PRETORIA — The Ghana High Commission in South Africa has issued a stark warning to Ghanaian nationals that attacks on foreign-owned businesses, including forced shop closures, threats, harassment, and intimidation, are likely to continue, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province and certain townships across the country.

In an alert dated May 6, 2026, and still in effect as of May 8, the High Commission reported a pattern of escalating violence targeting foreign-owned enterprises. No “all clear” has been issued, and officials have cautioned that the situation remains fluid and dangerous.

“Members of the Ghanaian community are reminded to continue to remain vigilant, avoid confrontational situations, and prioritise their personal safety and that of their families and businesses,” the High Commission stated.

Why the Attacks Are Likely to Persist

The alert contained a critical legal observation that explains why Ghanaian nationals cannot simply wait for police to restore calm. Under South African law, the High Commission noted, public demonstrations are generally protected and “cannot easily be prohibited or dispersed by law enforcement authorities.”

“As a result, such protests and related activities are likely to continue in some areas,” the statement read.

This legal protection for demonstrations means that even when authorities are aware of threats, their ability to intervene preemptively is limited. Ghanaians are effectively being told that they must take primary responsibility for their own safety.

Specific Guidance for Ghanaians

The High Commission issued five specific directives to Ghanaian nationals:

• Exercise caution in areas where demonstrations or community actions are taking place
• Monitor local developments and avoid high-risk locations whenever possible
• Report any incidents of threats, harassment, intimidation, or violence to the nearest police station and the High Commission immediately
• Avoid spreading unverified information that may create unnecessary panic or tension

The Commission emphasized that it is continuously monitoring the situation and remains engaged with relevant South African authorities to ensure the safety and protection of Ghanaian nationals and their businesses.

A Pattern of Violence

While the alert did not specify a single triggering incident, it referenced “a pattern of forced shop closures, threats against foreign-owned businesses, as well as incidents of harassment and intimidation.”

This language suggests multiple coordinated or repeated actions rather than isolated events.

KwaZulu-Natal Province has historically been a hotspot for xenophobic violence targeting foreign-owned spaza shops, restaurants, and small retail businesses. Similar patterns have emerged in townships across Gauteng and other provinces, where foreign nationals are often scapegoated for economic hardship.

What Ghanaians Should Do Now

With no immediate resolution in sight, the High Commission urged Ghanaians to avoid high-risk locations and report all incidents immediately. The Commission also warned against spreading unverified information, which could inflame tensions or cause unnecessary panic.

Further updates are expected as the situation develops. For now, the message from Pretoria is clear: the threat remains active, and personal safety is the highest priority.

Welcome! We have curated the most relevant stories from across Ghana today, from a major milestone as Ghana becomes Africa’s 8th largest economy and a landmark ruling on school fees, to arrests over deepfake videos and threats against security personnel, a heartbreaking demolition scene, and a critical infrastructure rebuild at Akosombo. Stay informed with our concise, verified and trusted summaries.

Ghana Rises to Africa’s 8th Largest Economy as GDP Expands to $118bn

Ghana has achieved a significant economic milestone, rising to become Africa’s 8th largest economy as its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded to $118 billion. The new ranking reflects sustained growth across key sectors, including oil and gas, services, and agriculture, and positions Ghana ahead of several larger-population countries on the continent. The development is expected to boost investor confidence and attract further foreign direct investment, particularly in infrastructure and technology.

Despite the positive headline, economists caution that GDP size alone does not translate to improved living standards for all Ghanaians. Challenges remain in youth unemployment, inflation management, and income inequality. However, the new ranking reinforces Ghana’s standing as a stable and growing economy in West Africa, potentially strengthening its negotiating position within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Read the full story here

11 Arrested Over Deepfake Videos Impersonating President Mahama

Ghanaian authorities have arrested 11 individuals in connection with the creation and distribution of deepfake videos impersonating President John Dramani Mahama. The sophisticated manipulated videos, which circulated widely on social media, were designed to mislead the public by making it appear as though the President had made statements he never uttered. The Cyber Security Authority, working with police intelligence units, tracked the suspects across multiple regions.

The arrests mark one of the largest crackdowns on AI-generated disinformation in Ghana’s history. Officials warn that deepfake technology poses a growing threat to electoral integrity, national security, and public trust in institutions. The suspects face charges including identity theft, forgery, and spreading false information. The government has urged citizens to verify any suspicious content through official channels. Read the full story here

No School Should Charge Fees, GES Declares

The Ghana Education Service (GES) has issued a definitive declaration that no public basic school should charge any fees, reaffirming the government’s commitment to free compulsory universal basic education (FCUBE). The directive, which applies to all public kindergartens, primary schools, and junior high schools, prohibits levies for parent-teacher association (PTA) activities, development funds, or any other miscellaneous charges. GES officials have warned that any headteacher or school management found violating the directive will face sanctions.

The declaration comes in response to persistent reports of illegal fee collection in some schools, which effectively bars children from low-income families from accessing education. Parent advocacy groups have welcomed the move but called for increased government funding to schools to prevent resource shortages that drive unofficial levies. Education watchdogs have urged parents to report any violations to the nearest GES district office or via the Ministry of Education’s hotline. Read the full story here

T-Bill Safety to Growth: Alternate Investments to Consider in 2026

With Treasury bill (T-bill) yields declining following the Bank of Ghana’s policy rate adjustments, financial analysts are urging investors to look beyond traditional risk-free instruments for growth opportunities in 2026. The article explores a range of alternative investment vehicles, including equities on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE), real estate investment trusts (REITs), corporate bonds, and mutual funds. Experts suggest that investors with longer time horizons may find better returns in productive sectors such as agribusiness, technology startups, and sustainable energy.

The piece advises a balanced approach, noting that while T-bills remain appropriate for capital preservation and emergency funds, growth-oriented portfolios should diversify. Key considerations highlighted include inflation hedging, liquidity needs, and risk tolerance. The Ghanaian investment landscape is maturing, with new platforms and instruments offering retail investors access to previously inaccessible asset classes. However, analysts caution against unregulated schemes promising unrealistic returns. Read the full story here

‘They will kill me before they leave’ – Elderly Man Breaks Down After Losing Belongings in Demolition

A heartbreaking video has gone viral showing an elderly man, believed to be in his 70s, breaking down and raining curses on security personnel after his home was demolished during a three-day enforcement exercise at the Sakumono Ramsar site. The man, visibly distraught, was heard daring officers to kill him, shouting: “Leave me, they should kill me today… I want the soldiers to kill me… You bunch of fools, it shall never be well with you.” The demolition, carried out by the Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and the Tema West Municipal Assembly, targeted illegal structures within the Golf Course enclave of the protected wetland.

Authorities have defended the operation, stating that it is driven by a worsening drainage crisis, as illegal buildings along major waterways obstruct natural water flow and aggravate flooding in nearby communities. Officials noted that the rainy season makes the intervention a public safety necessity. Environmental advocates support the enforcement but have expressed concern over the human impact, calling for better compensation and resettlement planning for vulnerable residents who lose their homes. Read the full story here

Man Arrested Over Viral Threats Against Police and Military Personnel

The Ghana Police Service has arrested a suspect identified as Opoku Emmanuel, 27, over a viral video in which he allegedly threatened to kill police and military personnel while warning officers against attempting to arrest armed robbers. The suspect, who appeared masked in the video, was captured on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Jacobu in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region through a joint operation involving the Inspector-General of Police’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team (CVET) and local police.

The video had sparked widespread concern over the safety of security personnel and the potential for incitement to violence. Police confirmed that Opoku Emmanuel is currently in custody assisting with investigations and is expected to be put before court in the coming days. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to dealing firmly with acts of violence, threats, and incitement against security personnel and the public, warning that such behavior will not be tolerated. Read the full story here

GRIDCo Commits to State-of-the-Art Akosombo Switchyard Rebuild After Devastating Fire

The Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art replacement for the Akosombo switchyard control room destroyed by fire on April 23, 2026. Board Chairlady Kuukua Maurice Ankrah, speaking at a historic staff durbar—the first in GRIDCo’s 18-year history—stated that the tragedy would serve as a catalyst for a long-overdue infrastructure overhaul. “What has happened here is unfortunate, but it also gives us a clear responsibility, not just to replace what we have lost, but to build something better,” she said.

The fire cut off the entire 1,020-megawatt capacity of the Akosombo Generating Station from the national grid, removing roughly 25 percent of Ghana’s average electricity demand. A joint VRA-GRIDCo engineering team restored all six units within seven days using an emergency bypass, but that solution is temporary. The permanent rebuild is expected to take at least six months. Ankrah, the only woman board chair among 17 energy sector entities, has won praise for her leadership during the crisis, with the acting CEO likening her to the biblical Deborah who guided her people through national crisis. Read the full story here

Friday, May 8, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.