Ghana News
Ghana News Live Updates: Catch up on all the Breaking News Today (Feb. 13, 2026)
Stay tuned for real-time developments shaping Ghana. Bookmark this page and return often for fresh summaries as stories evolve. (Updated February 13, 2026)
Majority Rejects NPP’s Call to Sack COCOBOD CEO Randy Abbey Over Cocoa Price Cut
The Majority Caucus in Parliament has rejected the Minority’s demand for the removal of COCOBOD CEO Dr. Randy Abbey following the recent reduction in the cocoa farmgate price. In a February 13, 2026, statement, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga described the call as “unfortunate and politically motivated,” arguing that the price adjustment was necessary to align with global market realities, clear legacy debts, and sustain the sector. The Majority maintained that the CEO enjoys the confidence of the government and is implementing reforms under President Mahama’s directive.
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Families Who Lose Relatives to No-Bed Syndrome Must Sue Health Facilities – Dr. Nawaane
Health expert Dr. Nawaane has called on families of patients denied emergency care due to “no-bed syndrome” to file civil suits against hospitals, describing the practice as medical negligence and a breach of the right to life. Speaking in response to a recent hit-and-run case where a victim died after being turned away from Ridge and Korle-Bu hospitals for nearly three hours, Dr. Nawaane urged victims’ families to seek redress through the courts to hold facilities accountable and force systemic change.
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Court Grants Lumba Family’s Abusuapanin Leave to File Injunction Against Second Funeral
An Accra High Court has granted leave to the Abusuapanin (family head) of the late legendary highlife musician Daddy Lumba to file an injunction restraining organisers from proceeding with a second funeral. The February 13, 2026, ruling allows the family to seek a formal court order blocking the event amid ongoing disputes over funeral arrangements and estate matters following Lumba’s passing. The case has drawn significant attention within Ghana’s music and entertainment community.
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Bawumia: My Victory Proves NPP Rejects Tribalism, Religious Bigotry
Former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has declared that his strong showing in the NPP presidential primaries is clear evidence that the party rejects tribalism and religious bigotry. In a February 13, 2026, statement, Bawumia — who placed second in the January 31, 2026, contest — said his nationwide support across ethnic and religious lines demonstrates the NPP’s inclusive character and commitment to merit over divisive politics.
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FDA Seizes Unregistered Diapers at Ho Market
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized a large consignment of unregistered and substandard diapers at the Ho Central Market in the Volta Region. The February 13, 2026, operation targeted vendors selling the products without FDA approval, citing risks to infant health from poor-quality materials. The FDA warned traders against dealing in unregistered health products and vowed continued market surveillance nationwide.
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Bagbin Urges Executive to Release Land for New Parliament House
Speaker Alban Sumana Bagbin has appealed to the Executive arm of government to urgently release land for the construction of a new Parliament House. Speaking on February 13, 2026, Bagbin said the current facility is inadequate for Ghana’s growing legislature and that a modern, purpose-built complex is essential for effective lawmaking and national representation. The call comes amid ongoing discussions on parliamentary infrastructure upgrades.
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COCOBOD CEO Responds to Minority’s Call for His Removal
COCOBOD Chief Executive Dr Ransford Anertey Abbey has firmly rejected calls by the Minority in Parliament for his dismissal over alleged mismanagement and delayed payments to farmers. In a February 13, 2026, statement, the CEO defended his leadership, citing ongoing efforts to clear legacy arrears, secure emergency financing, and implement structural reforms under President Mahama’s directive. He described the criticism as politically motivated and reaffirmed COCOBOD’s commitment to restoring farmer confidence and sector stability.
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Ghana to Sign More Visa-Waiver Agreements as Passport Gains Global Strength – Ablakwa
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that Ghana is actively negotiating additional visa-waiver agreements following the recent deal with Zambia. Speaking on February 13, 2026, Ablakwa highlighted the strengthening global mobility of the Ghanaian passport and said more countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond are expected to sign similar pacts soon, boosting tourism, trade, business travel, and people-to-people ties under the AfCFTA framework.
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A Tax for Galamsey: Investigations Underway – Wrongdoers Will Be Punished – Ashanti Regional Minister
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene has confirmed that investigations are underway into allegations that the Amansie Central District Assembly has been collecting fees from illegal miners operating banned changfang equipment. The probe follows a JoyNews exposé revealing miners pay GH¢6,000 annually for stickers permitting prohibited floating platforms that pollute water bodies. The Minister vowed that any wrongdoing by assembly officials will be punished, emphasising zero tolerance for corruption or complicity in galamsey activities.
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We Criticised Akufo-Addo, So Why Blame Mahama for Ministerial Snub? – Nketiah
Former NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has defended President Mahama against accusations that he is sidelining certain party figures in ministerial appointments. In comments on February 13, 2026, Nketiah said the party had previously criticised former President Akufo-Addo for similar decisions without similar backlash, questioning why Mahama is being held to a different standard. He urged unity and focus on the “Reset Ghana” agenda rather than internal sniping.
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President Mahama’s Position on LGBTQ Has Not Changed – Prof Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah
Prof Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah, a senior presidential advisor, has clarified that President John Dramani Mahama’s stance on LGBTQ issues remains unchanged from his previous term. In a February 13, 2026, interview, she stated that the President continues to uphold Ghanaian cultural values and family principles while respecting constitutional rights. The comment comes amid renewed debate on the pending Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which is now being scheduled for parliamentary consideration.
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Mahama Departs Accra for AU Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa
President John Dramani Mahama left Accra on February 13, 2026, for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 46th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government. The summit, running February 13–18, will focus on continental integration under the AfCFTA, climate finance, peace and security, and institutional reforms. Ghana’s delegation includes Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and senior advisors. Mahama is expected to deliver remarks on Ghana’s “Reset” agenda and advocate for stronger intra-African trade and debt relief mechanisms.
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Social Media Uproar as Alleged Russian Trends Target Ghanaian Women for Filmed Encounters
Ghanaian social media users are raising alarm over reports of Russian men allegedly using dating apps and social platforms to lure young Ghanaian women into filmed sexual encounters for online distribution. Posts and screenshots circulating since February 12, 2026, claim some women are being offered money or gifts in exchange for explicit content, with videos later shared without consent on adult sites. Police have not issued an official statement, but cybercrime experts urge caution, warning of blackmail and human trafficking risks. The trend has sparked calls for awareness campaigns and stricter online safety measures.
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Osei Kwame Despite Responds to Rumours Linking Him to Cocaine Bust at KIA
Businessman Osei Kwame Despite has strongly denied any involvement in the February 10 cocaine seizure of 10.5 kg hidden in gari at Kotoka International Airport. In a February 12, 2026, statement, Despite described the rumours as “malicious and baseless” and called on NACOC to swiftly investigate and punish those spreading false claims. He reaffirmed his commitment to lawful business and urged the public to disregard the speculation. NACOC has not commented on the allegations.
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Farmers to Earn GH¢2,587 per Bag as Government Resets Cocoa Pricing Formula
The government has reset the cocoa farmgate price formula, increasing the producer price to GH¢2,587 per 64 kg bag for the 2025/26 main crop season — up from previous levels — following the February 11 emergency Cabinet meeting. Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the new pricing structure on February 12, 2026, aimed at cushioning farmers from global price volatility, legacy debt burdens, and delayed payments. The adjustment is part of broader reforms to ensure timely payments and long-term sector viability.
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No-Bed Syndrome and How a Hit-and-Run Victim Was Refused Emergency Care by Ridge & Korle-Bu Hospitals for 3 Hours Before He Died
A hit-and-run victim in Accra died after being denied emergency care at both Ridge Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital due to “no-bed syndrome” for over three hours. The February 12, 2026, report details how the young man was rushed between facilities on January 29, 2026, only to be turned away repeatedly before succumbing. Family members and witnesses accuse the hospitals of negligence; both facilities have launched internal investigations. The incident has reignited public outrage over Ghana’s chronic shortage of emergency beds and ambulance delays.
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Return often for fresh summaries as stories break
The government has launched a major military-led operation to reclaim the Lafa water retention basin at Mallam, deploying the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces in a high-stakes effort to break the cycle of perennial flooding that has devastated communities in Mallam, Weija, Blue Lagoon, Dansoman and surrounding areas for years.
The intervention, which involves breaking up tonnes of compacted solid waste and dredging heavily silted sediment from the basin, comes nearly two months after torrential rains on June 29 triggered catastrophic flooding across the Greater Accra Region.
The exercise is being coordinated by the Post-Flood Mitigation Task Force, led by the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Mr Stan Xoese Dogbe.
“We are dealing with decades of deliberate dumping,” said Ing. Richard Kofi Amekor, Head of Drainage at the Ghana Hydrological Authority. “Solid waste, boulders and laterite have been tipped into this basin for years. The reservoir is so heavily silted that rainwater could not flow into it naturally, causing backflow that swamped Blue Lagoon, the Mallam-Gbawe corridor and parts of Dansoman.”
According to Ing. Amekor, the Lafa stream originates from Mallam-Gbawe Zero and passes through Santa Maria, Atieku, Pallas Town, Alhaji Tabora and McCarthy Hill before draining into the basin and eventually into the sea. But the obstruction of the basin turned the watercourse into a death trap during the June downpour.
The military engineers face an arduous task. Brigadier General Richard Kinney, Commander of the 14 Engineer Brigade, revealed that the waste had been capped with laterite over the years to create land for illegal sale and development, making excavation particularly difficult.
“Our immediate task is to loosen the compacted material before removal. To minimise traffic disruptions, all haulage of excavated debris will be undertaken at night to the designated landfill site at Nsawam,” Brig. Gen. Kinney stated. He added that the entire dredging and evacuation exercise is expected to take several months.
Beyond the dredging, officials are calling for a more permanent solution: the demolition of all illegal structures erected within the water retention area. Ing. Amekor noted that buildings constructed inside the basin have substantially reduced its storage capacity.
“Once the illegal structures are removed, the Hydrological Authority will work with the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly to secure the banks and ensure continuous monitoring,” he said, warning that restoration of the basin will significantly reduce flooding impacts, though it may not eliminate flooding entirely due to the area’s topography and upstream runoff.
Brigadier General Forster Okae-Yeboah, Director General of Joint Operations of the Ghana Armed Forces and Coordinator of the Flood Mitigation Works, confirmed that the Mallam operation is part of a wider, nationwide offensive. Similar dredging works are ongoing at Oyarifa, East Legon and the Kpeshie Lagoon, while work will begin next week around the Kpeshie-Laboma Beach enclave to reopen the channel linking the lagoon to the sea.
“Government has fulfilled its commitment by providing funding and equipment for this exercise, but we appeal to the private sector to support this nationwide initiative,” Brig. Gen. Okae-Yeboah said.
He stressed that military action alone would not solve Ghana’s flooding crisis without sustained public cooperation.
“Residents must stop dumping refuse into the basin and encroachers must vacate immediately. Only by protecting our waterways can we protect lives and property,” he admonished.
Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson is calling for a shift in Ghana’s economic relationship with China, arguing that the country needs investment in factories, technology and local industries rather than a trade structure dominated by the export of raw materials.
Forson made the case as Ghana and China opened the Fifth Session of the Ghana–China Joint Commission on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation, where he urged both countries to embrace a new approach centred on value addition, industrial investment, technology transfer and job creation.
While China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner, Forson said the structure of that relationship must evolve to ensure more of the wealth generated from Ghanaian resources remains within the country.
“Ghana’s priority is to process more of what we produce and export more value-added goods, including processed cocoa, to China,” Forson said.
His message amounted to a broader call for investment that helps Ghana build its productive capacity at home.
“We are also seeking investments that build factories, transfer technology, support Ghanaian businesses, train our people and create sustainable jobs,” he added.
A trade relationship marked by imbalance
The call comes as trade between Ghana and China continues to grow. Bilateral trade reached a record $14.1 billion in 2025, representing a 19.3% increase from the previous year.
But the figures also highlight a longstanding imbalance. In 2024, China exported about $9.844 billion worth of goods to Ghana, compared with roughly $1.992 billion in Ghanaian exports to China.
China’s exports have included machinery, electrical equipment, textiles and steel, while Ghana’s exports have largely consisted of commodities such as crude oil, manganese ore and cocoa beans.
Forson’s argument is that Ghana must move further up the value chain — processing its own resources and agricultural products before they leave the country rather than importing higher-value finished goods.
For a country whose economy has long relied heavily on commodity exports, the push for domestic processing could also mean more opportunities for manufacturing and employment.
China opens its market — but can Ghana capitalize?
The renewed focus on industrialisation comes as China expands market access for African exporters. Beginning May 1, 2026, China extended zero-tariff treatment to products from 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, including Ghana.
The policy could create new opportunities for Ghanaian businesses, but expanded access alone may not solve the country’s trade imbalance if Ghana continues to export primarily unprocessed materials.
Forson’s remarks suggest Ghana is seeking to pair greater access to the Chinese market with investments that can strengthen domestic supply chains and help local companies produce more finished goods.
At the continental level, the challenge is similarly pronounced. Trade between China and Africa reached a record $348.05 billion in 2025, but Chinese exports substantially exceeded imports from African countries, leaving the continent with a significant trade deficit.
Ghana seeks investment beyond extraction
Chinese investment is already spread across several sectors of Ghana’s economy, including mining, energy, manufacturing and construction. But as Ghana pursues broader economic transformation, officials are increasingly stressing investments that bring technology, skills and long-term industrial capacity alongside capital.
Chinese Assistant Minister for Commerce Zhang Li acknowledged Ghana’s economic recovery and expressed China’s commitment to deepening cooperation, including through industrialisation and economic transformation.
For Forson, however, the message was clear: Ghana’s future trade strategy cannot simply be about selling more raw materials abroad.
It must also be about building the factories and industries capable of turning Ghanaian resources into higher-value products — and creating sustainable jobs in the process.
Ghana’s major news outlets on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, lead with a mix of high-stakes political drama, government interventions in the mining sector, and pressing economic developments. The headlines are dominated by the escalating legal battle between Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi over extortion allegations, while President Mahama’s administration moves to rescue the struggling Adamus Resources mine and fends off scrutiny over GoldBod’s financial losses.
1. The Daily Banner
BaWumia Throws Weight Behind Afenyo-Markin
2. Spyder
Cash-Strapped House of Chiefs Grounds Justice
3. The Hawk
Buah Revokes Presidency Rescues Adamus / Paul Afoko Files for NPP Chairmanship
4. Daybreak
Bagbin to Admit Minority’s GoldBod Motion / NLA Staff Suspend Strike
5. The Business Analyst
GoldBod Rejects GH¢1bn Overdraft Allegation
6. The Daily Searchlight
I Believe In Afenyo-Markin! – Bawumia Affirms
7. Business & Financial Times
Mining Chamber Urges Shift from Local Content to Local Capability
8. Daily Post
NDC Formally Notifies Bagbin of James Agalga’s Appointment as Majority Leader
9. The Dispatch
Mahama Intervenes to Save Adamus Mine
10. The Chronicle
I’m Ready to Face OSP – Afenyo-Markin Sues Sammy Gyamfi
11. Daily Guide
Adamus Resources Welcomes Turnaround Plan
12. The Ghanaian Times
Cutting Waste Key to Economic Disaster Looms at Ashaiman
13. Daily Graphic
FDI Inflows Jump to $2.62bn After 2-Year Decline
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