In a powerful assertion of African agency over how the continent’s history is told, Ghana has announced that the design of its new museum dedicated to the transatlantic enslavement will be led by a “vibrant, competitive and transparent” competition open exclusively to Africans and people of African descent.

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa unveiled the initiative on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, confirming that the museum stands as one of the “significant deliverables” of the Accra Next Steps Commitments presented by President John Dramani Mahama.

The announcement follows the historic Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice, which brought together leaders from more than 80 countries on the back of a Ghana-sponsored United Nations resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the “gravest crime against humanity.”

A repository for returning treasures

The museum will serve a dual purpose of remembrance and restitution. It is designed to be the primary repository for approximately 2,000 looted artefacts being returned to Ghana by Germany and the Netherlands – a restitution milestone announced during the same conference.

“This museum shall be dedicated to remembering the transatlantic enslavement, honouring our ancestors, promoting truth telling and fundamentally serving as repository for the thousands of looted artefacts being returned to Ghana,” Ablakwa stated.

African-led design, global significance

In a deliberate departure from colonial-era curation, the government has mandated a design competition “led by Africans and people of African descent.” The approach ensures that the museum’s architecture and interpretation are shaped by those with lived connection to the history it commemorates, rather than by external institutions.

The initiative comes as Denmark’s Foreign Minister issued an apology for his country’s role in the transatlantic enslavement system and pledged support for preserving colonial-era castles along Ghana’s coast – described as a “good faith effort to prevent historical erasure, promote truth telling and guarantee non-repetition.”

Economic catalyst and memory keeper

Beyond its historical and cultural significance, the museum is expected to generate substantial economic benefits. Ablakwa noted that the project’s “job creation potential and overall tourism benefits will be enormous.” Ghana’s existing slave forts at Cape Coast, Elmina, and Christiansborg Castle already attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, and the new museum is poised to significantly boost diaspora tourism.

The project transforms diplomatic declarations into lasting infrastructure – a brick-and-mortar monument to memory, justice, and the enduring resilience of the African spirit, designed and built by the very people whose ancestors were stolen across the Atlantic.

We have carefully curated the most relevant stories from across Ghana today. Happy reading.

CCTV Captures Two Ghanaians with Children Robbed at Gunpoint in South Africa

A chilling CCTV video has emerged showing two Ghanaians — a man and a woman — along with children being robbed at gunpoint in South Africa. The incident, which occurred on June 21, 2026, around 7:00 PM local time, took place inside what appeared to be their shop. Armed robbers forced the victims to the ground, tied their hands with plastic cuffs, gagged them with tape, and stole valuables before fleeing.

The man managed to free himself first and pursued the robbers, while the woman screamed for help after freeing herself. The attack comes amid rising tensions as anti-immigration groups in South Africa approach a June 30 deadline demanding foreigners leave the country. Read the full story here

Police Arrest Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena and Two Others Over Adwoa Safo Shooting Incident

The Ghana Police Service has arrested Israel Kwadwo Safo Akofena (also known as Akofena) and two others in connection with a shooting incident involving his sister, former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo. Akofena reported himself to the police on June 22, 2026, and was handed over to the CID for investigations.

A search of his vehicle and residence yielded a large cache of ammunition and two Glock pistols. The other suspects, Nana Kwaku Afriyie and Kwadwo Safo Koomson, are also in custody. The incident is linked to a bitter succession dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission following the death of Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo. All three are expected in court on June 23. Read the full story here

Electricity Tariffs Increase by 3.49%, Water by 0.85%, Effective July 1

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced upward adjustments in utility tariffs effective July 1, 2026. Electricity tariffs will rise by 3.49% across all customer categories, while water tariffs will increase by 0.85%.

The quarterly review was based on factors including exchange rate movements (GH¢11.2228 to the dollar), inflation at 3.43%, and natural gas costs. PURC says the adjustments aim to maintain the financial viability of utility providers while balancing consumer impact. Read the full story here

Four Dead, Five Critical as Eight Houses Collapse in Cape Coast Rainstorm

Four people, including three children, have died and five others are in critical condition after a torrential rainstorm caused eight houses to collapse in Cape Coast. The heavy rains on June 19 and 21, 2026, triggered severe flooding in communities such as Ekon, Abura, Adisadel, and parts of the University of Cape Coast.

Over 736 residents have been displaced. The Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly is demolishing collapsed structures, desilting drains, and planning long-term drainage solutions and enforcement against building on waterways. Read the full story here

Thomas Partey Declares Readiness for England Showdown as Black Stars Eye Group Lead

Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey has declared himself fit and ready for Ghana’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match against England. Having missed the opening win over Panama due to visa issues, Partey expressed confidence in his physical condition and emphasised team unity over individual battles.

The match at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough offers Ghana a chance to strengthen their position toward qualification. Read the full story here

Ghana vs England: Old Scores to Be Settled in World Cup Cliffhanger

Ghana face England tonight in a highly anticipated Group L encounter at Foxborough, Boston. The Black Stars, buoyed by their late win over Panama, aim for a historic victory that could secure early qualification. England, strong favourites, come off a convincing win over Croatia.

Key players like Thomas Partey (now available) and goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi are expected to bolster Ghana’s chances in what promises to be a memorable clash. Read the full story here

Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Today’s front pages across Ghana’s leading newspapers capture a nation bracing for multiple crises and historic moments.

From devastating floods claiming 18 lives in the Central Region to political turbulence within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a historic World Cup showdown against England, here are the ten stories that commanded the front pages on 23 June 2026.

1. Floods claim 18 lives in Central Region

ources: Daily Graphic, Daily Searchlight, The Ghanaian Times
Heavy rains have wreaked havoc across the Central Region, with at least 18 people confirmed dead and dozens displaced. Cape Coast recorded four deaths alone, while roads remain blocked and communities submerged. The disaster has prompted calls for urgent emergency relief and long-term drainage infrastructure.

2. Interior Ministry suspends Kantanka Security licence over Adwoa Safo shooting

Sources: The Business Analyst, Daily Searchlight, Daily Guide
The Ministry of the Interior has suspended the Private Security Organisation (PSO) licence of Kantanka Security Services Limited following allegations that its personnel used unauthorised uniforms and possessed firearms while providing security at Kwabenya. The suspension comes amid an ongoing investigation into the shooting of former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo. Police have arrested Kwadwo Safo Akofena and two others in connection with the incident.

3. NDC names national headquarters after Rawlings in historic tribute

Sources: Daily Graphic, The Catalyst, Africa Today, The National
President John Dramani Mahama led senior party executives, members of Parliament, and the Rawlings family in a historic ceremony on 22 June – coinciding with the late founder’s birthday – to rename the National Democratic Congress (NDC) headquarters after former President Jerry John Rawlings. A bust was unveiled in his honour, with Mahama calling for a renewal of Rawlings’ ideals.

4. Bantama NPP boils over electoral manipulation allegations

Sources: The Hawk, The Archives, Daily Guide
Tensions are running high in the NPP’s Bantama constituency as Chairman Asenso-Boakye faces accusations of manipulating voting materials. The constituency chairman allegedly seized voting materials, sparking violent confrontations and calls for intervention from the party’s national leadership.

5. Utility tariffs hike: Electricity up 3.49%, water up 0.85% from July

Sources: B-World, Daily Searchlight, Daily Guide
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has announced an upward adjustment in electricity and water tariffs effective 1 July 2026. Electricity will increase by 3.49 per cent while water rises by 0.85 per cent, citing exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, fuel costs, and the need to maintain utility companies’ financial viability.

6. Ghana vs England: Black Stars set for historic World Cup clash

Sources: The Ghanaian Times, Daily Graphic
Matchday 13 brings a blockbuster World Cup encounter as Ghana’s Black Stars prepare to face England’s Three Lions. The match carries immense historical weight, with fans across Ghana hopeful of a famous victory on the global stage.

7. LBMA gold giants throw weight behind Ghana reforms

Sources: The Hawk
The London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and major world gold giants have thrown their weight behind Ghana’s gold sector reforms. The development signals growing international confidence in Ghana’s efforts to strengthen gold trading standards and transparency.

8. Kantanka family rejects Akofena’s leadership bid

Sources: Daily Searchlight
Internal strife within the Kristo Asafo Church has deepened as the Kantanka family publicly rejects the leadership bid of Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena, following the shooting incident and the suspension of Kantanka Security Services. The family feud threatens to tear apart the church founded by Apostle Kwadwo Safo.

9. NPP rebels demand Kennedy’s head before 2027 elections

Sources: The Hawk, Patriot Press
Rebel factions within the NPP are demanding the removal of Kennedy Agyapong’s influence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Meanwhile, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has unveiled a powerful post-2024 team in a major party reset strategy, with allies urging him to stay focused and resilient amid growing political attacks.

10. PIAC queries petroleum-funded road project in Volta Region

Sources: Business & Financial Times
The Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) has raised queries over a petroleum-funded road project in the Volta Region. The watchdog body is demanding transparency and accountability in the use of oil revenues for infrastructure development.