Ghana News
Ghana News Live Updates: Catch up on all the Breaking News Today (Feb. 13, 2026)
Stay tuned for real-time developments shaping Ghana. Bookmark this page and return often for fresh summaries as stories evolve. (Updated February 13, 2026)
Majority Rejects NPP’s Call to Sack COCOBOD CEO Randy Abbey Over Cocoa Price Cut
The Majority Caucus in Parliament has rejected the Minority’s demand for the removal of COCOBOD CEO Dr. Randy Abbey following the recent reduction in the cocoa farmgate price. In a February 13, 2026, statement, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga described the call as “unfortunate and politically motivated,” arguing that the price adjustment was necessary to align with global market realities, clear legacy debts, and sustain the sector. The Majority maintained that the CEO enjoys the confidence of the government and is implementing reforms under President Mahama’s directive.
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Families Who Lose Relatives to No-Bed Syndrome Must Sue Health Facilities – Dr. Nawaane
Health expert Dr. Nawaane has called on families of patients denied emergency care due to “no-bed syndrome” to file civil suits against hospitals, describing the practice as medical negligence and a breach of the right to life. Speaking in response to a recent hit-and-run case where a victim died after being turned away from Ridge and Korle-Bu hospitals for nearly three hours, Dr. Nawaane urged victims’ families to seek redress through the courts to hold facilities accountable and force systemic change.
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Court Grants Lumba Family’s Abusuapanin Leave to File Injunction Against Second Funeral
An Accra High Court has granted leave to the Abusuapanin (family head) of the late legendary highlife musician Daddy Lumba to file an injunction restraining organisers from proceeding with a second funeral. The February 13, 2026, ruling allows the family to seek a formal court order blocking the event amid ongoing disputes over funeral arrangements and estate matters following Lumba’s passing. The case has drawn significant attention within Ghana’s music and entertainment community.
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Bawumia: My Victory Proves NPP Rejects Tribalism, Religious Bigotry
Former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has declared that his strong showing in the NPP presidential primaries is clear evidence that the party rejects tribalism and religious bigotry. In a February 13, 2026, statement, Bawumia — who placed second in the January 31, 2026, contest — said his nationwide support across ethnic and religious lines demonstrates the NPP’s inclusive character and commitment to merit over divisive politics.
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FDA Seizes Unregistered Diapers at Ho Market
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized a large consignment of unregistered and substandard diapers at the Ho Central Market in the Volta Region. The February 13, 2026, operation targeted vendors selling the products without FDA approval, citing risks to infant health from poor-quality materials. The FDA warned traders against dealing in unregistered health products and vowed continued market surveillance nationwide.
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Bagbin Urges Executive to Release Land for New Parliament House
Speaker Alban Sumana Bagbin has appealed to the Executive arm of government to urgently release land for the construction of a new Parliament House. Speaking on February 13, 2026, Bagbin said the current facility is inadequate for Ghana’s growing legislature and that a modern, purpose-built complex is essential for effective lawmaking and national representation. The call comes amid ongoing discussions on parliamentary infrastructure upgrades.
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COCOBOD CEO Responds to Minority’s Call for His Removal
COCOBOD Chief Executive Dr Ransford Anertey Abbey has firmly rejected calls by the Minority in Parliament for his dismissal over alleged mismanagement and delayed payments to farmers. In a February 13, 2026, statement, the CEO defended his leadership, citing ongoing efforts to clear legacy arrears, secure emergency financing, and implement structural reforms under President Mahama’s directive. He described the criticism as politically motivated and reaffirmed COCOBOD’s commitment to restoring farmer confidence and sector stability.
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Ghana to Sign More Visa-Waiver Agreements as Passport Gains Global Strength – Ablakwa
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that Ghana is actively negotiating additional visa-waiver agreements following the recent deal with Zambia. Speaking on February 13, 2026, Ablakwa highlighted the strengthening global mobility of the Ghanaian passport and said more countries in Africa, the Caribbean, and beyond are expected to sign similar pacts soon, boosting tourism, trade, business travel, and people-to-people ties under the AfCFTA framework.
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A Tax for Galamsey: Investigations Underway – Wrongdoers Will Be Punished – Ashanti Regional Minister
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene has confirmed that investigations are underway into allegations that the Amansie Central District Assembly has been collecting fees from illegal miners operating banned changfang equipment. The probe follows a JoyNews exposé revealing miners pay GH¢6,000 annually for stickers permitting prohibited floating platforms that pollute water bodies. The Minister vowed that any wrongdoing by assembly officials will be punished, emphasising zero tolerance for corruption or complicity in galamsey activities.
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We Criticised Akufo-Addo, So Why Blame Mahama for Ministerial Snub? – Nketiah
Former NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has defended President Mahama against accusations that he is sidelining certain party figures in ministerial appointments. In comments on February 13, 2026, Nketiah said the party had previously criticised former President Akufo-Addo for similar decisions without similar backlash, questioning why Mahama is being held to a different standard. He urged unity and focus on the “Reset Ghana” agenda rather than internal sniping.
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President Mahama’s Position on LGBTQ Has Not Changed – Prof Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah
Prof Benedicta Yayra Fosu-Mensah, a senior presidential advisor, has clarified that President John Dramani Mahama’s stance on LGBTQ issues remains unchanged from his previous term. In a February 13, 2026, interview, she stated that the President continues to uphold Ghanaian cultural values and family principles while respecting constitutional rights. The comment comes amid renewed debate on the pending Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, which is now being scheduled for parliamentary consideration.
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Mahama Departs Accra for AU Heads of State Summit in Addis Ababa
President John Dramani Mahama left Accra on February 13, 2026, for Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to participate in the 46th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government. The summit, running February 13–18, will focus on continental integration under the AfCFTA, climate finance, peace and security, and institutional reforms. Ghana’s delegation includes Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and senior advisors. Mahama is expected to deliver remarks on Ghana’s “Reset” agenda and advocate for stronger intra-African trade and debt relief mechanisms.
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Social Media Uproar as Alleged Russian Trends Target Ghanaian Women for Filmed Encounters
Ghanaian social media users are raising alarm over reports of Russian men allegedly using dating apps and social platforms to lure young Ghanaian women into filmed sexual encounters for online distribution. Posts and screenshots circulating since February 12, 2026, claim some women are being offered money or gifts in exchange for explicit content, with videos later shared without consent on adult sites. Police have not issued an official statement, but cybercrime experts urge caution, warning of blackmail and human trafficking risks. The trend has sparked calls for awareness campaigns and stricter online safety measures.
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Osei Kwame Despite Responds to Rumours Linking Him to Cocaine Bust at KIA
Businessman Osei Kwame Despite has strongly denied any involvement in the February 10 cocaine seizure of 10.5 kg hidden in gari at Kotoka International Airport. In a February 12, 2026, statement, Despite described the rumours as “malicious and baseless” and called on NACOC to swiftly investigate and punish those spreading false claims. He reaffirmed his commitment to lawful business and urged the public to disregard the speculation. NACOC has not commented on the allegations.
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Farmers to Earn GH¢2,587 per Bag as Government Resets Cocoa Pricing Formula
The government has reset the cocoa farmgate price formula, increasing the producer price to GH¢2,587 per 64 kg bag for the 2025/26 main crop season — up from previous levels — following the February 11 emergency Cabinet meeting. Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the new pricing structure on February 12, 2026, aimed at cushioning farmers from global price volatility, legacy debt burdens, and delayed payments. The adjustment is part of broader reforms to ensure timely payments and long-term sector viability.
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No-Bed Syndrome and How a Hit-and-Run Victim Was Refused Emergency Care by Ridge & Korle-Bu Hospitals for 3 Hours Before He Died
A hit-and-run victim in Accra died after being denied emergency care at both Ridge Hospital and Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital due to “no-bed syndrome” for over three hours. The February 12, 2026, report details how the young man was rushed between facilities on January 29, 2026, only to be turned away repeatedly before succumbing. Family members and witnesses accuse the hospitals of negligence; both facilities have launched internal investigations. The incident has reignited public outrage over Ghana’s chronic shortage of emergency beds and ambulance delays.
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Return often for fresh summaries as stories break
The rhythmic tones of Mandarin echoed through Ghana’s cultural heartland on Thursday, May 21, 2026, as the country’s brightest young linguists gathered for the national final of the 2026 “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Students.
Held in Kumasi, Ghana’s second-largest city, the event transformed the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) into a vibrant stage for Sino-African camaraderie.
Local students demonstrated not only brilliant language skills but also a deep talent for Chinese calligraphy, music, and traditional dance.
The two-day competition, hosted by the Confucius Institute at KNUST, brought together a diverse cohort of competitors.
University students from KNUST, the University of Cape Coast, and the University of Ghana competed alongside primary, junior high, and senior high school students from various Chinese language programs around the West African nation.
‘Opening a Window to a Beautiful Way of Thinking’
Speaking at the event, Ke Ningli, Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at KNUST, expressed profound joy at the growing enthusiasm for Mandarin.
“To see so many young Ghanaians full of passion for the Chinese language and eager to explore the ancient and modern aspects of China is truly remarkable,” Ke told Xinhua. “This competition connects the hearts and cultures of young people from China and Ghana.”
The event was more than a linguistic test; it was a celebration of the deepening ties between the two nations. Charles Ofosu Marfo, provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at KNUST, praised the courage of the youngest participants.
“By mastering Chinese characters and tones at your age, you are not just learning words; you are also opening a significant window into a rich history, vibrant tradition, and a beautiful way of thinking,” Marfo told the audience.
The Future Facilitators of Partnership
Marfo added that the students represent the future facilitators of the deepening Sino-Ghanaian partnership, driving mutual growth, industrial innovation, and cultural exchange.
As the competition draws to a close on Friday, judges are expected to select a single winner who will represent Ghana on the global stage at the international final later this year.
For the hundreds of students in attendance, the event served as a powerful reminder that in an increasingly interconnected world, language is the ultimate bridge.
Health Minister assures citizens no cases recorded in West Africa, yet urges preventive measures as WHO declares public health emergency
Ghana’s Health Minister has assured citizens that the risk of Ebola in the country remains low, with no cases recorded in Ghana or anywhere in West Africa, even as he urged Ghanaians to practice rigorous hand hygiene and called on event organizers to provide sanitizing stations at mass gatherings.
In a public address on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh sought to balance reassurance with vigilance following the World Health Organization’s declaration of Ebola as a public health emergency of international concern last week.
“It is important to note that no cases have been recorded in West Africa, including our dear country, Ghana,” the Minister said. “However, it is said prevention is always better than cure.”
Low Risk, but Not No Risk
Akandoh explained that Ebola is a viral disease spread through direct contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, and contaminated surfaces or materials. He listed key symptoms including sudden fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and unexplained bleeding – urging anyone experiencing these signs to report immediately to the nearest health facility.
Despite the low-risk assessment, the Minister outlined specific precautions for the public.
“Practice good hand hygiene,” he said. “What this means is that we should wash our hands frequently with soap under running water or use hand sanitizers.”
Mass Gatherings in Focus
The Minister paid particular attention to mass gatherings, urging event organizers to provide hand washing stations and hand sanitizers at their venues.
“During mass gatherings, please also practice good hand hygiene,” he said. “And event organizers should provide hand washing stations and hand sanitizers.”
The directive affects religious services, concerts, political rallies, weddings, funerals, and other large public events that remain central to Ghanaian social and cultural life.
Government Preparedness
The Minister concluded by assuring citizens that the government is not relying on luck.
“I would like to use this opportunity to assure everybody that the government is taking all the necessary measures to protect us all,” he said.
While the WHO’s emergency declaration has raised global alarm, Ghanaian authorities are walking a careful line – warning without panicking, preparing without provoking fear.
For now, the message is clear: the risk is low. But washing your hands costs nothing.
Ablakwa promised swift evacuation. Then 800 Ghanaians registered. Now his ministry faces its first major test.
Just days after Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced a comprehensive support package for Ghanaians fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, his ministry has been forced to delay the evacuation, marking the first major test of his leadership in a crisis.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced Thursday, May 21, 2026, that the evacuation, originally scheduled to begin on May 21, has been “deferred by a few days” after more than 800 Ghanaians registered with the High Commission in Pretoria seeking repatriation.
The figure far exceeds initial estimates and has overwhelmed planned logistical arrangements.
“Considering the numbers involved and the South African legal conditions that have to be met including mandatory passenger screening, multi-institutional coordination and flight permits, the planned evacuation has been deferred by a few days,” the ministry said in a press release.
A Promising Start Meets Reality
Earlier this week, Ablakwa, who took office with a reputation as an energetic and outspoken legislator, announced a high-profile support package for evacuees that included a welcome home financial package, transportation assistance, re-integration allowance, free psychosocial support, and entry into a special database for jobs and startup opportunities.
The announcement was widely praised and positioned Ghana as a leader in citizen protection amid a wave of anti-immigrant violence sweeping across South Africa. But the sudden deferral of the evacuation, even if unavoidable, has raised questions about implementation and preparedness.
The Ministry acknowledged that the surge in registrations, coupled with South African legal requirements, created bottlenecks that could not be resolved in time for the planned start date.
Diplomatic Engagement Intensifies
Ghanaian and South African authorities have since agreed on “enhanced and more efficient pre-evacuation modalities to expedite the process,” the statement said, adding that senior government officials on both sides remain actively engaged.
For Ablakwa, who has positioned himself as a vocal advocate for diaspora affairs and consular services, the evacuation represents an early test of his ability to translate political promises into operational reality. The delay, even if temporary, puts him in the difficult position of asking desperate citizens to wait longer while conditions on the ground in South Africa remain dangerous.
The Bigger Picture
The evacuation comes amid escalating xenophobic violence in South Africa, where foreign nationals from across the continent have been targeted by vigilante groups and anti-immigrant protesters. Ghana is among several African nations racing to repatriate citizens.
The Ministry explained that the deferral is measured in days, not weeks, and that “best efforts are being pursued to ensure their safe return home.” It also commended affected nationals for their “remarkable understanding and patience.”
What to Watch
For Ablakwa, the coming days will determine whether the delay is a minor logistical hiccup or the beginning of a more protracted challenge. The government has pledged to keep the public apprised in a “transparent and timely manner,” a commitment that will be tested as anxious families await word.
The minister, who earlier this week welcomed the Church of Scotland’s apology for slavery and renewed Ghana’s call for justice over an attack on its peacekeepers in Lebanon, now faces a more immediate and personal test: getting 800 citizens home safely.
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