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Presidency Responds to Pope Leo’s Slavery Apology, Floods Displace Hundrends, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

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2 months ago

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We have gathered the most pressing stories shaping Ghana today to keep you informed wherever you may be. Below are the key headlines you need to know.

Weija Dam Spillage Floods Communities, Forces Residents to Flee

Hundreds of homes in parts of Weija in Accra have been submerged following a controlled spillage of the Weija Dam, leaving thousands of residents stranded and forcing many to flee their possessions. The flooding, which turned major streets into muddy waterways, came after Ghana Water Limited (GWL) confirmed that it had begun releasing excess water due to rising levels that had exceeded safe operating limits. Residents waded through chest-deep water, carrying children and salvaged belongings, while local assembly members appealed for emergency shelter and food aid. GWL defended the spillage as a necessary preventive measure against a catastrophic overflow, but affected communities accused the company of inadequate notification. The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has since deployed rescue boats and set up temporary camps for displaced families. Read the full story here

Ga Mantse Demands Action Against Chiefs Selling Lands in Waterways

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has issued a stern call for immediate state action against traditional leaders who are complicit in the sale of waterway lands in the Greater Accra Region. Speaking during a visit to communities affected by flooding following the recent spillage of the Weija Dam, which displaced residents and submerged homes, shops and other properties in low-lying areas, he accused some divisional chiefs of prioritizing personal financial gain over public safety and demanded that the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources revoke all title deeds acquired through these unlawful transactions. Communities including Tetegu, Oblogo, Choice and parts of the Weija enclave have experienced flooding in recent days, compelling many residents to evacuate their homes and move belongings to safer locations. Read the full story here

Pope Leo XIV’s Slave Trade Apology Sparks Fresh Push for Global Justice – Gov’t

Ghana’s government has welcomed a historic apology from Pope Leo XIV for the Roman Catholic Church’s historical complicity in the transatlantic slave trade, describing it as a catalyst for renewed global justice efforts. In a statement issued by the Presidency on Thursday, May 28, and signed by Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Ghana said the Pope’s acknowledgement represented “an act of moral courage” and an important contribution to ongoing international conversations about slavery, colonialism and reparatory justice. “The Government of the Republic of Ghana warmly welcomes the historic statement by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV acknowledging and apologizing for the role played by the Holy See in legitimizing and sustaining the enslavement of Africans and the transatlantic slave trade,” the statement said. Read the full story here

Over 3m Ghanaians Live with Mild Mental Health Conditions

More than three million Ghanaians are currently living with mild mental health conditions, according to new data released by the Ghana League of Mental Health Foundations (GLOMEF). The organization revealed that while severe mental disorders often dominate public discourse, the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions among the general population remains largely underreported and undertreated. GLOMEF’s report highlighted that factors such as economic hardship, unemployment, and limited access to primary mental healthcare are driving the numbers. The foundation called for a national screening program and the integration of mental health services into all district-level hospitals, warning that without urgent intervention, mild conditions could escalate into more debilitating illnesses. Read the full story here

National Cathedral Was a ‘Must’ for Ghana – Sir David Adjaye

Renowned architect Sir David Adjaye has defended the controversial National Cathedral project, stating that the interdenominational place of worship was a “must” for Ghana’s national identity and post-independence architectural legacy. In an interview, Adjaye explained that the cathedral was conceived not merely as a religious building but as a cultural and civic monument that would host state funerals, national thanksgivings, and diplomatic events. He acknowledged the financial criticisms that have dogged the project but insisted that the design—featuring indigenous Ghanaian timber, local stone, and artisanal craftsmanship—was intended to create jobs and showcase Ghanaian excellence to the world. Adjaye added that halting the project would be a loss not only to Ghana but to Africa’s architectural renaissance. Read the full story here

Don’t React Emotionally – Catholic Bishops on South Africa Tensions

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has urged Ghanaians and the wider West African community to avoid emotional reactions amid rising tensions involving South Africa. While the statement did not specify a single trigger, it comes against a backdrop of recurrent xenophobic incidents and diplomatic frictions on the continent. The Bishops called for calm, dialogue, and adherence to the principles of the African Union, advising that emotional outbursts or retaliatory rhetoric would only deepen divisions. They also appealed to the Ghanaian government to ensure the safety of all citizens living in South Africa while pursuing diplomatic channels to address any grievances. The Conference further encouraged Ghanaians to remember the historical solidarity between both nations during the anti-apartheid struggle. Read the full story here

Ghana to Host Reparation Summit in June

Ghana will host a high-level reparation summit in June 2026, gathering heads of state, civil society organizations, and global financial institutions to deliberate on models for redress for the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism. The announcement, made by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, positions Accra as the epicenter of a growing international movement seeking financial compensation, debt cancellation, and technology transfer to African nations. The summit is expected to produce a framework for how European and American entities—including governments, banks, and universities—can contribute to reparative justice. Ghana’s role as a host builds on its “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” initiatives, reinforcing its status as the gateway to Africa’s diaspora engagement. Read the full story here

Regional Minister Urges Collective Action to Tackle Chronic Floods in Accra

The Greater Accra Regional Minister has called for a collective, all-hands-on-deck approach to solve the region’s perennial flooding crisis, moving beyond temporary desilting exercises. Speaking after inspecting several drainage blackspots, the Minister admitted that previous interventions have been piecemeal and called on municipal assemblies, traditional authorities, and private developers to enforce zoning laws rigorously. He specifically warned that buildings constructed on watercourses and wetlands would face demolition without compensation, regardless of ownership. The Minister also announced a new multi-agency taskforce that will work year-round to monitor enforcement, flood early warning systems, and public education. He urged residents in low-lying areas to relocate voluntarily ahead of the next major rainfall. Read the full story here

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Ghana News

Top 10 Front-Page Headlines From Ghanaian Newspapers: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

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6 hours ago

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July 14, 2026

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Here are the top 10 headlines dominating the Ghanaian press on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

  1. Nation mourns Ya‑Na Abukari II – Daily Graphic
    (President Akufo‑Addo, Bawumia and others pay tribute to the late Overlord of Dagbon)
  2. Miracles Aboagye arrested over alleged misappropriation, misapplication, diversion and theft of public funds amounting to about GHc55 million; granted GHc50m bail by EOCO – Daily Post
  3. Ghana nears completion of external debt restructuring – The Business Analyst
    (also highlighted as “Gov’t takes final step in external debt restructuring” in Business & Financial Times)
  4. Pro‑Bawumia candidates win 92% constituency executives elections in Ashanti region – The New Trust
  5. Clean‑Up Exercise: GJA Commends Govt, Zoomlion & Media – Day Break
    (similar headline in The Business Analyst)
  6. Airport Security Goes High‑Tech – No more removing laptops, belts or shoes with new security scanners – The Hawk
  7. Accra Will Bounce Back After June 29 Flood Disaster – Mahama – The Dispatch
  8. Hon. Felicia Adjei meets Libyan Authorities to address plight of Ghanaian irregular migrants – The Overseer
    (also covered as “Kintampo South MP visits Libya” in The Business Analyst)
  9. Eoco’s Bail Conditions Cruel and Oppressive – Rule of Law Is Upside Down – Atta Akyea – The Metro Lens
  10. Bawumia Has No Preferred Candidates in NPP Regional National Executive Race – Punch
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Ghana News

Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II: Influential Traditional Ruler Who Restored Peace to Dagbon After 16-Year Dispute Dies

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1 day ago

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July 13, 2026

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Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II, the traditional king (Overlord) of Dagbon in northern Ghana, has died.

Enskinned in January 2019, he played a central role in ending a long-running 16-year chieftaincy dispute between two royal factions that had divided the kingdom and disrupted traditional activities for years.

Born Bukali in Mion, the late king began his leadership journey as chief of Kpunkpono before ascending to the influential Savelugu skin.

His selection as Yaa Naa marked a historic moment of reconciliation in Dagbon, one of Ghana’s most important traditional kingdoms.

His passing, confirmed by multiple credible sources on Monday, July 13, is expected to trigger widespread mourning across the region, with many reflecting on his contributions to peace and the restoration of stability in northern Ghana.

Yaa Naa’s Legacy

Ascending to the throne as the 41st Overlord (or 42nd by some regional counts) in January 2019, his brief but transformative reign brought stability back to one of Ghana’s oldest and most influential traditional kingdoms.  

The core pillars of his legacy include:

  1. The Restoration of Peace and Reconciliation
    The defining achievement of his reign was ending the deeply polarizing, 17-year-long Dagbon chieftaincy dispute.  

Following the tragic 2002 assassination of his predecessor, Yaa Naa Yakubu Andani II, the kingdom was fractured into two rival royal gates: the Abudus and the Andanis.  

Working alongside the government-backed Committee of Eminent Chiefs, his enskinment in 2019 healed these generational wounds. He successfully united both factions, restoring the moral and spiritual authority of the skins of Yendi and bringing long-awaited political stability to Northern Ghana.  

  1. Institutional and Constitutional Reforms
    Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II recognized that lasting peace required strong legal frameworks.

In 2020, he initiated a comprehensive review of the Dagbon Constitution to clarify customary successions and prevent future royal disputes.  

Under his guidance, the revised constitution was formally adopted by the Dagbon Traditional Council in 2022, providing a clear roadmap for future generations.

  1. Socio-Economic and Cultural Development
    He actively worked to move Dagbon away from conflict and toward regional prosperity.  

Dagbon Development Fund (DDF): Launched in 2021, this fund was designed to channel resources directly into economic development, healthcare, and educational infrastructure across the kingdom.  

Gbewaa Palace Redevelopment: In March 2023, he initiated the physical reconstruction and modernization of the historic Gbewaa Palace in Yendi, a symbolic rebuilding of the kingdom’s beating heart.  

International Partnerships: He championed human capital growth by facilitating institutional collaborations, such as the 2024 educational partnership between Tamale Technical University (TaTU) and Bursa Technical University in Turkey.  

  1. Humanitarian and National Leadership
    As the President of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, he extended his influence far beyond his immediate kingdom to foster national unity.  

He was highly regarded for his philanthropy, notably sending substantial agricultural relief (including hundreds of bags of maize, rice, and yams) to help communities displaced by the devastating 2023 Volta Region floods and parts of the Savannah Region.  

Ultimately, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II went from a quiet, respected regional chief of Savelugu to the “Lion of Gbewaa” who chose healing over division. He leaves behind a peaceful, structured, and forward-looking Dagbon Kingdom.

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Ghana News

‘Don’t Blame Migrants’: UN Warns South Africa as ‘Cruel’ Deportations Surpass 53,000

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1 day ago

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July 13, 2026

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The United Nations has issued a sharp warning against using migrants as scapegoats for South Africa’s socioeconomic challenges, as the government confirmed that more than 53,000 foreign nationals have been deported or repatriated in just five weeks.

Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced on Sunday that 53,499 foreign nationals have been processed for deportation and voluntary repatriation since the launch of a nationwide “migration management” campaign in mid-June.

The crackdown, one of South Africa’s largest in years that many across the world are condemning as cruel and inhumane, follows weeks of anti-immigration protests marked by violence, intimidation, and looting.

Malawians Bear the Brunt

According to official figures, Malawian citizens accounted for over 80 percent of those processed, followed by nationals from Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Temporary Repatriation Processing Centre in Musina, Limpopo Province, has processed nearly 2,500 people, most of them Malawian and Zimbabwean nationals. Several countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya, have flown their citizens home in recent weeks.

UN: Migrants Are Not the Problem

The UN has cautioned against conflating migration with South Africa’s deep-rooted challenges of unemployment, inequality, and service delivery failures. Anti-migrant activists have accused undocumented foreigners of driving crime and taking jobs, but the UN and civil society groups argue that foreign workers—who make up only about 5 percent of the population—are being unfairly scapegoated.

“Now, in what universe can you scapegoat 4% to 5% of the population for all our problems?” economist Duma Gqubule said recently, dismissing the anti-migrant stance as “mass hallucination”.

Organizations defending migrants’ rights emphasize that foreign workers have become convenient targets in a country where the unemployment rate exceeds 30 percent and disproportionately affects Black South Africans.

Vigilante Threats and a “Deadline” That Passed

Anti-migrant activists had set an unofficial 30 June deadline for all undocumented migrants to leave the country, prompting thousands to flee in fear. Protesters—including leaders from groups such as March and March—have threatened to stage weekly demonstrations until the government meets their demands. There are mounting fears that the protests could turn violent again.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged public concerns about immigration but has condemned attacks against migrants and warned citizens against taking the law into their own hands. Minister Kubayi also cautioned that protesters must not conduct unauthorised searches of homes and businesses suspected of sheltering undocumented migrants.

Government Defends Enforcement, Signals Scaling Down

Kubayi said the deportation process has helped authorities apprehend individuals wanted for criminal activity, and that the government remains committed to “observing human rights and dignity of all people in our country, irrespective of their citizenship”. She added that authorities will continue enforcing immigration laws.

However, the government is reportedly considering scaling back the campaign as the number of repatriations increases.

“We envisage a phased scaling down of the process which will not negatively impact or compromise the deportation and repatriation processes we are undertaking,” a government source told Business Day.

Diplomatic Fallout

The crackdown has strained regional relations.

Ghana postponed a state visit by President Ramaphosa following xenophobic rallies that resulted in hundreds of Ghanaians being repatriated.

Other African nations have similarly expressed concern, with some leaders accusing South Africa of failing to protect foreign nationals.

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