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
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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