Ghana News
Helicopter Crash at Tema School Park Kills 2, Security Service Recruitment to be Expanded to 40,000 and Other Trending Issues Today (March 16, 2026)
Welcome to today’s roundup of major stories from Ghana. Check back regularly as we continue adding fresh updates throughout the day.
2 Dead After Helicopter Plunges into School Park at Tema

A devastating accident occurred this morning when a helicopter crashed into a school park in Tema, resulting in the deaths of two people on board. Emergency services are on site, and authorities have launched an immediate investigation into the cause. Initial reports indicate the aircraft was a private charter; the school was not in session at the time of the crash, preventing a higher casualty count.
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Mahama Directs Expansion of Security Services Recruitment to 40,000
President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the expansion of ongoing recruitment into Ghana’s security services to a total of 40,000 personnel. The directive aims to strengthen national security architecture, improve response capacity across police, immigration, fire, prisons, and other services, and address youth unemployment through structured public-sector opportunities. The move follows earlier pledges to overhaul and professionalize the security sector.
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Wontumi Ordered to Open Defence in Illegal Mining Trial
The High Court has directed Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, to open his defence in the ongoing trial over alleged involvement in illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) activities. The ruling follows the close of the prosecution’s case; Wontumi and co-accused face multiple charges including conspiracy to commit mining offences and environmental damage. The case continues to draw significant public and political attention.
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World Bank Pledges $300m to Support Ghana’s Secondary Education Reform Programme
The World Bank has committed US$300 million to back Ghana’s ambitious Secondary Education Reform Programme. The funding will support infrastructure upgrades, teacher training, curriculum enhancement, digital learning integration, and expanded access in underserved areas. The initiative aligns with the government’s Free Senior High School policy and aims to improve learning outcomes and equity in secondary education nationwide.
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NPP’s Freddie Blay Reportedly Arrested
Freddie Blay, former Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has reportedly been arrested by security agencies. Details remain limited at the time of publication, but sources indicate the arrest relates to ongoing investigations into financial and administrative matters during his tenure. The development has sparked widespread reactions across political circles and social media. Official confirmation and charges are awaited.
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Ghana to Acquire New Presidential Aircraft by November

The Ghanaian government has confirmed plans to take delivery of a new presidential jet by November 2026. The acquisition aims to replace the aging and frequently unreliable Gulfstream aircraft currently in use, addressing long-standing concerns about maintenance costs, safety, and operational reliability for official state travel.
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Hypertension Rates Rising in Ghana as Many Remain Unaware
Health experts are sounding the alarm over increasing hypertension cases across Ghana, with a significant portion of the population unaware they have the condition. Medical professionals warn that untreated high blood pressure is silently driving up risks of stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure, especially among middle-aged and older adults. Regular screening and lifestyle changes are urgently recommended.
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Bright Simons Raises Concerns Over Ghana’s Energy Strategy After Asharami Ghana Commissioning
Renowned policy analyst Bright Simons has questioned the long-term direction of Ghana’s energy policy following the recent commissioning of Asharami Ghana’s new gas infrastructure project. He highlighted potential risks of over-reliance on imported fuels, pricing volatility, and insufficient investment in renewable alternatives, urging a more balanced and sustainable national energy roadmap.
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Meet the 6 Akufo-Addo Ministers Under Investigation by Mahama Government
The new administration under President John Dramani Mahama has initiated formal investigations into six former ministers who served in the previous Akufo-Addo government. The probes focus on alleged financial impropriety, procurement irregularities, and abuse of office during their tenure. Names and specific allegations are expected to be made public as inquiries progress.
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Former Assemblyman Aspirant Reportedly Missing in Suspected Abduction by Burkina Faso Security
A former assemblyman aspirant from Ghana’s Upper West Region is feared abducted after going missing near the Burkina Faso border. Family and local authorities suspect involvement of Burkinabé security forces, amid heightened cross-border tensions and security operations in the Sahel region. Ghanaian authorities are engaging counterparts in Ouagadougou to secure his release.
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Police Arrest 12 in Anti-Drug Operation in Tamale; Abandoned Baby Rescued
Northern Regional Police have arrested 12 suspects during a major anti-narcotics operation in Tamale. The crackdown targeted drug trafficking networks, resulting in the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotics. In a separate but related development during the same operation, officers rescued an abandoned newborn baby left near a refuse dump; the infant is receiving medical care.
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Ghana News
American Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections
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.
Ghana News
Top Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026
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.”
Ghana News
Ghanaian Firms Inject €425,000 of Own Funds to Ignite ‘Made in Ghana’ Health Innovation
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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