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ECOWAS Countries Agree on a Permanent Security Strategy to Counter Rising Terrorism Threats

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Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has unveiled a groundbreaking agreement among West African leaders to establish a permanent framework for regional security cooperation and intelligence sharing.

The move is aimed at countering the escalating threats of terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel and beyond.

The announcement followed the High-Level Consultative Conference on Regional Cooperation and Security held in Accra from January 29 to 30, 2026, under the auspices of President John Dramani Mahama.

Reading the summit’s communiqué, Minister Ablakwa highlighted key commitments, including shared programs for joint risk management, enhanced cross-border intelligence exchange, and a human security approach addressing food insecurity, healthcare, education, and climate change as drivers of instability.

“Participants emphasized the importance of a human security approach, focusing on food security, healthcare, and education, while also addressing climate change as a contributing factor to regional instability,” Ablakwa noted.

The leaders agreed to convene biannually to monitor progress and are expediting a foundational memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide legal backing for multilateral efforts.

Image credit: ISD

The summit drew Heads of State from Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, alongside delegates from Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo. Contributions came from the African Union Commission, United Nations Development Programme, and civil society organizations. Intelligence chiefs, foreign affairs, defense, and security ministers participated in pre-summit discussions.

This initiative responds to the Sahel’s worsening security crisis, where jihadist groups like JNIM and ISGS have displaced millions and killed thousands since 2012. According to UN reports, over 30,000 people have died in the region, with attacks spilling into coastal West African states. Ghana’s leadership in this framework positions it as a key player in regional stability, building on ECOWAS mechanisms amid recent coups and withdrawals from the bloc by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

The agreement marks a pivotal step toward collective resilience, with leaders declaring: “Our collective efforts to address these challenges reflect our understanding that security cannot be achieved in isolation.”

Ghana News

EU Approves $23 Million Grant to Upgrade Ghana’s Tema-Mpakadan Railway

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Accra, Ghana – The European Commission has approved a €20 million (a little over $23 million) grant to support the implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS Level 1) on Ghana’s Tema-Mpakadan railway line, in a major boost to the country’s efforts to modernise its rail infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.

The 97-kilometre standard-gauge railway, commissioned in 2024 for US$449 million, has been operating significantly below capacity due to a non-functional signalling system.

This currently restricts operations to a single train movement at a time, limiting both passenger and freight services despite rising demand. Dr Frederick Appoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), confirmed the grant approval following engagements at the recent EU-Africa Business Forum in Abidjan.

The funding follows the submission of an Aide Mémoire on sustainable transport four months ago. The project’s identification phase has now been completed, with formal approval granted in Brussels on March 27, 2026.

Implementation will proceed through several key stages, including a Quality Review Committee assessment in May 2026, validation by the NDICI Committee of EU Member States in September, and an expected EU Financing Decision in October, with first disbursements targeted for December 2026.

Once completed, the ETCS Level 1 system will enable safe multiple train operations through advanced supervision and movement authority. Dr Appoh said the upgrade will significantly improve capacity, reliability, safety, and overall utilisation of the line as a strategic national asset.

The project aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to revitalise the Volta Corridor and position Ghana’s railway sector as a key driver of economic growth and regional connectivity.

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Ghana News

Prof Prempeh Slams Supreme Court, Police Officer Killed in Road Crash and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

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We have curated the most relevant and impactful stories from Ghana for your enjoyment and awareness.

Prof Prempeh Descends on Supreme Court and AG Over Suit Against OSP
Executive Director of the renowned think tank Center for Democratic Development, Ghana (CDD-Ghana), Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, has launched a strong criticism of the Supreme Court and the Attorney-General’s Department over a suit filed against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He described the legal action as an attempt to undermine the OSP’s independence and accused the judiciary and the AG of shielding corruption. Prof. Prempeh maintained that the move sets a dangerous precedent and weakens public confidence in anti-corruption institutions.
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Right Move, Wrong Timing – COMAC CEO Questions Govt’s Delay on Fuel Price Relief
The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has described the government’s planned intervention to reduce fuel prices as “the right move” but criticized the timing as too slow. He noted that the delay is compounding hardship on consumers already struggling with the recent sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices. The CEO called on the government to act more swiftly to implement relief measures before the situation escalates further.
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Mahama Enforces Fuel Coupon Ban for Ministers as Cabinet Moves to Slash Fuel Taxes
President John Dramani Mahama has directed that all government ministers and political appointees stop using fuel coupons with immediate effect. The directive comes as the Cabinet considers slashing certain fuel taxes and levies to provide relief to consumers following the recent price surge. The move is part of broader efforts by the government to demonstrate leadership and sacrifice amid the current economic pressures caused by global fuel price increases.
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NRSA Stands Firm on Toyota Voxy Ban Despite Transport Operators’ Opposition
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has maintained its ban on the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport operations, despite strong opposition from transport unions and operators. The Authority cited safety concerns and the vehicle’s unsuitability for commercial passenger services. It has given operators a grace period to comply or switch to approved vehicles, insisting that the decision is non-negotiable and aimed at protecting public safety.
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Police Officer Killed in Road Crash at Atortorkorpe in Ada
A police officer has been killed in a tragic road accident at Atortorkorpe in the Ada area of Greater Accra. The officer lost his life while on duty when the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a crash. Police have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident as colleagues mourn the loss of their fellow officer.
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Ex-Black Stars Player Accuses Family of Stealing His 8-Bedroom House
A former player of the Black Stars has accused members of his own family of allegedly stealing his eight-bedroom house. The ex-footballer claims the property was taken from him through fraudulent means while he was away. The case has sparked public interest and is currently under police investigation.
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Ghana News

Newspaper Headlines Today: Wednesday, April 10, 2026

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Friday, April 10, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.

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