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

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.
Read the full story here

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.
Read the full story here

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.
Read the full story here

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.
Read the full story here

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.
Read the full story here

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.
Read the full story here

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.
Read the full story here

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.
Read the full story here

Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.

London / Accra – March 2, 2026 – As Ghana marks its 69th Independence Day, the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Ghana has launched the “UK Black Stars” initiative—a new recognition program honoring the most impactful and influential British-Ghanaians shaping life across Britain.

In a video message shared on social media and parliamentary channels, the APPG Chair, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, declared:

“Ghana turns 69 and here in the United Kingdom people of Ghanaian heritage aren’t just celebrating, we’re building.”

The campaign highlights the dual identity and excellence of the British-Ghanaian community, from boardrooms and courtrooms to classrooms, hospitals, labs, and creative industries.

The launch spotlights high-profile figures already making waves, including:

• Jason Arday (University of Cambridge academic)
• Afua Hirsch (journalist, author, broadcaster)
• June Sarpong (media executive)
• Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton actress)
• Fuse ODG, Raye, and Stormzy (music artists)
• Lord Paul Boateng (one of the first Black MPs in Britain)
• Afua Kyei (Bank of England)
• Barbara Mills KC (Bar Council)
• Michelle Agyemang (footballer)

The APPG stated that these are just the beginning. “Excellence is everywhere,” the statement continued, calling for nominations of doctors, entrepreneurs, artists, young leaders, and community changemakers who embody British-Ghanaian pride and contribution.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bell Ribeiro-Addy (@bell_ribeiroaddy)

Nominations are now open via ukblackstars.com. The initiative aims to amplify visibility, celebrate dual heritage, and demonstrate the positive impact of the diaspora on UK society while reinforcing ties with Ghana.

The launch coincides with Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebrations worldwide and reflects growing recognition of diaspora contributions to both host nations and the homeland.

The APPG for Ghana continues to advocate for stronger bilateral ties, trade, education, and cultural exchange between the UK and Ghana.