmed from comments Agradaa made on social media, was resolved out of court, bringing an end to months of public legal tension between the two figures.
🔗 Read more: https://www.graphic.com.gh/entertainment/showbiz-news/agradaa-apologises-and-pays-ghc100-000-to-empress-gifty-for-mutual-settlement-of-defamation-case.html


NPP’s Valentino Nii Noi Nortey Arrested in U.S. Over Alleged Stabbing of Wife

Valentino Nii Noi Nortey, identified as a member of Ghana’s New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been arrested in the United States for allegedly stabbing his wife. Authorities say the incident is under active investigation, with legal proceedings expected to follow under U.S. law. The development has sparked public reaction both in Ghana and abroad.
🔗 Read more: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/npps-valentino-nii-noi-nortey-arrested-in-us-for-allegedly-stabbing-wife.html


Burst 42-Inch Transmission Line Disrupts Water Supply in Tema and Eastern Accra

Residents across Tema and parts of Eastern Accra are experiencing water shortages following the burst of a 42-inch transmission pipeline. The Ghana Water Company Limited has outlined affected communities and says repair works are underway to restore supply as quickly as possible.
🔗 Read more: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/burst-42-inch-transmission-line-disrupts-water-supply-across-tema-and-eastern-accra-see-the-affected-areas.html


Fire Destroys Dozens of Shops Near Circle VIP Station

A major fire outbreak near the Circle VIP transport terminal in Accra has destroyed dozens of shops, causing significant losses for traders. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze, but many business owners were left counting heavy financial losses as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
🔗 Read more: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/dozens-of-shops-razed-as-fire-breaks-out-near-circle-vvip-station.html


Notorious Drug Dealer Arrested in Budumburam by NACOC

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested a suspected notorious drug dealer in Budumburam, a community long associated with drug-related activity. Authorities say the arrest forms part of broader efforts to dismantle drug networks and reduce narcotics trafficking in the area.
🔗 Read more: https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/budumburam-notorious-drug-dealer-arrested-by-nacoc.html


Police Probe Fatal Shooting Involving Female Officer at Weija

The Ghana Police Service has launched an investigation into a fatal shooting incident at Weija involving a female police officer. Details surrounding the circumstances remain limited, but officials say the probe will establish the facts and determine any accountability.
🔗 Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/police-probe-fatal-shooting-involving-female-officer-at-weija/


Why Over 98% of Lands in Ghana Cannot Be Registered — Appeal Court Justice

An Appeal Court Justice has disclosed that more than 98% of lands in Ghana cannot be registered with a title, citing legal, customary and documentation challenges. The remarks have reignited debate over land administration reform and property rights in the country.
🔗 Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/heres-why-over-98-of-lands-in-ghana-cannot-be-registered-with-a-title-appeal-court-justice/


Parliament to Resume Sitting on February 3

Ghana’s Parliament is set to resume sittings on February 3, following a recess. Lawmakers are expected to take up pending legislation, committee work and national policy debates as the new session begins.
🔗 Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/parliament-to-resume-on-february-3/


Minority Demands Ablakwa’s Removal Amid U.S. Visa Freeze Concerns

The Minority in Parliament is calling for the removal of Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, citing what they describe as diplomatic failures following a reported U.S. visa freeze. The demand has intensified partisan debate over Ghana’s foreign relations and diplomatic strategy.
🔗 Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/us-visa-freeze-minority-demands-ablakwas-sacking-over-diplomatic-failures/


Gospel Music Legend Yaw Sarpong Passes Away

Renowned Ghanaian gospel musician and choral director Yaw Sarpong has passed away, sparking an outpouring of tributes across the country. Widely regarded as a pioneer of contemporary gospel music in Ghana, his influence shaped generations of musicians and worshippers.
🔗 Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/gospel-legend-yaw-sarpong-passes-away/


U.S. Embassy Opens Thousands of Visa Appointment Slots in Ghana

The U.S. Embassy in Ghana has announced the opening of thousands of new visa appointment slots, offering relief to applicants facing long waiting periods. The move is expected to ease backlogs and improve access to U.S. visa services for Ghanaians.
🔗 Read more: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/US-Embassy-opens-thousands-of-visa-appointment-slots-2018128


Ex-Finance Minister Ofori-Atta to Face U.S. Court as Ghana Seeks Extradition

Ken Ofori-Atta

Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is scheduled to appear before a U.S. court on January 20, 2026, after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement determined his visa status was revoked — a decision linked to ongoing investigations by Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor. Ghana is pushing for his extradition to face legal proceedings related to the SML case, with authorities in both countries reportedly cooperating. Former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu is also expected in court on a related extradition matter.


Prince Kofi Amoabeng Open to Public Service, Sets Clear Conditions

Business figure and former UT Bank CEO Prince Kofi Amoabeng says he isn’t actively seeking a government role but would consider public service if terms align with his capacities and values. At nearly 74, Amoabeng states that any future engagement must allow him to fully commit, stressing impact over position amid renewed discussions about his potential contributions to national development.
🔗 Full story: https://www.myjoyonline.com/amoabeng-open-to-public-service-but-sets-clear-conditions/


Medical Kalabule: Ridge Hospital Patient Exploitation Detailed

An investigative exposé by The Fourth Estate sheds light on troubling practices at Ridge Hospital, where some surgeons allegedly direct patients to private pharmacies for costly surgical consumables that the public facility already owns. The report profiles multiple cases, including a patient spending the equivalent of over GHC 103,000 on supposed neurosurgical supplies — far above what the hospital received — raising concerns about pricing inconsistencies, procurement bypasses, and patient exploitation. (The Fourth Estate)
🔗 Full story: https://thefourthestategh.com/2026/01/medical-kalabule-inside-ridge-hospitals-system-that-exploits-patients-part-one/


Mining Industry Warns Reforms Could Deter Investment

Ghana’s proposed mining tax and royalty reforms — including scrapping stability agreements and increasing royalties to potentially 12% — risk discouraging investment and slowing gold output, the Chamber of Mines warns. While the government aims to boost revenues and tighten oversight, the industry body cautions that an overly aggressive fiscal framework could stall projects and cost jobs in Africa’s largest gold producer. (MyJoyOnline)
🔗 Full story: https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghanas-mining-reforms-risk-choking-investment-says-industry-body/


IES Defends National Petroleum Authority Price Floor Amid Fuel Pricing Debate

The Institute for Energy Security (IES) has backed the NPA’s price floor policy, asserting it helps stabilize Ghana’s petroleum market, prevent predatory pricing, and protect smaller oil marketers. The defence responds to claims that removing the floor would lower fuel costs, with IES calling for informed, evidence-based debate rather than oversimplified public narratives. (MyJoyOnline)
🔗 Full story: https://www.myjoyonline.com/ies-defends-npa-price-floor-policy-amid-debate-over-fuel-pricing/


Man Arrested for Allegedly Stabbing Relative in Eyes in Western North Region

Police in the Juaboso District have arrested a 55-year-old man, William Gyamfi, for allegedly stabbing a relative in both eyes with scissors during a domestic dispute in Sefwi Abrokofe. The victim is receiving emergency medical care, and residents are urging law enforcement to ensure thorough investigation and justice. (MyJoyOnline)
🔗 Full story: https://www.myjoyonline.com/man-arrested-for-allegedly-stabbing-relative-in-both-eyes-in-domestic-dispute/


Kennedy Agyapong Criticizes Bawumia Over Misattributed Comment

Flagbearer aspirant Kennedy Agyapong has publicly attacked former VP Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, accusing him of making a contentious comment originally made by NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Wontumi. The misattribution has drawn social media criticism, with many observers questioning Agyapong’s claims and rhetoric within the New Patriotic Party’s internal dynamics. (MyJoyOnline)
🔗 Full story: https://www.myjoyonline.com/kennedy-agyapong-attacks-bawumia-over-wontumis-comment/


Government Probes Auction of 300 Metro Mass Transit Buses

The government has launched an investigation into the controversial auction of 300 buses from Metro Mass Transit, amid concerns about transparency, value for money, and proper procedures. Authorities are reviewing the process to determine accountability and ensure public resources are managed effectively. (CitiNewsroom.com)
🔗 Full story: https://citinewsroom.com/2026/01/govt-launches-probe-into-auction-of-300-metro-mass-transit-buses/


Three More Suspects Arrested in Adabraka Gold Robbery Case

Police have apprehended three additional suspects in connection with the Adabraka gold robbery, bolstering efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in high-value thefts. The arrests follow ongoing operations in Ashaiman and reflect intensified law enforcement action on organised crime. (CitiNewsroom.com)
🔗 Full story: https://citinewsroom.com/2026/01/adabraka-gold-robbery-three-more-suspects-picked-up-in-ashaiman/


Ghana News

American Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections

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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.

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Ghana News

Top Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026

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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.”

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Ghana News

Ghanaian Firms Inject €425,000 of Own Funds to Ignite ‘Made in Ghana’ Health Innovation

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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.

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