Ghana News
“Leased Sovereignty”: Retired Colonel’s Report Questions Ghana’s Defence Dependency on EU, Ukraine, US
ACCRA – A new strategic policy analysis by a retired Ghanaian colonel warns that the country’s growing network of defense partnerships with Western powers and Ukraine risks creating a condition of “leased sovereignty,” where Ghana formally owns its security capabilities but does not fully control them.
The report, titled “Leased Sovereignty: Ghana, the EU, Ukraine and the Politics of Security Dependency,” was authored by Colonel Festus B. Aboagye (Retired) and released in March 2026. It examines Ghana’s Security and Defence Partnership with the European Union, formalized in March 2026, its evolving Defence Cooperation Agreement with Ukraine, and the long-controversial 2018 defense agreement with the United States.

According to the report, Ghana risks evolving into “a signals-collection platform for external powers rather than a sovereign operator” without adequate safeguards.
The analysis introduces the concept of leased sovereignty, a condition in which states formally own capabilities they do not fully control, and situates Ghana’s security trajectory within the wider Sahel security vacuum, Russian recruitment scandals, and Ghana’s upcoming 2027 chairmanship of the African Union.
A Growing Web of External Security Ties
The report comes amid heightened debate over Ghana’s security posture. The 2018 US defense agreement has long been controversial for granting US forces broad operational privileges on Ghanaian soil, including access to key facilities, tax exemptions, and legal protections typically associated with Status of Forces Agreements.
In recent months, the government has added new layers to its external security architecture. A landmark partnership with the European Union, formalized in March 2026, has introduced advanced surveillance systems, military equipment, and intelligence-sharing capabilities. Parallel discussions with Ukraine signal an interest in drone technology and border security innovation.
Domestically, authorities have embarked on an ambitious expansion of the security sector, including plans to recruit tens of thousands of personnel and establish a cyber and electronic warfare center in the north.
The “Leased Sovereignty” Thesis
Aboagye’s report argues that without adequate safeguards, these layered agreements risk entrenching Ghana within a network of external security dependencies—one that could dilute national control over critical decisions. The report provides a three-horizon roadmap to convert external dependency into sovereign capability.
The analysis highlights emerging challenges in drone technology, counter-unmanned aerial systems (counter-UAS), data sovereignty, and regional resilience, arguing that these areas are reshaping Africa’s security landscape and require deliberate policy responses.
Renewed Sovereignty Debate
The report’s release has coincided with a growing coalition of activists and civil society actors demanding the repeal or renegotiation of the 2018 US agreement. The Socialist Movement of Ghana has launched a national petition, gathering hundreds of signatures, and is calling for mandatory parliamentary oversight for future agreements, public hearings, and explicit safeguards against permanent foreign military bases.
Critics argue that the 2018 deal was approved without sufficient public scrutiny, raising concerns about transparency and democratic oversight. While similar provisions exist in defense agreements globally, activists contend that the issue is not merely the content of the agreement but the process behind its approval.
Regional Context
The debate is unfolding against a backdrop of rapid geopolitical change in West Africa. The emergence of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—and its increasingly adversarial posture towards Western military involvement has reshaped how coastal states think about defense.
As the AES bloc consolidates its position and distances itself from Western alliances, countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire are increasingly seen as part of a different strategic orbit. This divergence has practical consequences for cross-border trade, mobility, and regional cooperation.
Policy Implications
For policymakers, the report underscores a fundamental dilemma: Ghana faces genuine security challenges, from extremist threats in the Sahel to evolving cyber risks, but every international partnership carries trade-offs between capability enhancement and sovereign autonomy.
The report’s recommendations include strengthening parliamentary oversight of defense agreements, ensuring public transparency in security decision-making, and developing indigenous capabilities to reduce long-term dependency on external powers.
Colonel Festus B. Aboagye (Retired) is a prominent security analyst whose work focuses on West African defense governance, regional security architecture, and the intersection of technology and sovereignty.
His report is positioned as an evidence-based resource for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars navigating Africa’s rapidly evolving security landscape.
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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Ghana News3 hours agoTop Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026
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