Ghana News
Major Power Cuts Hit Parts of Country, Ambitious Damang Mine Infrastructure Revealed and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We have curated the most relevant stories in Ghana today for our global audience: From critical power maintenance affecting thousands of households and businesses to landmark local mining takeovers with bold infrastructure promises. Stay informed!
ECG Announces Planned Power Maintenance in Tema and Ashanti Regions
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) will carry out essential maintenance works on Sunday, April 19, 2026, affecting customers in selected areas of the Tema and Ashanti regions. In Tema, a seven-hour outage from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm will impact Philipkope, Greenstone Junction, Perftech, Ataa Mensah, Teye Kwame, and the Afienya Youth Centre as crews upgrade ageing infrastructure in fast-growing zones. In Kumasi’s Ashanti Region, an eight-hour emergency operation at the Bantama Race Course Market aims to prevent a potential grid collapse following recent high-tension pole failures that disrupted communities such as Ohwimase Hilltop and parts of the St. Hubert and Guinness 1 feeders.
ECG has apologised for the inconvenience and assured residents that engineers are working to restore supply swiftly while building long-term network stability. These interventions come after Saturday’s unplanned outages and are part of broader efforts to modernise Ghana’s power infrastructure.
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Prof Opoku-Agyemang: Africa’s UN Security Council Exclusion Undermines Global Credibility
Professor Opoku-Agyemang has strongly criticised Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council, arguing that it severely undermines the body’s credibility and legitimacy in addressing global peace and security issues. She called for urgent reforms to reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and give the continent a voice proportional to its population and contributions to international stability.
The remarks highlight ongoing continental demands for equitable representation in global governance structures.
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Morocco Releases Senegal Fans After AFCON Sentences Served
Morocco has released three Senegalese football fans from Al Arjat 2 prison in Sale after they completed three-month sentences for their role in post-match violence during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. The fans were handed over to Senegalese embassy officials on April 18, 2026, with one expressing gratitude to Moroccan authorities. Fifteen other Senegalese supporters remain imprisoned with longer sentences.
The incident has drawn regional attention to fan behaviour and security at major African football tournaments.
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Dangote Refinery Turns Nigeria into Net Petrol Exporter for First Time
Nigeria has become a net petrol exporter for the first time in its history after the Dangote Refinery exported 44,000 barrels per day in March 2026, creating a small surplus over imports. The 650,000-barrel-per-day facility received 565,000 barrels of crude that month and has already shipped cargoes to Mozambique, marking Nigeria’s first delivery to East Africa.
Aliko Dangote credited President Bola Tinubu’s policies for restoring investor confidence and transforming the country’s energy sector.
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Cocoa Paste Leads Ghana’s Top 10 Non-Traditional Exports in 2025
Cocoa paste topped Ghana’s non-traditional exports in 2025, earning $789.3 million and driving a 30.7% surge in the sector to $5.006 billion, according to the Ghana Export Promotion Authority. Cocoa butter followed at $635.7 million, while cashew nuts and shea products also posted strong performances as the country continues shifting toward value-added processing.
Manufactured and semi-processed goods made up over 83% of earnings, boosting foreign exchange and supporting industrial growth.
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Ibrahim Mahama: “Gold Fields Gave Me the Offer” for Damang Mine Takeover
Ibrahim Mahama has clarified that Gold Fields Ghana Limited initiated the Damang Mine handover in 2022 when the company planned to wind down operations. Speaking at the April 18, 2026 ceremony, he revealed he rejected a sale and negotiated a structured transfer with government facilitation from former President Akufo-Addo. Engineers and Planners secured the concession through competitive bidding after conducting feasibility studies and obtaining bank financing.
Mahama emphasised the deal proves Ghanaian capacity in large-scale mining and will preserve jobs while generating long-term economic benefits.
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COPEC Boss Leads Calls to Scrap Office of the Special Prosecutor
Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), has called for the complete dissolution of Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor, describing it as redundant, costly, and ineffective. Following a recent High Court ruling that limited its prosecutorial powers, Amoah argued that existing agencies such as the Police CID, EOCO, and the Attorney-General’s Department can handle corruption cases if properly resourced.
He criticised the office for creating institutional duplication and unnecessary tensions among state bodies.
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Woman Seeks Compensation from Church Elder After Alleged Unprotected Sex Despite HIV Disclosure
A woman identified as Akua from the Ashanti Region has publicly demanded GH¢4,500 in compensation from a Church of Pentecost elder after alleging he had unprotected sex with her for two months despite her disclosing her HIV-positive status. The matter, which surfaced on a local TV dispute-resolution programme, has sparked widespread discussion on consent, health disclosure, and accountability within faith communities.
The elder has denied key aspects of the claim and says he has already paid part of an agreed amount.
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Ibrahim Mahama Promises Airport in 6 Months and Road in 2 Years for Damang Mine
Ibrahim Mahama has announced ambitious infrastructure plans for the newly acquired Damang Mine, including construction of a local airport within six months and a concrete road linking Damang to Cape Coast within two years. Speaking at the handover ceremony on April 18, 2026, he described the projects as practical investments to improve connectivity, support mining operations, and uplift surrounding communities.
The plans form part of a broader commitment to demonstrate Ghanaian expertise in large-scale mining and extend the mine’s operational life.
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Police Arrest 8 Suspected National Security Operatives Over Alleged Gold Theft
Ghana Police have arrested eight individuals suspected to be national security operatives in connection with alleged gold theft linked to illegal mining activities. The operation underscores ongoing concerns about the involvement of security personnel in illicit gold trade and the authorities’ determination to tackle such breaches.
Investigations are continuing as the case highlights persistent challenges in the small-scale mining sector.
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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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