Ghana News
Ghana News Live Updates: Catch up on all the Breaking News Today (Feb. 16, 2026)
Welcome to today’s real-time updates of developments in Ghana for Sunday, February 16, 2026. Return often for fresh summaries as stories break.
One Dead as Police Recover Five Assault Rifles After Shootout in Bono Region
One person has been killed and five assault rifles recovered following a shootout between police and suspected armed robbers in the Bono Region on February 13, 2026. The incident occurred during a police operation targeting criminal elements in the area. The suspects opened fire on officers, prompting a return of fire that resulted in one fatality. Police say the recovered weapons are linked to recent robberies in the region. Investigations are ongoing to identify the deceased and apprehend any fleeing suspects.
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CHRAJ Clears Mahama Appointee in Asset Declaration Saga
The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has cleared a presidential appointee of President John Dramani Mahama in an asset declaration probe. In a ruling issued February 17, 2026, CHRAJ found no evidence of wilful failure to declare assets as required under Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution. The decision ends speculation surrounding the appointee’s compliance and reaffirms the commission’s role in enforcing transparency among public officials.
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Cocoa Farmers Welcome COCOBOD Salary Cuts Amid Liquidity Challenges
Cocoa farmers have expressed support for the Ghana Cocoa Board’s (COCOBOD) decision to implement salary cuts for senior management and cost-control measures amid severe liquidity pressures. The move follows an emergency Cabinet directive to stabilise the sector and clear legacy arrears. Farmers described the salary reductions as a “necessary sacrifice” to protect frontline payments and sustain purchasing operations during the current crisis.
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I’m a Cocoa Farmer Too – Mahama Speaks on Price Cuts and Farmer Pain Amid Crises
President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that he personally owns a cocoa farm and fully understands the pain farmers are enduring due to price adjustments and payment delays. Speaking at the maiden Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition on Tuesday, February 17, the President stated that he directly understands the economic pressures facing cocoa farmers, particularly amid recent volatility in global cocoa prices and recent developments within the sector.
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Police Re-Arrest Abdul Aziz Iddrisu, Suspected Killer in Bawku Chieftaincy Violence
The Ghana Police Service has re-arrested Abdul Aziz Iddrisu, a key suspect in the murder of a traditional leader during chieftaincy violence in Bawku. The re-arrest took place on February 13, 2026, after he was initially granted bail but failed to meet court conditions. Police say Iddrisu is linked to the fatal shooting that escalated ethnic and chieftaincy tensions in the Upper East Region. He remains in custody pending further investigations and court proceedings.
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Association of Banks CEO Hails ‘Unpalatable’ Decision to Save COCOBOD from Collapse
The CEO of the Ghana Association of Banks, John Awuah, has commended the government’s decision to slash the cocoa producer price, calling it a necessary, though “unpalatable,” move to prevent COCOBOD’s insolvency. He praised President Mahama and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson for prioritizing national survival. Awuah also called for urgent internal reforms at COCOBOD, including tackling overstaffing and procurement inefficiencies. Read the full story here.
‘Not One Warning Issued’ – Prof. Aning Criticises Gov’t Over Failure to Alert Tomato Traders on Burkina Faso Risk
Security expert Professor Kwesi Aning has strongly criticised Ghanaian authorities for failing to issue travel warnings to traders heading to Burkina Faso, following a deadly terrorist attack that killed several Ghanaian tomato traders. Speaking on JoyNews, Prof. Aning stated that no formal advisory was issued by any state institution or trade union, leaving citizens to travel into a conflict zone unaware. He has called for urgent safety protocols for Ghanaians trading in the Sahel region. Read the full story here.
GoldBod Suspends Selected Gold Buying Licence Applications Ahead of Regulatory Reforms
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has temporarily suspended the processing of new and selected pending applications for gold buying licences as part of ongoing regulatory reforms. The suspension, announced February 14, 2026, aims to allow time for the introduction of stricter compliance requirements, enhanced traceability systems, and anti-smuggling measures. Existing licensed buyers are unaffected and can continue operations. GoldBod reiterated its commitment to formalising the sector, curbing illegal trade, and ensuring fair pricing and accountability throughout the gold value chain.
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Five Arrested Over Tramadol Haul and Attempted GH¢50k Bribe
Five suspects have been arrested by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) for attempting to smuggle a large consignment of tramadol and offering a GH¢50,000 bribe to officers during an operation in Accra on February 13, 2026. The suspects were intercepted with thousands of tramadol tablets concealed in vehicle compartments. NACOC officials confirmed the attempted bribe was rejected and recorded, and all five individuals are in custody assisting with investigations. The case highlights ongoing efforts to combat pharmaceutical drug trafficking and corruption within enforcement operations.
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7 Ghanaian Traders Killed in Titao Terrorist Attack Buried in Burkina Faso
Seven Ghanaian tomato traders killed in a terrorist attack in Titao, Burkina Faso, on February 14, 2026, have been buried in Burkina Faso after coordination between Ghanaian and Burkinabè authorities. The Ministry of the Interior confirmed the deaths following a joint visit to the attack site by Ghana’s embassy officials and local security personnel. The victims were part of a convoy transporting goods across the border when the vehicle was ambushed by suspected jihadist elements in the volatile Sahel region. The government has pledged support to the bereaved families and called for enhanced cross-border security measures.
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Govt Approves Cabinet Directives Following Review of Over 8,000 Land Leases Nationwide
The government has approved a set of cabinet directives following a comprehensive review of more than 8,000 state land leases across Ghana. The measures, announced February 13, 2026, aim to address irregularities, revoke improperly acquired leases, recover encroached or underutilised public lands, and strengthen land administration to prevent future abuse. The review was part of President Mahama’s broader “Reset Ghana” agenda to enhance transparency, protect state assets, and promote equitable access to land for development.
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Alhaji of Radio Univers Dies Aged 63
Alhaji, a veteran broadcaster and longtime presenter on Radio Univers (University of Ghana’s campus station), has passed away at the age of 63. The popular media personality, known for his engaging style and contributions to campus and community broadcasting, died on February 13, 2026. Colleagues, alumni, and listeners have paid tribute to his dedication, humour, and mentorship of young broadcasters over more than three decades on air. Funeral arrangements are being finalised by the family and Radio Univers management.
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7 Ghanaians Reportedly Killed in Burkina Faso Terrorist Attack
Seven Ghanaian nationals are feared dead after a truck carrying tomato traders from Ghana was attacked by suspected terrorists in Titao, Burkina Faso, on Saturday, February 14, 2026. The Ministry of the Interior confirmed the incident, stating the Ghana Embassy in Ouagadougou is liaising with local authorities to visit the site, confirm identities, and provide support. The attack occurred in a volatile Sahel border region where terrorist groups have intensified cross-border operations.
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No More Excuses – NCA Rolls Out Stricter Mobile Service Standards
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has introduced tougher quality-of-service standards for mobile network operators, effective immediately. The new rules, announced February 13, 2026, set minimum benchmarks for call drop rates, data speeds, network availability, and customer complaint resolution times, with heavy fines for persistent violations. The NCA said the measures aim to end years of public complaints about poor service and force operators to invest in infrastructure upgrades.
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Ex-Sergeant Peter Tasiri, Main Brain Behind June 4 Uprising, Is Dead
Retired Sergeant Peter Tasiri, widely regarded as one of the key architects and ideologues of the June 4, 1979, Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC) uprising in Ghana, has died. The former soldier, who played a central role in the revolutionary events that led to the execution of eight senior military officers, passed away on February 13, 2026. Tributes have poured in from veterans, historians, and political figures acknowledging his controversial yet pivotal place in Ghana’s post-independence history.
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Return to Lecture Halls Effective Feb 16 – CETAG Directs Members
The Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG) has directed its members to resume in-person lectures starting Monday, February 16, 2026, following the suspension of an earlier strike. The directive, issued February 13, 2026, comes after negotiations with government representatives addressed outstanding concerns over conditions of service and allowances. CETAG urged full compliance to avoid disruptions to the academic calendar.
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Accra Gridlock Costs Ghana GH¢4.5bn a Year – Report
Traffic congestion in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area costs the Ghanaian economy an estimated GH¢4.5 billion annually in lost productivity, fuel waste, vehicle maintenance, and health impacts, according to a new study released February 13, 2026. The report, commissioned by the Ministry of Roads and Highways, highlights peak-hour delays averaging 2–3 hours daily and calls for urgent investment in mass transit, road expansion, smart traffic systems, and alternative transport corridors.
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NPA Raises Price Floor for Feb 16 Window: Petrol Up to GH¢10.24, Diesel Pegged at GH¢11.34
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has adjusted the price floors for the February 16 pricing window, increasing the maximum retail price for petrol to GH¢10.24 per litre and setting diesel at GH¢11.34 per litre. The February 13, 2026, announcement reflects movements in global crude prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and local taxes. The NPA assured consumers that margins remain regulated to prevent excessive profiteering by Oil Marketing Companies.
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AGI Demands Protection for Local Manufacturers Under 24-Hour Economy
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has called for strong safeguards for local manufacturers as government pushes ahead with the 24-hour economy policy. In a February 13, 2026, statement, AGI President Dr. Humphrey Ayim Darku warned that unrestricted foreign competition could undermine domestic industries, job creation, and value addition. The group urged the government to prioritise local content, tax incentives, and import substitution in the policy rollout.
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GTYA Calls for Urgent Road Safety and Infrastructure Reforms After Nsawam Tanker Explosion
The Ghana Tyre and Automotive Association (GTYA) has renewed calls for comprehensive road safety and infrastructure reforms following the fatal fuel tanker explosion on the Nsawam-Accra highway that killed three people on February 14, 2026. GTYA President Dr. Kwame Agyemang highlighted the need for mandatory speed limiters, fire-suppression systems on tankers, better road design, and stricter enforcement to prevent recurrence of such tragedies.
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T-Bills Investors Ignore Low Yields to Tender GH¢22.66 Billion Bids in Appetite Surge
Investors submitted GH¢22.66 billion in bids for Treasury bills in the February 13, 2026, auction, far exceeding the target despite historically low yields. The surge in demand reflects continued strong confidence in government debt instruments amid macroeconomic stabilisation efforts and attractive risk-adjusted returns compared to alternative savings options.
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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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