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Ghana News Live Updates: Catch up on all the Breaking News Today (Feb. 11, 2026)

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Stay tuned for real-time developments shaping Ghana today, Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Bookmark this page and return often for fresh stories.


Cabinet Approves Emergency Measures to Fast-Track Cocoa Farmer Payments


President John Dramani Mahama’s Cabinet has approved urgent measures to accelerate payments to cocoa farmers and Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) amid severe liquidity challenges in the sector. The February 11, 2026, emergency meeting focused on addressing GH¢10 billion+ arrears, with directives for COCOBOD to secure immediate financing, streamline reimbursement processes, and explore alternative funding models to prevent supply chain collapse. The decision follows warnings from LBCs and farmer groups that delayed payments threaten purchasing for the 2025/26 season.
Read the full story here.

NACOC Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Packaged Gari at Kotoka Airport
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has seized 10.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside sealed bags of gari (roasted cassava flour) at Kotoka International Airport on February 10, 2026. The contraband was discovered during outbound screening of a Ghanaian passenger bound for Europe. The suspect was arrested, and the drugs—hidden in vacuum-sealed food packaging—were recovered. NACOC Director-General COP Maame Yaa Tiwaa Addo-Danquah hailed the interception as a major disruption to trafficking networks exploiting everyday commodities. The case is under investigation.
Read the full story here.

Green Light: Ghana to Begin Issuing Medicinal Cannabis Licences After Parliament Clears Final Hurdle
Parliament has passed the final amendments to the Narcotics Control Commission Act, paving the way for Ghana to issue licences for the cultivation, processing, and export of medicinal cannabis. The approval on February 10, 2026, follows years of debate and regulatory groundwork. The move allows licensed entities to produce cannabis-based medicines for domestic use and export, with strict oversight by NACOC. Officials say it will create jobs, generate revenue, and position Ghana as a regulated player in the global medicinal cannabis market while maintaining bans on recreational use.
Read the full story here.

Supreme Court Orders Attorney-General to Produce Deportation Agreement with the US
The Supreme Court has ordered Attorney-General Dominic Ayine to produce the full deportation agreement between Ghana and the United States within seven days. The February 10, 2026, ruling came in response to a suit filed by a group of Ghanaians challenging the deal’s constitutionality and transparency. The court directed the AG to file the document and respond to claims that the agreement lacks parliamentary ratification and violates citizens’ rights. The case has sparked debate over sovereignty, migration policy, and executive powers in international agreements.
Read the full story here.


Kotoka Was Seen as a Hero in 1966 for Toppling Nkrumah – Maj-Gen Edwin Sam

Retired Major-General Edwin Sam


Retired Major-General Edwin Sam has defended naming Kotoka International Airport after Lt-Gen Emmanuel Kotoka, stating he was widely regarded as a hero in 1966 for leading the coup against President Kwame Nkrumah. Speaking amid the renaming debate on February 10, 2026, Sam said Ghanaians celebrated the overthrow by pouring whiskey on streets, viewing it as liberation from oppression. He criticized the CPP’s view of Kotoka as a traitor and noted external influences on the coup, arguing history should not be erased. Sam compared it to Britain’s retention of Oliver Cromwell’s statue despite his actions.
Source: GhanaWeb

Mahama Convenes Emergency Cabinet Meeting to Tackle Cocoa Sector Crisis
President John Dramani Mahama has scheduled an emergency Cabinet meeting for February 11, 2026, to address severe challenges in the cocoa sector, including liquidity shortfalls and delayed payments to farmers and Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs). Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced the session, noting funds owed to LBCs exceed GH¢10 billion, threatening purchasing operations. The meeting aims to resolve financing issues and stabilize the sector amid warnings from LICOBAG of potential collapse without emergency support.
Source: Citi Newsroom

Police Officers in Bawku Threaten Mass Resignation Over Safety Concerns – Muntaka Explains
Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka has revealed that police officers stationed in Bawku have threatened to resign if not transferred, citing life-threatening dangers from ongoing unrest. In parliamentary remarks on February 10, 2026, Muntaka said officers face open gunfire, killings at checkpoints, and non-cooperation from residents. The Inspector General of Police previously withdrew officers from checkpoints, but Muntaka insisted on armored vehicles and community support instead. He appealed to MPs to help create a safer environment for security personnel amid persistent violence in the area.
Source: GhanaWeb

LBCs Claim COCOBOD Owes GH¢185m for Two Seasons
Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) say the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) owes them GH¢185 million for cocoa purchases over two seasons, with some unpaid for two years. The issue stems from the shift to a trader-led funding model, in which LBCs borrow from banks to pre-finance purchases and then await reimbursement after delivery. Delays are linked to terminal price issues and contractual problems, exposing farmers, purchasing clerks, and banks to risk. LBCs owe banks more than farmers, straining relationships and threatening the cocoa supply chain. COCOBOD has begun some payments but faces broader liquidity challenges.
Source: MyJoyOnline

New VAT Regime Will Not Increase Consumer Prices – GRA Assures
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has assured the public that the new VAT regime under the Value Added Tax Act will not raise consumer prices, countering concerns from traders like those in Abossey Okai. GRA explained that the shift from a 4% flat rate (with non-deductible 21.9% input VAT) to a 20% standard rate with full input VAT deductibility reduces effective costs. Transitional pricing errors caused temporary hikes, but corrected systems lower prices (e.g., from GH¢760.66 to GH¢720 in sample calculations). The regime abolishes the 1% COVID-19 levy, simplifies compliance, and raises the registration threshold to GH¢750,000. GRA is working with GUTA on guidance for traders.
Source: Citi Newsroom

CSOs Have Lost Their Moral Voice – John Awuah Tears Into Galamsey ‘Noise’
John Awuah, President of the Ghana Association of Banks, has accused civil society organizations (CSOs) of losing credibility and moral authority in addressing galamsey (illegal mining), calling their efforts “empty noise full of political patronage.” Speaking February 10, 2026, he criticized CSOs for focusing on issues like airport renaming while galamsey destroys rivers, health, and the environment. Awuah said CSOs lack measurable outcomes, fail to confront power directly, and compromise through patronage. He praised JoyNews’ Erastus Asare Donkor as the only credible voice left and questioned the silence of institutions like the Peace Council, National House of Chiefs, and religious leaders.
Source: MyJoyOnline

Suspend It Now – University Non-Teaching Unions Reject GTEC Retirement Directive, Warn of Disruption
Non-teaching staff unions in Ghana’s public universities have rejected the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC)’s directive forcing retirement in the month of birth rather than end of the academic year, calling it “unfair, arbitrary and discriminatory.” They argue it amends conditions of service without consultation and disrupts staff planning. The unions issued a two-week ultimatum on February 10, 2026, warning of academic disruptions if the policy is not suspended and reviewed.
Source: MyJoyOnline

Iran Is a Threat to Middle East Stability – Israeli Ambassador to Ghana
Israeli Ambassador to Ghana Roey Gilad has described Iran as the “root cause of instability and terrorism” in the Middle East, citing its support for proxy groups like Hezbollah, Houthis, and Hamas, and its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Speaking February 10, 2026, Gilad called for international pressure to stop Iran. He also announced a joint Ghana-Israel counter-terrorism program involving intelligence sharing, training, border security, and counter-radicalisation to address West Africa’s rising terrorist threats.
Source: MyJoyOnline

Police Gun Down Suspect in Labone Robbery
Police shot and killed suspect Clement Kofi Aidoo during an operation in Danso near Bawjiase on February 6, 2026, linked to a December 4, 2025, armed robbery in Labone where a 77-year-old woman was tied up and her Toyota Hilux, iPhone 16 Pro Max, and other items stolen. The suspect attacked officers with a cutlass after jumping through a window, leading to him being shot. Recovered items included the stolen vehicle and a police ID card from a previous robbery. The suspect had prior cases involving theft of a Camry and cash. Investigations continue.
Source: GhanaWeb

Journalist Drags CHRAJ to Court, Demands Probe into Ahiafor, Randy Abbey, Agalga & Others
Journalist Wilberforce Asare has filed a mandamus application at the High Court to compel the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to investigate 12 Board Chairpersons and 2 CEOs of state institutions for failing to declare assets before assuming office, as required by Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution. The February 9, 2026, suit follows an RTI response from the Auditor-General confirming non-compliance. Named individuals include Richard Kwame Asante (MIIF), Prof Joseph Oteng-Adjei (GNPC), Bernard Ahiafor (SIC), James Agalga (Ghana Airports), Dr Ransford Anertey Abbey (COCOBOD), and others. Asare’s earlier CHRAJ complaint went unanswered.
Source: GhanaWeb

List of CEOs, Board Chairs Who Failed to Declare Assets Despite Mahama’s Warning
Journalist Wilberforce Asare has listed 12 Board Chairpersons and 2 CEOs of state institutions who allegedly failed to declare assets before assuming office, despite President Mahama’s March 31, 2025, deadline. An RTI response from the Auditor-General confirmed non-compliance with Article 286 of the 1992 Constitution. Named include COCOBOD CEO Dr Ransford Anertey Abbey, Minerals Commission CEO Isaac Andrews Tandoh, and Board Chairs of GNPC, NPA, Ghana EXIM Bank, Ghana Gas, SIC, and others. Asare has sued CHRAJ to compel investigation.
Source: GhanaWeb

Baba Jamal cleared by NDC probe committee to contest Ayawaso East

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has maintained Mohammed Baba Jamal as its parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso East by-election, despite allegations of vote buying that emerged during the party’s parliamentary primary held on Saturday, February 7. This decision is contained in a report submitted by a three-member committee established by the party to investigate the allegations that some aspirants engaged in inducement during the primary. Baba Jamal is expected to file his nomination with the Electoral Commission on Wednesday, February 11. Source: CtitNewsroom

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Ghana News

How to Pay Chinese Suppliers Directly From Your Ghanaian Cedi Account

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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

StepAction
1Confirm supplier accepts yuan
2Ensure you have a Stanbic Bank Ghana account
3Prepare complete payment documents
4Submit by 2:00 p.m. GMT
5Payment 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.

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“Ghana Open for Business”: President Mahama Courts Indian Pharma and Vaccine Investors

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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.

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Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority Challenges FBI’s Kash Patel’s Account Of Major Scam Operation in Accra

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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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