Accra, Ghana – President John Dramani Mahama has cautioned that the escalating war in the Middle East — involving joint U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran and Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks across the Gulf — is no longer a regional issue but one with far-reaching consequences for the entire world, including Ghana.

Speaking during an Iftar gathering at Jubilee House on March 16, 2026, the president appealed directly to the Muslim community to intensify prayers for divine intervention and a swift end to hostilities.

“The conflict between the U.S. and Israel, and Iran, is affecting not only the Middle East; it’s affecting the whole world,” Mahama stated. “And so we pray that Allah will touch the hearts of everybody involved in this conflict and bring peace to the people in the area.”

The president’s remarks come as the conflict enters its third week, with reported U.S.–Israel operations targeting Iranian strategic sites — including the killing of senior officials — and Iran launching ballistic missiles and drones toward the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil passes, has seen significant disruptions, pushing Brent crude prices above $100 per barrel.

Ghana, a net importer of petroleum products, remains highly vulnerable to these shocks. Higher global crude prices typically feed into elevated fuel import costs, which regulators and oil marketing companies often pass on to consumers through adjusted pricing windows. The resulting increases in petrol, diesel, and LPG prices can drive up transport fares, electricity generation costs (where fuel-based plants are involved), and the overall price of goods and services as transport and production expenses rise.

Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has already flagged the risk, warning that sustained volatility in global energy markets could undermine the country’s inflation outlook and broader economic stability.

The conflict has also touched Ghanaian nationals directly. Two Ghanaians were among those injured by shrapnel from intercepted drones near Dubai International Airport, though UAE authorities confirmed minor injuries and continued airport operations. Separately, Ghanaian peacekeepers serving with UNIFIL in Lebanon have come under attack amid hostilities involving Israeli forces, Iran-aligned groups, and regional militias.

President Mahama’s call for prayers and calm reflects both spiritual solidarity and pragmatic recognition of the domestic economic ripple effects of prolonged instability in the Middle East.

Stay updated with the latest major stories from Ghana. From a devastating fuel tanker explosion and aircraft crash clarifications to presidential calls for peace, high-profile court developments, rising external reserves, and local petroleum sourcing — here are today’s key headlines. New updates are added regularly – please return soon for more fresh stories.

President Mahama Launches Nationwide ‘Resetting Ghana Tour’

President John Dramani Mahama will begin a nationwide “Resetting Ghana Tour” on March 18, 2026, starting in the Bono Region. The tour aims to assess ongoing government projects on the ground, engage directly with citizens, and provide updates on key policies and development initiatives. Minister of State for Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu described it as a way to bring the presidency closer to the grassroots level.
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Woman Arrested Over Viral Social Media Post Accusing Uber Driver of Being a ‘Murderer’
A 20-year-old woman, Promise Yayra Asamani, has been arrested by the IGP’s Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team for publishing false news on Snapchat accusing an Uber driver of being a murderer and thief. The post led to the driver’s account being blocked and him receiving threatening calls. She admitted the claims were based solely on her sister’s unverified suspicions from a ride and was granted police enquiry bail. Police warned against spreading unverified information.
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Ghanaian Pension Funds Commit $11m to Atlantic Lithium’s Ewoyaa Project
A consortium of Ghanaian pension funds managed by IC Asset Managers has committed up to US$11 million to Atlantic Lithium for the Ewoyaa Lithium Project in the Central Region. The investment forms part of a larger US$16.4 million package and aims to increase local ownership in Ghana’s first lithium mine. The funds will support milestone achievements such as parliamentary ratification of the mining lease and project construction.
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CLOGSAG Suspends Nationwide Strike, Gives Government 14 Days to Resolve Pay Dispute
The Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) has suspended its nationwide strike after the government requested more time to negotiate salaries and conditions of service. The union’s National Executive Committee agreed to a 14-day suspension, instructing members to resume work by March 24, 2026. The strike had disrupted services across ministries, departments, agencies, and local assemblies.
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Fuel Tanker Explodes into Massive Blaze at Potsin Junction

A fuel tanker has exploded at Potsin Junction on the Kasoa-Winneba road in the Central Region, triggering a fierce blaze that consumed a local eatery and two nearby buildings. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky as residents fled the scene; no casualties have been reported so far. Fire tenders from nearby stations were reportedly out of service, hampering immediate response efforts.
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Mahama Calls for Peace in US-Israel-Iran Conflict
President John Dramani Mahama has appealed for an immediate end to the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, warning that the violence is impacting the entire world. Speaking during a public engagement, he prayed for divine intervention to restore peace in the Middle East amid growing concerns over global security and energy stability.
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Freddie Blay Remanded in Custody as Illegal Mining Case Adjourned to April 9
Former New Patriotic Party Chairman Freddie Blay has been remanded in police custody by the Akropong Circuit Court after appearing on charges linked to the alleged demolition of a house on disputed land in Kitase. The case, which stems from a 2025 police report, has been adjourned to April 9, 2026, for his next appearance.
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Crashed Aircraft Not Owned by Ghana Armed Forces – Deputy Defence Minister Clarifies
Deputy Defence Minister Brogya Genfi has clarified that the microlight aircraft (Reg. 9G-ADV) that crashed in Tema Community 1, killing both occupants, is privately owned and has no connection to the Ghana Armed Forces. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority is investigating the incident that occurred while the aircraft was en route from Ho to Accra.
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Ghana’s External Reserves Rise to $14.5 Billion – BoG Governor
Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has announced that the country’s external reserves have increased to approximately $14.5 billion, providing 5.8 months of import cover. The rise reflects stronger macroeconomic performance, with inflation dropping to 3.3% and a primary fiscal surplus achieved. The Ghana Accelerated National Reserve Accumulation Programme targets 50 months of cover by 2028.
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GOIL Sources About 30% of Petroleum Products Locally – CEO Edward Bawa
GOIL CEO Edward Bawa has disclosed that the company purchases around 30% of its finished petroleum products from local refineries such as Tema Oil Refinery and Sentuo, depending on market conditions. He noted that locally sourced products are comparatively cheaper, though domestic refining capacity limits further increases.
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Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.