Welcome to our rolling news update from Ghana, delivering timely summaries of breaking news. Return often as we continue to add the latest stories.

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Voting Ends in Ayawaso East By-Election; Sorting and Counting Underway

Voting in the Ayawaso East parliamentary by-election concluded peacefully on March 3, 2026, with observers commending the Electoral Commission for smooth arrangements, adequate security, and timely opening of polls. The contest follows the death of the incumbent MP, drawing candidates from major parties in the Greater Accra constituency. Long queues were reported at several polling stations, and collation of results is now underway at constituency and regional levels. Official declaration of the winner is expected later Tuesday, March 3, or early tomorrow.
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ECG Initiates Audit of Metering Systems Following Public Outcry

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has launched a nationwide audit of its prepaid metering systems in response to widespread customer complaints of unusually rapid unit depletion following the January 2026 tariff adjustment. Managing Director Samuel Dubik Masubir Mahama announced on March 3, 2026, that the exercise will verify meter accuracy, review parameter settings, and assess whether tariffs were correctly applied. The audit follows summons by the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) and public pressure over fast-draining credits. ECG has urged customers to report suspicious meters while assuring no widespread over-billing, with preliminary findings expected soon.
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9 Arrested After Customs Intercepts Undeclared Tramadol at Tema Port

Nine individuals have been arrested after the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority intercepted a large consignment of undeclared Tramadol tablets at the Tema Port on March 2, 2026. The illicit drugs, concealed in a container declared as general merchandise, were discovered during a routine scan and physical examination. Officials say the haul is valued at millions of Ghana cedis on the black market. The suspects—comprising the importer, clearing agents, and accomplices—are in custody assisting investigations. The interception highlights ongoing efforts to combat narcotics smuggling through Ghana’s major ports.
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Chief Imam Condemns Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Calls for Peace and Respect for Sovereignty

The National Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has strongly condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in recent US-Israeli airstrikes, describing it as a “grave violation of sovereignty and international law.” In a statement issued March 3, 2026, he called for immediate cessation of hostilities, respect for the territorial integrity of nations, and urgent dialogue to restore peace in the Middle East. The Chief Imam expressed solidarity with the Iranian people and urged global leaders to prioritize diplomacy over military confrontation to avoid further loss of life and regional destabilization.
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CDD-Ghana Drafts Bill to Regulate Political Party Financing

The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) has drafted a comprehensive bill aimed at regulating political party financing in Ghana. Unveiled on March 3, 2026, the proposed legislation seeks to promote transparency, curb illicit funding, limit donations, mandate public disclosure of sources, and strengthen oversight by the Electoral Commission. CDD Executive Director Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh described the bill as a critical step toward reducing money politics, leveling the playing field, and deepening democratic accountability ahead of future elections. The draft is now open for public and stakeholder input before submission to Parliament.
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541 Last-Minute Appointments Under Akufo-Addo Govt Revoked to Uphold Due Process – Kwakye Ofosu

The Ghanaian government has revoked 541 last-minute political and public-sector appointments made during the final weeks of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State at the Presidency, announced the decision on March 3, 2026, stating the move was necessary to “uphold due process, transparency, and the rule of law.” The affected positions spanned various ministries, agencies, boards, and state-owned enterprises. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the revocations were not politically motivated but aimed at ensuring appointments complied with established procedures and national interest. Affected individuals have been notified, and the government is now proceeding with fresh recruitment or reassignments where necessary.
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Prayer and Faith Sustained Me – Nana Agradaa Reflects After Leaving Prison

Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has spoken publicly for the first time since her release from prison on March 3, 2026, crediting “prayer and faith” for sustaining her through her 12-month sentence. Speaking to journalists shortly after walking free, she described the period as a “time of deep reflection and spiritual growth,” thanking God, her family, supporters, and legal team for standing by her. Agradaa, convicted in July 2025 for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence over a money-doubling scheme, had her original 15-year term reduced by the Amasaman High Court in February 2026. She expressed gratitude for the remission granted for good conduct and vowed to focus on positive ministry work moving forward.
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Teacher, Farmer Die in Shocking Incidents in Assin Fosu

Two separate but tragic incidents in Assin Fosu, Central Region, claimed the lives of a teacher and a farmer over the weekend of March 1–2, 2026. A 38-year-old teacher at Assin Fosu Methodist Basic School died after a motorbike accident on the Assin Fosu–Breman Asikuma road. Witnesses say he lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a stationary vehicle. Separately, a 52-year-old farmer was electrocuted while attempting to repair a faulty electrical connection on his farm. Both bodies were conveyed to the morgue at Assin Fosu Government Hospital. Police have commenced investigations into both cases, urging caution on roads and around electrical installations.
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11 Foreigners Face Trial Over Counterfeit Dollar Operation in Ga South

Eleven foreign nationals have been arrested and are facing trial in the Ga South District Court for their alleged involvement in a large-scale counterfeit US dollar operation. Police in Accra, acting on intelligence, raided a hideout in Weija on March 2, 2026, recovering fake $100 bills with a street value of over GH¢2 million, printing equipment, and other paraphernalia. The suspects—nationals of Nigeria, Mali, and Niger—are charged with possession of counterfeit currency, conspiracy to commit crime, and money laundering. The case has been adjourned to March 10, 2026, for further hearing. Authorities say the operation targeted unsuspecting businesses and individuals in the Greater Accra Region.
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Nana Agradaa Released from Prison After Sentence Reduction

Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa or Mama Pat, was released from prison on March 3, 2026, after serving two-thirds of her revised 12-month sentence under Ghana’s standard remission rules for good conduct. Originally sentenced on July 3, 2025, to 15 years with hard labour for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence related to a money-doubling scheme promoted at her Heaven Way Champion International Ministry, the Amasaman High Court on February 5, 2026, upheld the conviction but reduced the term to 12 months plus a GH¢2,400 fine (200 penalty units). Her lawyer confirmed the remission applied uniformly. The controversial media personality and former traditional priestess turned evangelist attracted significant public attention throughout the case.
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Barker-Vormawor Shares Alleged Recording of Attempted Bribe by Kan Dapaah, Citing Ofori-Atta

Oliver Barker-Vormawor has released what he claims is an audio recording of a conversation involving former National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah, allegedly offering a GH¢1 million bribe to halt FixTheCountry activism, with references to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. In a March 3, 2026, social media post, Barker-Vormawor said the recording was part of evidence he intended to present in his defamation case but was unable to due to procedural rulings. He stated the clip was made public “in the interest of transparency” and challenged Kan Dapaah to deny its authenticity. The release comes days after the High Court awarded Kan Dapaah GH¢5 million in damages plus costs for defamation. Police and authorities have not yet commented on the recording’s veracity or implications.
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March 6 Declared Statutory Public Holiday for Independence Day

The Ministry of Interior has officially declared Wednesday, March 6, 2026, a statutory public holiday to commemorate Ghana’s 69th Independence Day. In a notice issued March 2, 2026, the ministry reminded the public that all public offices, educational institutions, and selected private entities will be closed in observance of the day. President John Dramani Mahama is expected to lead national celebrations, with events including the national parade, wreath-laying at the Black Star Square, and addresses reflecting on Ghana’s journey since independence. Citizens are encouraged to observe the holiday with patriotism and unity.
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Build a War Chest: Theo Acheampong Makes Case for Leveraging Gold to Boost Reserves

Economist and policy analyst Dr. Theo Acheampong has advocated for Ghana to aggressively leverage its gold reserves to build a stronger economic “war chest” capable of cushioning against external shocks. In a March 2, 2026, opinion piece, he argued that the government should allocate a larger portion of gold production to strategic reserves rather than immediate export, drawing lessons from countries like Singapore and Norway that use commodity wealth for stabilization funds. He noted that Ghana’s current gold-backed reserves strategy is promising but underutilized, and scaling it could provide fiscal buffers against oil price volatility, currency depreciation, and global crises. The call aligns with ongoing discussions on Ghana’s gold-for-oil barter and reserve-building policies.
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Are We Tying Down Growth? Finance Professor Flags Concerns on Gold Reserve Policy

A finance professor has raised concerns that Ghana’s emerging policy of tying a portion of gold production to domestic reserves and local currency support could inadvertently constrain economic growth if not carefully calibrated. In a March 2, 2026, interview on JoyNews, the academic,  Prof William Kwasi Preprah, warned that over-allocating gold to reserves instead of export earnings might reduce foreign exchange inflows, limit liquidity for private sector investment, and slow industrial expansion. While acknowledging the benefits of building buffers against currency volatility and external shocks, he urged a balanced approach with clear targets, transparency, and independent oversight to avoid stifling growth in manufacturing, infrastructure, and job creation.
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Government to Issue Long-Dated Domestic Bonds Following Expiration of DDEP Restrictions – Deputy Finance Minister

Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Stephen Amoah has confirmed that the government plans to issue long-dated domestic bonds in the coming months now that restrictions from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) have expired. Speaking on March 2, 2026, he explained that the move will help lengthen the maturity profile of Ghana’s domestic debt, reduce rollover risks, and support fiscal consolidation. The issuance will target institutional investors, pension funds, and the public, with competitive yields expected. This follows successful completion of DDEP phases and aims to restore investor confidence while funding key development priorities.
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Ayawaso East Polls Open as Observer Koku Anyidoho Applauds Voting Arrangements

Voting has commenced smoothly in the Ayawaso East by-election today, March 3, 2026, with long queues reported at polling stations in the Greater Accra constituency. Domestic and international observers have commended the Electoral Commission for well-organized arrangements, including adequate security, timely opening of polls, and provision of materials. Anyidoho noted: “The process has been peaceful and transparent so far.” The by-election follows the death of the incumbent MP and is being contested by candidates from major parties. Results are expected later in the day or early next week.
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Koforidua High Court Convicts Woman for Manslaughter Over Acid Attack on Boyfriend

A Koforidua High Court has convicted a woman for manslaughter in connection with an acid attack on her boyfriend that led to his death. The incident occurred when the accused allegedly poured acid on the victim during a domestic dispute. The court, after trial, found her guilty of manslaughter rather than murder, citing lack of premeditation. Sentencing details were not immediately available, but the case highlights ongoing concerns about gender-based violence and acid attacks in Ghana. The victim suffered severe burns and complications leading to death.
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