Arusha, Tanzania / Accra, Ghana – March 2, 2026 – President John Dramani Mahama has expressed grave concern over the escalating military conflict in the Middle East.

Ghana’s president is warning that the recent US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks on Gulf countries threaten to inflict serious economic hardship on African nations, particularly through surging oil prices and disrupted global supply chains.

Speaking during a bilateral meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the State House in Arusha on Monday, March 2, President Mahama described the situation as alarming.

“We are watching the geopolitical events with alarm,” he said. “Recently, just two days ago, attacks on Iran by the US and Israel and counter-attacks by Iran on the Gulf countries is creating new geopolitical events.”

He stated that the Middle East remains the epicenter of global oil supplies, and prolonged instability could push crude prices well above sustainable levels for oil-importing African economies.

“When crude oil prices rise above a certain level, it has a negative effect on African countries,” the President cautioned. He stressed the need for proactive measures: “We know that these shocks will come. But when they come, we must prepare ourselves to make sure that our people are protected.”

President Mahama called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue, urging all parties to prioritize peace to avoid broader regional and global fallout.

The remarks came during his visit to Tanzania for the official opening of the 2026 Judicial Year and 20th Anniversary celebrations of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, where he delivered the keynote address.

In the bilateral talks, he also advanced Ghana’s reparations agenda, announcing that Ghana will table a resolution at the United Nations General Assembly on March 25, 2026, to recognize the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity.” The resolution, unanimously passed at the 39th African Union Summit, will be supported by a high-level event chaired by Tanzania on March 24.

As AU Champion on Reparations, President Mahama noted that the AU declared 2025 the Year of Reparative Justice and extended it into a Decade of Reparations. He expressed gratitude for Tanzania’s support and urged more African countries to ratify the Protocol establishing the African Court, describing it as an institution “Africans can be proud of” for upholding human and peoples’ rights.

The President was accompanied by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Ghana’s Ambassador to Kenya (concurrently accredited to Tanzania).

The warnings on Middle East tensions underscore Ghana’s vulnerability as a net oil importer, where fuel price shocks quickly translate into higher transport costs, food inflation, and pressure on household budgets.

With global oil markets already jittery, African leaders are increasingly focused on energy diversification, strategic reserves, and diplomatic efforts to shield the continent from external shocks.

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.