Stay tuned for real-time developments shaping Ghana today, Thursday, February 12, 2026. Bookmark this page and return often for fresh stories.

Ghana Orders Immediate Cocoa Farmer Payments Amid Troubles in the Sector

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to make immediate payments to cocoa farmers and Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) as part of emergency measures to stabilize the sector, while a new bill is being prepared to overhaul COCOBOD’s operations and financing model. The directive followed an emergency Cabinet meeting on February 11, 2026, where ministers addressed a liquidity crunch that has left farmers and LBCs owed billions of Ghana cedis for beans purchased in the 2024/25 and ongoing 2025/26 seasons. Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed the President’s order, stating that COCOBOD must prioritize clearing arrears “without further delay” to restore confidence and ensure smooth purchasing for the remainder of the crop season. Read the full story here

Haruna Iddrisu and Mohammed Sukparu Survive Serious Road Crash on Bolgatanga–Tumu Road

Minister for Education and Tamale South MP Haruna Iddrisu and former Upper West Regional Minister Mohammed Sukparu escaped unhurt after their vehicle was involved in a head-on collision on the Bolgatanga–Tumu highway on February 12, 2026. The accident occurred when a speeding articulated truck reportedly lost control and veered into their lane. Both men were rushed to a nearby health facility for checks but were discharged after medical examination revealed no serious injuries. Police have launched an investigation into the cause, with preliminary reports pointing to reckless driving and poor road conditions. The incident has renewed calls for urgent rehabilitation of the Bolgatanga–Tumu stretch, long criticized for its high accident rate. Read the full story here

Thomas Partey Charged with Two New Counts of Rape
Black Stars midfielder and former Arsenal player Thomas Partey has been charged with two additional counts of rape, bringing the total to five sexual offence charges. The new counts were filed at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on February 12, 2026, following a Metropolitan Police investigation. Partey, 32, is accused of offences against three separate women between 2021 and 2022. He has denied all allegations and is due to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing on March 10, 2026. The Ghana Football Association has not issued an official statement, but the case has drawn significant attention in Ghana and the UK given Partey’s high profile.
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NACOC Breaks Silence on Alleged Senior Manager Link to Cocaine Bust at Kotoka Airport

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has dismissed social media claims that a senior manager was behind the February 10 seizure of 10.5 kg of cocaine hidden in gari at Kotoka International Airport. In a February 11, 2026, statement, NACOC described the allegations as “baseless and malicious,” reaffirming that the bust resulted from intelligence-led screening of a passenger’s luggage. The commission stressed its zero-tolerance stance on internal corruption and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified rumours that undermine law enforcement efforts.
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Mahama Reprimanded Baba Jamal – NDC Says Code of Conduct Is Already Working
President John Dramani Mahama personally reprimanded former High Commissioner to Nigeria Baba Jamal over vote-buying allegations during the Ayawaso East NDC primaries, the NDC has confirmed. The party’s General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey stated on February 11, 2026, that the swift recall demonstrates the Government’s Code of Conduct for Political Appointees is effective and non-negotiable. He added that the disciplinary action reinforces the administration’s commitment to integrity and accountability.
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Maintain NAPO Just as Akufo-Addo Maintained Bawumia Three Times – Anti-Asamoah
Political commentator Anti-Asamoah has urged the NPP to retain Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (NAPO) as flagbearer running mate for 2028, arguing that former President Akufo-Addo kept Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia through three elections despite criticism. In a February 11, 2026, commentary, he said continuity builds trust and momentum, warning against knee-jerk changes after Bawumia’s 2024 loss.
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UCC, UG Top West African University Rankings for 2026
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) and University of Ghana (UG) have been ranked first and second respectively in West Africa in the 2026 Times Higher Education World University Rankings. UCC climbed to the top spot regionally, while UG held strong in research impact and international outlook. The rankings reflect improvements in teaching, research, industry collaboration, and global engagement.
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Anas Wins 7-0 as Supreme Court Unanimously Rejects Attempt to Reverse Judgment in His Favour
Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas has secured a resounding 7-0 Supreme Court victory after the court unanimously dismissed an application seeking to reverse a previous ruling in his favour. The February 11, 2026, decision ends a long legal battle and reinforces protections for investigative journalism in Ghana.
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Party Cannot Overturn EC Verdict Without Court – Inusah Fuseini on NDC Ayawaso East Primaries
Former NDC MP Inusah Fuseini has stated that the party cannot unilaterally cancel the Ayawaso East primary results without a court order, following calls from the Majority Caucus to nullify the poll over vote-buying allegations. In comments on February 11, 2026, he stressed that the Electoral Commission’s declaration is binding unless challenged and overturned judicially.
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Power Disruption Expected in Parts of Accra West as ECG Conducts Maintenance
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced scheduled power outages in parts of Accra West on February 11, 2026, to facilitate emergency maintenance on high-tension lines. Affected areas include Dansoman, Mamprobi, Chorkor, and surrounding communities. ECG urged customers to plan accordingly and apologised for the inconvenience.
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Oti Regional Police Bust Massive Narcotics Haul Hidden in Empty Truck
Oti Regional Police have seized a large quantity of narcotics hidden in an empty truck during a routine patrol near Dambai on February 9, 2026. The consignment, concealed in secret compartments, is one of the largest recent hauls in the region. Two suspects were arrested and are assisting with investigations.
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IEA Survey: 7 in 10 Ghanaians Worried About Rising Food Prices
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has revealed that 70% of Ghanaians are concerned about escalating food prices, according to a February 2026 survey. Respondents cited inflation, supply chain disruptions, and import dependency as major drivers, with many calling for urgent government intervention to stabilise costs.
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Why Rawlings, Acheampong and Other Regimes Retained Kotoka Airport Name
A historical analysis has explained why successive Ghanaian leaders—from Acheampong to Rawlings—retained the name Kotoka International Airport despite controversies over the 1966 coup leader. The piece argues the name became institutionalised and politically neutral over time, with renaming attempts facing resistance due to regional pride and historical complexity.
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