Ghana News
Vendor Defends Frying With Plastic in Oil, Missing Young Woman, and Other Trending Topics in Ghana Today (March 5, 2026)
Welcome to our rolling news update from Ghana, bringing you the latest updates as they break. Check back frequently for new additions as events unfold.
Nothing Wrong with Frying Plantain Chips with Plastic Bags – Woman Defends

A street vendor in Accra has sparked widespread debate after defending the common practice of using plastic bags to fry plantain chips, insisting it poses no health risk. In a viral video, the seller argued that the method is traditional, widely accepted, and has been used for years without reported illnesses. Health experts and food safety advocates have strongly disagreed, warning that heating plastic releases toxic chemicals (including dioxins and phthalates) that can leach into food, potentially causing long-term harm. The Ghana Standards Authority and Food and Drugs Authority have previously cautioned against the practice, urging vendors to switch to safer alternatives like stainless steel or food-grade oil containers.
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Afenyo-Markin Apologises, Withdraws Recruitment Fraud Allegations Against Interior Minister
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has formally apologised to Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak and withdrawn allegations that the minister was involved in corruption during ongoing recruitment into the security services. In a statement read in Parliament on March 5, 2026, Afenyo-Markin admitted the claims were unsubstantiated and caused unwarranted reputational damage. Muntaka, visibly moved, accepted the apology and requested the remarks be expunged from the parliamentary record. The development ends a tense exchange that had dominated political discourse in recent days.
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Bawumia and Wife Safe After Qatar Reports – Aide Says Couple Headed to Saudi Arabia for Umrah
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and his wife Samira Bawumia are safe and have left Qatar, an aide confirmed on March 4, 2026. The couple was relocated from Doha following the sudden closure of UAE and Gulf airspace amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict. A close aide revealed they are now en route to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah. The Ghanaian embassies in the region coordinated the evacuation, ensuring the family’s security throughout the process. No injuries or threats were reported.
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All Our Arsenal Should Be Targeted at the NDC – Freddie Blay Warns NPP Against Internal Squabbles
Senior New Patriotic Party (NPP) figure Freddie Blay has warned party members against internal conflicts, insisting all resources and energy must be focused on defeating the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in future elections. Speaking at a party event on March 4, 2026, Blay said factionalism and public disputes were weakening the NPP at a time when unity is critical. He urged discipline, loyalty, and collective effort to reclaim power, stressing that “our common enemy is the NDC, not ourselves.” The call comes amid ongoing post-election introspection within the party.
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Okada Rider Arrested Over Robbery of Namibian High Commission Staff
A commercial motorbike rider (okada operator) has been arrested in Accra for allegedly robbing a staff member of the Namibian High Commission. The incident occurred on March 3, 2026, when the victim hired the rider for a short trip but was attacked and relieved of valuables. Police tracked and apprehended the suspect after the victim reported the crime. The arrest highlights ongoing concerns about safety on commercial motorcycles, with authorities urging commuters to use registered and licensed operators.
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‘I’m Heavily Hurt’: Muntaka Reacts to Afenyo-Markin’s Apology

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak has expressed deep emotional pain over Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s public apology for allegations of corruption in the ongoing recruitment into the security services. Speaking in Parliament on March 5, 2026, Muntaka said the claims wrongly associated him with criminality and came too late to undo the damage. He ultimately accepted the apology and requested that the allegations be struck from the parliamentary record.
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27-Year-Old Woman Goes Missing After Leaving Boyfriend’s Home

A 27-year-old woman named Mariama Ibrahim has been reported missing after leaving her boyfriend Tijani Mohammed’s residence at Effiekuma on February 28, 2026. Family members, including her sister Salamatu Suriyah Ibrahim, reported the disappearance to the Regional CID in Sekondi after all attempts to contact her phone failed. Police have launched an investigation and are appealing to the public for any information that could help locate her.
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IGP Orders Probe into Alleged GH¢400,000 MoMo Withdrawal Involving Kibi Police
The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau to investigate allegations in a viral video claiming that officers at the Kibi Police Station were involved in the unauthorised withdrawal of GH¢400,000 from a mobile money agent’s account. The alleged victim has been contacted and is cooperating with investigators. The police have assured the public that the probe will be conducted professionally, with findings to be communicated upon completion.
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NIA Restores Ghana Card Printing Nationwide After Resolving Technical Challenges
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has fully restored Ghana Card printing services across all offices nationwide following the resolution of temporary technical difficulties that disrupted production in recent weeks. In a statement issued on March 5, 2026, the Authority apologised for the inconvenience caused and thanked the public for their patience. Normal operations have now resumed without further delays.
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Potrikrom Crash: Three Survivors Discharged, Three Referred for Specialised Treatment
Three of the six survivors from the fatal Potrikrom road crash in the Ashanti Region have been treated and discharged, while the remaining three have been referred for specialised care at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and St. John of God Hospital. The accident, which claimed 16 lives, involved an ambulance, a trailer, and a Ford Transit. The ambulance driver survived but sustained a severe fracture and has also been transferred for orthopaedic treatment. Police investigations into the cause are ongoing.
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Charcoal, Plantain, and School Fees Drive Ghana’s 3.3% Inflation in February
Ghana’s inflation rate eased to 3.3% in February 2026, the lowest since the 2021 rebasing of the Consumer Price Index. According to the Ghana Statistical Service, the top contributors were charcoal (53.1% year-on-year increase), green plantain (67.9%), river fish, smoked herrings, and school-related expenses (up 10% for secondary fees). Rent also rose 7.4% year-on-year. Despite the overall moderation, price pressures remain concentrated in household essentials.
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Asantehene Named ‘Nkrumah Osagyefo’ – Nii Moi Thompson
The Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, has reignited historical debate by asserting that the title “Osagyefo” was conferred on Kwame Nkrumah by the Asantehene. Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View, Dr Thompson cited a book by the late British historian June Milne, stating that Nkrumah presented the title to his cabinet for approval before adopting it. He dismissed claims of friction between Nkrumah and the Asante Kingdom, emphasising the first President’s admiration for the Asante people’s bravery.
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Check back frequently for new additions as events unfold.
Ghana News
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Honoured as Former and Current Ghanaian Presidents Receive Commemorative Gold Coin
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been formally presented with a specially minted commemorative gold coin in his honor, alongside three distinguished Ghanaian leaders — former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo and President John Dramani Mahama.
The high-profile presentation, part of activities tied to the 2021 launch of the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin, recognizes the Asantehene’s immense contributions to peace, national development, and democratic stability in Ghana.
Upon receiving the coin, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed humility, stating that he accepted the honor on behalf of the Asante Kingdom and the entire nation.

Former president Akufo-Addo described the gesture as a fitting tribute to the King’s legacy.
He particularly thanked Otumfuo for his instrumental role in facilitating lasting peace in the Dagbon Traditional Area during his administration.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor was effusive in his praise, declaring that Otumfuo’s mediation in the Dagbon conflict, alongside two other traditional leaders, was of Nobel Peace Prize standard. Kufuor also credited the Asantehene with playing a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in Ghana’s successful exit from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program, which resulted in the cancellation of approximately $4 billion in external debt.
President John Dramani Mahama also lauded Otumfuo’s statesmanship.
He highlighted the King’s significant contribution to securing Ghana’s 2016 IMF bailout program, which helped stabilize the economy at a critical time. Mahama further described Otumfuo as a consistent voice of wisdom in Ghana’s democratic journey since the Rawlings era, noting that the Asantehene has offered valuable counsel during numerous national crises.
The presentation of the commemorative gold coin underscores the deep respect and influence Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commands across Ghana’s political divide, transcending party lines and generations.
Ghana News
Macron, Mahama Held Reparations Talks During Ghana Leader’s Paris Visit: French Ambassador Reveals
French President Emmanuel Macron and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama discussed the issue of reparatory justice during the Ghanaian leader’s recent visit to Paris, France’s Ambassador to Ghana has disclosed.
Madam Diarra Dimé-Labille, Ambassador of France to Ghana, revealed the high-level engagement during her first press briefing in Accra, confirming that both leaders expressed willingness to continue dialogue on the matter.
The disclosure comes just weeks after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution on March 25, 2026, spearheaded by Ghana on behalf of the African Union with backing from Caribbean states. The resolution calls for recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity and encourages efforts toward reparatory justice.
France abstained from the vote, a decision the Ambassador addressed directly.
“President Mahama and President Macron discussed this issue during the Ghanaian leader’s recent visit to Paris,” Madam Dimé-Labille told journalists. “Both sides expressed willingness to continue engagement on the matter.”
The Ambassador stated that France fully recognizes slavery as a crime against humanity within its legal framework – noting that France was the first country to formally adopt such recognition more than two decades ago.
However, she explained that certain legal considerations influenced France’s position on the wording of the resolution, leading to its abstention alongside other European Union member states.
France, she said, supported the broader intent of the resolution but sought a more consensual formulation aligned with established classifications under international law.
“The resolution is not the end, it is the beginning,” Madam Dimé-Labille said, expressing optimism about the way forward.
She indicated that France is prepared to contribute meaningfully to future discussions, including a proposed coalition of states expected to explore practical pathways toward reparatory justice, potentially hosted in Ghana.
Drawing on her background in international law, the Ambassador explained that establishing a clear legal basis for reparations at the global level remains complex. Unlike other historical cases where compensation frameworks were backed by binding international mechanisms, there is currently no specific legal instrument governing reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.
Progress, she said, is therefore likely to be driven by dialogue, cooperation, and political consensus among states – a process in which the Macron-Mahama conversation represents an early but significant step.
Madam Dimé-Labille described the UN resolution’s adoption, with more than 120 countries voting in favour, as an “overwhelming success” and a significant milestone reflecting growing global consensus on addressing historical injustices.
She also broadened the definition of reparatory justice beyond financial compensation, pointing to areas such as reform of global financial systems, debt considerations, education, and historical research as part of the wider conversation.
“Reparation is not only about financial compensation,” she said.
Ghana has taken a leading role in advancing the reparations agenda internationally, positioning itself at the forefront of calls for historical justice and equitable global systems. The Macron-Mahama talks signal that major European powers are prepared to engage with that agenda, even as legal and procedural differences remain.
The Ambassador reiterated France’s broader commitment to addressing historical issues, including ongoing efforts to acknowledge aspects of its past and support the return of African cultural artefacts.
“Continued dialogue and partnership will be essential in shaping a shared understanding of reparatory justice and its implications,” she said.
Ghana News
Cheddar Declares ‘I Will Be President Sooner Than Later’, Remittances to Ghana Hit Record $7.8bn and Other Big Stories Today
We’ve curated the most important stories shaping Ghana today for a global audience. From bold political statements and record gains in non-traditional exports and remittances to government efforts to cut tomato imports, this roundup keeps you informed on key developments across the country—wherever you are in the world.
Cheddar Declares He Will Become President ‘Sooner Than Later’
Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar and founder of the New Force movement, has confidently declared his ambition to become President of Ghana. Speaking at the Africa Real Estate Festival on April 18, 2026, the 2024 presidential candidate — who placed third with 84,478 votes — told the audience: “I know you all saw me running for president. I probably looked too young, but I’m promising you I will be your president sooner than later.” He added that upon taking office he would extend his vision across African borders to build the continent and its people.
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Government Targets Tomato Import Cuts as Vice-President Courts Major Investment in Spain
Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government’s push to reduce Ghana’s reliance on tomato imports through major agribusiness investments. During a meeting with GB Foods executives in Barcelona, she highlighted plans for technology-driven tomato production and value addition, including 6,000 hectares already secured in the Afram Plains. The partnership aims to boost local yields from the current average of five tonnes per hectare to as much as 60 tonnes using precision irrigation and specialised techniques, while creating jobs and including smallholder farmers.
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Mahama Vows to Keep Inflation in Single Digits After Sharp Decline
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to maintain inflation in single digits following its sharp drop to 3.2%. Speaking at the University of Development Studies on April 19, 2026, he noted that inflation stood above 24% when his administration took office and credited fiscal discipline, controlled public spending, and prudent management of petroleum prices for the improvement. The President said the government remains committed to keeping inflation below 4% through continued macroeconomic stability measures.
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Ghana’s Top 10 Non-Traditional Exports Skyrocket to $3.28bn
Ghana’s non-traditional exports recorded historic growth in 2025, with the top 10 products generating $3.28 billion, a 53% increase from $2.15 billion in 2024. Cocoa paste led the list at $789.3 million, followed by cocoa butter ($635.7 million) and cashew nuts ($297.6 million), while shea nuts and aluminium products also posted strong gains. The Ghana Export Promotion Authority report shows processed and value-added goods now dominate, accounting for 65.48% of total non-traditional export earnings and signalling successful economic diversification.
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Godfred Dame Alleges Judicial Bias and Warns of Threat to Public Confidence
Former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame has raised serious concerns about alleged judicial bias, claiming some judges are enabling rights violations against New Patriotic Party (NPP) members through unjustified detentions and denial of bail. Speaking at the Leadership and Law Series on April 19, 2026, he warned that such actions, including prosecutions over public commentary, cast a slur on the judiciary’s integrity and independence, potentially eroding public trust in the justice system.
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NAiMOS Arrests Six Chinese Nationals for Illegal Mining Along Nyaase River
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has arrested six Chinese nationals for illegal mining activities along the Nyaase River in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region. The April 18, 2026 operation recovered firearms, ammunition, vehicles, cash, and mining equipment while destroying excavators and washing platforms. The suspects have been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further action.
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Former Fuel Attendant Exposes Alleged Tactics Used to Cheat Customers
A former fuel station attendant has revealed alleged widespread practices of manipulating dispensers to short-change customers. Emmanuel Eshun claimed supervisors adjusted pumps to show higher prices and covered unit-price displays with Ghana Standards Authority stickers. He directed customers to tampered machines, allowing attendants to pocket significant extra cash — sometimes up to GH¢4,000 per day. He advised drivers always to verify unit prices on main signboards.
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Government to Launch WhatsApp System for Reporting Power Outages
Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor has announced plans to introduce a WhatsApp-based system for Ghanaians to report power outages instantly. The new platform will allow users to send their location via message, enabling rapid dispatch of technical teams and bypassing traditional call centres. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve communication and service delivery in the electricity sector.
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Remittance Inflows Near $7.8bn in 2025, Surpassing Foreign Direct Investment
Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama has revealed that remittance inflows reached nearly $7.8 billion in 2025, up from $4.6 billion in 2024 and now exceeding foreign direct investment. Speaking at a diaspora roundtable in the United States, he described remittances — which account for about 6% of GDP — as a cornerstone of Ghana’s external sector and called for policies to channel more of these funds into productive investments.
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