Ghana News
Ghana News Live Blog: Catch up on Key Updates
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Residents Lament Home Demolitions at Tse-Addo as Authorities Clear Kpeshie Lagoon Encroachment
Residents of Tse-Addo in Greater Accra expressed deep distress on January 26, 2026, after NADMO officials and military personnel demolished unauthorised structures encroaching on the Kpeshie Lagoon. The exercise aimed to facilitate lagoon reconstruction, improve water flow, and reduce flooding risks. Affected individuals, including shop owners and elderly residents, lamented sudden losses of homes and belongings, with some claiming no prior notice despite official warnings in certain cases. Debris and scattered possessions marked the scene, highlighting the human cost of urban environmental enforcement. Read more: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Watch-residents-lament-as-homes-are-demolished-at-Tse-Addo-2019534
Police Warn ‘Macho Men’ to ‘Stay in the Gym’ Ahead of NPP Presidential Primary
The Ghana Police Service issued a stern warning to potential troublemakers ahead of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary on January 31, 2026, urging “macho men” to avoid violence or intimidation at polling centres. A top police official stated that the election is a democratic process, not a contest of strength, stating:
“The election is not for macho people… Tomorrow is not a day for macho men.”
Authorities promised swift arrests for disruptions, protection for voters and materials, and appealed for calm to ensure a peaceful vote. Read more: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/NPP-Primary-Stay-in-the-gym-Police-issue-strong-warning-to-macho-men-2019538
Weapons and Equipment Seized in Major Galamsey Raid at Ahanta West
The NAIMOS taskforce conducted a large-scale raid on illegal mining (galamsey) sites in Ahanta West Municipality and adjoining areas, seizing weapons including 7 pump-action guns and 12 BB cartridges, plus excavators, water pumps, vehicles, and other mining tools. Sites along rivers like Hwin and Butre were targeted for destroying ecosystems and blocking water bodies. No arrests were reported, but operations will continue to protect water resources. Explosives were safely disposed of by experts. Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/weapons-seized-in-massive-galamsey-sites-raid-at-ahanta-west/
NPP Releases Updated Voting Centres List Ahead of Saturday’s Presidential Primary
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has circulated an updated list of approved voting centres for its presidential primary scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026. The list covers all constituencies and 16 regions, mostly at public schools, community centres, and police facilities, complete with GPS coordinates for easy access. The update was shared with party executives and election organisers less than 24 hours before polling. Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/npp-releases-updated-voting-centres-list-ahead-of-saturdays-presidential-primary/
Tony Aidoo: Kennedy Agyapong Should Step Aside – “Not Presidential Material”
Former Ghana Ambassador to the Netherlands Dr. Tony Aidoo called on Kennedy Ohene Agyapong to withdraw from the NPP presidential race, describing him as lacking the temperament and qualities needed for the presidency. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on January 30, 2026, Aidoo labeled Agyapong a “braggart who lies about people” and unfit for leadership. The comment comes ahead of the January 31 primary featuring multiple aspirants. Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/npp-primaries-kennedy-agyapong-should-step-aside-hes-not-presidential-material-tony-aidoo/
Petrol Prices Expected to Drop Marginally in February – COPEC
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) predicts a slight decrease in petrol prices early in February 2026, while diesel prices remain stable. Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah attributed the marginal petrol adjustment to falling local inventory costs and stable global trends, despite a 5% rise in international diesel prices. The outlook remains fragile due to potential crude oil spikes. Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/petrol-prices-to-drop-marginally-in-february-copec/
AMA Demolishes Illegal Structures at Awudome, Issues February Evacuation Warning to Traders
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) demolished unauthorised auto-mechanic workshops and other illegal structures behind Awudome Cemetery and nearby areas to protect public land. A weighing scale was seized from scrap dealers operating without permits. AMA Coordinating Director Douglas N. K. Annoful warned traders and roadside operators to vacate major roads and public spaces by February 1, 2026, ahead of a major decongestion exercise. Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/ama-demolishes-illegal-structures-at-awudome-warns-traders-ahead-of-february-evacuation/
President Mahama Vows Decisive, Fearless Confrontation of Galamsey
President John Dramani Mahama pledged to tackle illegal mining (galamsey) decisively and without fear or favour, declaring it a top priority. He promised strong enforcement, including security zones in forests and rivers, permanent military bases in affected areas, arrests, and prosecutions to protect rivers (Pra, Ankobra, Offin) and forests for future generations. The fight calls for national unity and collective responsibility. Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/galamsey-will-be-confronted-decisively-without-fear-or-favour-mahama/
ECG to Deploy Franchise Officers Nationwide from February 2026 for Better Service and Revenue
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) will begin nationwide deployment of franchise officers starting in February 2026 to improve service delivery, billing accuracy, and revenue assurance. Officers will handle meter reading, bill distribution, digital payments, disconnections for arrears, and reporting illegal activities directly at customer doorsteps, aiming to curb power theft, enhance reliability, and strengthen community engagement.
Basic 5 Pupil Hospitalised After Alleged Assault by Teacher
A pupil in Basic 5 at Falahiyat E/A Primary School in the Savannah Region is receiving treatment at Damongo St Anne’s Catholic Hospital following an alleged assault by a class teacher. The child was reportedly beaten with a wire cane after scoring poorly on homework, prompting concerns from the family and calls for intervention by the Ghana Education Service, the Ghana Police Service’s Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU), and other authorities. Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/basic-5-pupil-hospitalised-after-alleged-assault-by-teacher-in-savannah-region/
Chamber of Mines Urges Broad Sharing of Gold Windfall Gains
The Ghana Chamber of Mines says the current surge in global gold prices should benefit the nation widely rather than selectively. CEO Ken Ashigbey warned policymakers against making long-term decisions based solely on short-term price spikes, advocating for systems that balance royalty rates and support equitable community development. As mining communities now contribute significantly to production, stronger regulation and fair revenue sharing are key policy goals. Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/gold-windfall-must-be-shared-broadly-not-selectively-ken-ashigbey/
Music Legend Fela Kuti Becomes First African to Receive Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti has made history as the first African musician to be posthumously honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. The recognition celebrates his immense influence on global music through Afrobeat — a genre blending jazz, funk, traditional African rhythms, and politically charged lyricism — and his legacy as a cultural and social icon. Read more: https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/world/2026-01-30-fela-kuti-becomes-first-african-to-get-grammys-lifetime-achievement-award/
Ghana Orders Seizure of Properties in Major Extortion Case
Ghana’s Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has seized a series of fuel stations, luxury apartments, and cash totalling GH¢291 million in connection with a high-profile extortion investigation involving the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). The enforcement action marks a significant milestone in the government’s anti-corruption efforts, signalling increased scrutiny of public funds misuse. Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/osp-seizes-fuel-stations-luxury-apartments-cash-in-gh%C2%A2291m-npa-extortion-case/
Chamber of Mines Proposes Sliding Royalty Regime Amid Price Boom
In related mining sector news, the Ghana Chamber of Mines has proposed a new sliding royalty structure ranging from 4% to 8% to better align mineral revenue with fluctuating global gold prices. The plan also suggests scrapping the Growth and Sustainability Levy and introducing a 1% community development contribution to ensure mining communities benefit more visibly during price surges. Read more: https://www.myjoyonline.com/chamber-of-mines-proposes-sliding-royalty-of-4-8-removal-of-gsl-amid-high-gold-prices/
High Court Dismisses OSP’s Bid to Freeze Dr Sledge’s Properties in Corruption Probe
An Accra High Court has rejected an application by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to confirm the freezing of assets belonging to Ghanaian businessman Nana Yaw Duodu (known as Dr Sledge), Goldridge Refinery Ltd., Evelyn Duodu, and Ama Duodu. The OSP, led by Kissi Agyebeng, sought to maintain freezes on luxury vehicles—including an unregistered Rolls-Royce Maserati Phantom S/C, Mercedes-Benz models, bullion vans, a Lexus SUV, and Toyota Land Cruisers—as well as jewelry and personal effects amid an ongoing investigation. Presided over by Justice Samuel Daniel Kotey, the court dismissed the request after arguments from Dr Sledge’s counsel, Alex Kofi Osei-Owusu, and others, adjourning for written submissions by January 29, 2026.
Read more: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Court-throws-out-the-OSP-s-application-to-freeze-Dr-Sledge-s-and-others-properties-2019479
Nana Aba Anamoah Denies Coercion in GHOne Journalist’s Apology to Foreign Minister Ablakwa
Prominent Ghanaian media personality Nana Aba Anamoah has refuted claims that GHOne TV journalist Lily Mohammed was forced to apologize to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa following her criticism of the government’s decision to issue a Ghanaian passport to American streamer IShowSpeed. Mohammed had argued for greater valuation of the passport and later apologized, deeming parts of her comments unacceptable. Anamoah stated on social media that no coercion occurred, attributing the apology to Mohammed’s independent judgment and decrying politicization. The incident sparked an online feud with Louisa Laryea, wife of journalist Israel Laryea, who criticized Mohammed’s research standards, prompting a sharp retort from Mohammed dismissing Laryea’s input.
Read more: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Nana-Aba-Anamoah-speaks-on-alleged-coercion-in-GHOne-journalist-s-apology-to-Ablakwa-2019478
Whistleblower Alleges Plot to Rig NPP Presidential Primaries with Fake Results and Disguised Operatives
A whistleblower from Sekondi Constituency, Ernest Conduah, has reported an alleged scheme to undermine the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries on January 31, 2026, under the Whistle Blower’s Act. The plot, purportedly tied to elements in Kennedy Agyapong’s campaign, involves fake polling agents using a mobile app to transmit fabricated vote counts—assigning disproportionate shares to Agyapong—and declaring premature victories to demoralize rivals. Conduah also claims National Security operatives may pose as police at polling stations. He urged NPP leadership to intervene to prevent chaos. In response, NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye warned against unauthorized security, affirming only the Ghana Police Service is mandated and vowing to protect the process’s integrity.
Read more: https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/politics/Whistleblower-alleges-coordinated-plot-to-undermine-NPP-presidential-primaries-2019473
🔁 Check back later for more updates as we continue to follow these and other breaking stories.
A practical guide for Ghanaian importers using the new cedi-to-yuan payment route
Ghanaian importers have long faced a frustrating ritual: before paying a supplier in China, you first had to buy US dollars, route the payment through American correspondent banks, and absorb the extra fees and processing delays that came with it.
That is now changing. Ghana has introduced a direct cedi-to-yuan payment system, piloted by Stanbic Bank Ghana and announced by Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama at the 132nd Monetary Policy Committee briefing. Here is how to use it.
What You Need to Know First
What it is: A direct payment route that lets you pay Chinese suppliers from your local cedi bank account, with the supplier receiving Chinese yuan.
What it is not: A replacement for the US dollar. The dollar route, SWIFT, and transactions in euros and pounds remain fully operational. This is an alternative pathway.
Who is piloting it: Stanbic Bank Ghana. GCB is also developing a similar service.
Why it matters: China accounted for over 22% of Ghana’s imports in 2024, covering machinery, electronics, textiles, and raw industrial materials.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Direct Cedi-to-Yuan Payment
Step 1: Confirm Your Supplier Accepts Yuan
Before anything else, check with your Chinese supplier that they are willing to receive payment in Chinese yuan rather than US dollars. Not all suppliers will be set up for this, so confirm early.
Step 2: Open or Use a Stanbic Bank Ghana Account
The pilot is running through Stanbic Bank Ghana. If you are not already a customer, you will need an account with them to access the service during this pilot phase.
Step 3: Prepare Complete Documentation
Eligible payments require complete documents. Gather your import documentation — invoices, trade agreements, and any supporting paperwork your bank requires — before submitting.
Step 4: Submit Your Payment by 2:00 p.m. GMT
This is the critical deadline. If a business submits an eligible payment with complete documents by 2:00 p.m. GMT, it can be settled by the next business day. Miss the cutoff, and your payment moves to the following cycle.
Step 5: Let the Bank Route It Through CIPS
Instead of routing money through American correspondent banks in US dollars, the transaction goes through China’s Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS). Your supplier receives the payment in yuan.
What You Save
- No double currency conversion — you pay in cedis, your supplier receives yuan
- Lower transaction fees — no middlemen taking a cut
- Faster settlement — next business day if you meet the 2:00 p.m. GMT deadline
- No dollar hunt — you no longer need to source US dollars just to pay a Chinese supplier
As Stanbic Bank Ghana CEO Mwamina Aso Manning put it: “With CIPS, businesses can access a more direct payment route to Chinese counterparties, reducing the need for US correspondent or intermediary banks.”
What Has Not Changed
- The dollar route remains fully open
- SWIFT continues to operate as usual
- Transactions in dollars, euros, and pounds are unaffected
- You can still choose your payment pathway based on trade terms, exchange rates, and cost calculations
Quick Checklist
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Confirm supplier accepts yuan |
| 2 | Ensure you have a Stanbic Bank Ghana account |
| 3 | Prepare complete payment documents |
| 4 | Submit by 2:00 p.m. GMT |
| 5 | Payment settles via CIPS by next business day |
The Bigger Picture
This banking breakthrough comes alongside China’s zero-tariff access for 53 African nations with diplomatic ties to Beijing, which took effect on May 1. Together, zero-tariff market access and direct cedi-to-yuan payments create a two-way street — making it easier to import from China while opening doors for Ghanaian exporters to reach Chinese buyers.
Challenges like logistics, product standards, and competitiveness remain. But for importers tired of chasing dollars, this is a practical step toward faster, cheaper trade.
President John Dramani Mahama has declared Ghana “open for business,” inviting Indian companies to capitalize on expanding opportunities in the country’s pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing sectors.
Speaking during a courtesy call at the Presidency by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Mahama pledged continued policy reforms under the government’s #ResettingGhana agenda and the ‘Accra Reset’ initiative to secure health sovereignty across Africa.
‘Best Time to Invest’
The President used the meeting to pitch Ghana’s economic recovery to the visiting Indian delegation, pointing to improving macroeconomic indicators.
“Ghana’s economy is doing well. It is stable. Inflation is low, interest rates are down, and the currency is holding its own,” Mahama said. “I think that this is the best time to invest.”
To underscore this recovery, the President said Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Ghana rose from US$2.6 billion in 2025, with projections showing it could surpass US$3 billion in 2026.
Focus on Local Vaccine Production
Turning to healthcare, Mahama noted that Ghana’s new national pharmaceutical framework prioritizes domestic production. He cited the partnership between Atlantic Life Sciences and indigenous firm KinaPharma as a working model for indigenous vaccine capacity.
“They are part of our effort to localize vaccine production, but there is still substantial room for expansion,” the President said.
The push aligns with the government’s broader ‘Accra Reset’ initiative, which aims to reduce Africa’s reliance on imported vaccines and pharmaceuticals by building local manufacturing capacity.
Strategic Partnership
The courtesy call underscores Ghana’s efforts to deepen economic ties with India, a global leader in generic drug manufacturing and vaccine production. Indian pharmaceutical companies have increasingly looked to African markets for expansion, and Ghana’s new framework offers incentives for local production partnerships.
President Mahama’s invitation signals that his administration views Indian investment as central to its health sovereignty ambitions — and to the broader economic reset promised under his government’s reform agenda.
Ghana News
Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority Challenges FBI’s Kash Patel’s Account Of Major Scam Operation in Accra
Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has publicly challenged FBI Director Kash Patel’s account of a major anti-cybercrime operation in the country, insisting that Ghanaian authorities led and coordinated the exercise, not the U.S. Bureau.
The operation, known variously as “Operation Cyber Hunt” or “Operation Blackout,” targeted suspected cybercrime networks operating in Ghana. According to the CSA, it was planned and executed under Ghana’s legal and institutional frameworks, with support from international partners including the FBI and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA).
Dispute Over Credit
The dispute erupted after Patel posted on X on October 8, 2026, framing the operation as part of the FBI’s global campaign against scam centres.
“OPERATION BLACKOUT: this FBI’s global scam center fraud demolition. Another takedown this week out of Ghana,” Patel wrote.
The FBI director claimed the operation had identified nearly US$10 million in losses involving 89 victims, with more than 130 people arrested or detained and over 300 electronic devices seized.
In a press release issued the same day, the CSA rejected any suggestion that the operation was independently planned or led by the FBI.
“Ghanaian authorities planned, coordinated and executed the operation within Ghana’s legal and institutional frameworks, and it thus cannot be said to be conceived as part of an FBI-led global programme, neither was it conducted under a foreign operational command,” the statement said.
Ghanaian Authorities Assert Sovereignty
The CSA stressed that the public account should reflect the roles played by Ghanaian institutions and other international partners. It also issued a pointed reminder to foreign law enforcement agencies: they cannot independently exercise police powers or make arrests in Ghana. Their involvement, the Authority said, must be based on lawful cooperation and the authorisation and participation of relevant Ghanaian authorities.
Despite its concerns, the CSA acknowledged the intelligence support provided by the FBI and the NCA, describing their contributions as important to the fight against international cybercrime. The Authority called on the FBI to clarify its public account and recognise the roles of Ghanaian agencies and other international partners.
Inside the Operation
According to the CSA, Operation Cyber Hunt uncovered suspected cybercrime centres at multiple locations in the Greater Accra Region. The operation led to the arrest of eight suspects and the rescue of 120 people suspected of being trafficked and forced into online fraud activities.
The exercise followed intelligence received on August 26, 2026, indicating that apartments at Ubuntu Haven Estate in Kpone Katamanso, Franko Estate in Ga North, and other locations in Ga West were being used as bases for organised cybercrime, including romance scams.
Items seized included:
- 136 mobile phones
- 130 laptops
- Internet connection devices
- Four vehicles (one reportedly stolen from Canada)
- Other digital equipment
- Jewellery and 10 Nigerian passports
The CSA said authorities were working to return the rescued victims — most of whom were identified as Nigerians — to their home country. Investigations into the suspects and the seized devices are ongoing.
Broader Implications
The public rift highlights growing tensions over credit and sovereignty in international cybercrime operations. While cross-border cooperation remains essential, the CSA’s statement underscores a firm position: Ghana welcomes partnership, but not the appearance of foreign command on its soil.
The FBI has not yet responded to the CSA’s call for clarification.
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