Ghana News
Missing University Student Found Dead on Beach, Black Stars Receive GH¢76m Boost for World Cup, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We have carefully curated the most impactful and relevant stories from across Ghana dominating the news cycle. Happy reading!
Missing UCC Student Innocentia Avinu Found Dead on Cape Coast Beach
The University of Cape Coast (UCC) community is in mourning after the body of Level 200 student Innocentia Avinu was discovered washed ashore near Hutchland Beach Resort. The student was last seen on June 11, 2026, at the Ayensu Plaza Hostel wearing a black dress. Her family reported her missing, leading to a search that ended tragically when her body was found on June 12.
Police received reports of an unidentified female body around 3:15 a.m., with blood from the nose but no visible external injuries. The body was identified at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital mortuary on June 13 with assistance from family and the Dean of Students. No signs of violence were observed in preliminary examinations. An autopsy is pending as the Central Regional Crime Scene Team continues investigations to determine the cause of death. Read the full story here
Suspected Armed Robber Dies from Gunshot After Snatching Taxi at La
A suspected armed robber known locally as ‘Mugu’ died from a gunshot wound following a daring taxi hijacking at La in Accra on June 13, 2026. The suspect allegedly confronted the driver of a Daewoo Matiz taxi (GS 8598-17) near La Girls’ School, fired a shot, and seized the vehicle. Eyewitnesses reported fear among residents due to the visible firearm.
The stolen taxi later crashed nearby, after which the suspect was found with a gunshot injury. It remains unclear when or how the wound was sustained, but some eyewitnesses say it may be self-inflicted. Police conveyed the body to the Police Hospital mortuary. The driver was reportedly traumatised but attended to. Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances of the death and the broader incident. Read the full story here
Multiple Injured in Konongo Highway Crash Involving Container Truck
Several people sustained injuries in a serious accident at the Lady Diana section of the Accra-Kumasi Highway in Konongo, Ashanti Region. A KIA container truck (GN 1591-20) reportedly suffered brake failure, veered off its lane, and rammed into a parked fuel tanker before colliding with an oncoming taxi.
Ghana National Fire Service personnel, with help from residents, rescued trapped victims, including the drivers of the taxi and tanker. The injured were rushed to Steward Hospital in Yawkwei. No fatalities were recorded, though traffic was disrupted. Police investigations point to brake failure as the likely cause, renewing calls for stricter vehicle maintenance on major highways. Read the full story here
Six Arrested in Security Crackdown on Defiant China Mall Project in Koforidua
Security forces have arrested six individuals and declared the China Mall construction site at Kenkey Factory in Koforidua a restricted zone. The joint operation by National Security, Ghana Armed Forces, and Police targeted developers who allegedly defied a stop-work order from the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) over drainage and flooding concerns.
The site was cordoned off after intelligence indicated resumed work despite directives requiring drainage reconstruction. Some Chinese developers reportedly locked themselves in buildings while workers fled. Authorities emphasize public safety and enforcement of agreements to mitigate flooding risks in the area. Further investigations continue. Read the full story here
Bank of Ghana Orders Banks to Sever Ties with Unauthorised Crypto Platforms
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has directed all banks and regulated financial institutions to immediately stop supporting unauthorised foreign currency wallet services, particularly USD wallets, offered by crypto platforms. The central bank cited concerns over activities potentially violating the Payment Systems and Services Act and Foreign Exchange Act, as these platforms lack proper authorisation in Ghana.
Institutions must discontinue any banking, payment processing, or settlement services linked to such platforms. Non-compliance could result in supervisory or enforcement actions. This move aims to strengthen regulatory oversight in the evolving digital finance space. Read the full story here
Government Releases GH¢76 Million to Support Black Stars World Cup Campaign
The Government of Ghana has released GH¢76 million to back the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This includes GH¢58 million (US$5 million equivalent) as an advance for preparations and group stage participation, plus GH¢17 million (US$1.488 million equivalent) to settle outstanding qualification bonuses.
The funding, announced by Presidential Spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu, underscores the government’s commitment to the team’s success in the tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Officials called on Ghanaians to rally behind the national team. Read the full story here
Wontumi Seeks Plea Bargain in GH¢30 Million Exim Bank Fraud Case
Popular politician and businessman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) has requested a plea bargain in his ongoing GH¢30 million fraud case involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank. The NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman is facing charges including defrauding by false pretences, uttering forged documents, money laundering, and causing financial loss to a public body, Wontumi made the request through his lawyer.
The case stems from an alleged 2018 facility for a farming project by Wontumi Farms that was never executed, with funds allegedly diverted. Investigations by EOCO revealed discrepancies in documents and land claims. Court proceedings continue. Read the full story here
Ghana News
American Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections
With the 2026 U.S. midterm elections fast approaching, American citizens living in Ghana are receiving a timely boost to ensure their voices are heard from thousands of miles away.
The Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana is set to host a specialized voter registration and assistance event this weekend, designed to navigate the complexities of overseas voting.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 2:00 PM (Ghana time) at Theia’s Coffee House in the Airport Residential Area of Accra. Volunteers will be on the ground to provide trained assistance, guiding participants through the process of registering to vote and requesting their absentee ballots. The organizers have set a goal to register at least 50 new overseas voters in a single afternoon.
“This is a crucial opportunity,” said Lenny Baer, a volunteer with the Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana. “Many US citizens often don’t realize they can vote from overseas. We can, and our votes help determine the outcome of elections across the US.”
Why This Outreach Matters
This initiative is part of a broader effort by Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party representing Americans living outside the United States . The organization operates a volunteer-run network with chapters on six continents, working to protect the voting rights of the estimated 9 million Americans living abroad .
While the event is hosted by Democrats Abroad, the organizers emphasize that it is open to all U.S. citizens living in Ghana, irrespective of political party affiliation . This nonpartisan approach to voter assistance is a core tenant of the organization’s mission, reflecting their commitment to helping any American facing voting challenges . Through their platform, VoteFromAbroad.org, they provide a public service that helps citizens register and participate in elections regardless of their political leanings .
Midterm elections historically see lower voter turnout than presidential elections, particularly among overseas voters who often face bureaucratic hurdles or are simply unaware of their eligibility . With all 435 House seats and approximately 36 Senate seats up for grabs in 2026, every single vote—including those from Accra—holds the potential to tip the balance of power in Congress .
How to Participate
For those unable to attend the event in person, organizers have confirmed that a virtual session will be held simultaneously . Interested voters can RSVP through the VoteFromAbroad.org platform to receive the online meeting link and receive the same level of one-on-one assistance in completing their ballot request forms.
Trained voting assistants will also be available to answer questions, help participants complete their Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)—the standard federal form needed to request a ballot—and ensure that their voting rights are protected .
For Americans in Ghana, this Saturday’s event is more than just a registration drive; it is a critical lifeline to the democratic process back home, ensuring that their geographic distance does not translate into political silence.
Ghana News
Top Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026
Monday, August 24, 2026 – Ghana’s front pages are dominated by a fierce political standoff over GoldBod’s massive financial losses, a significant government U-turn granting a lifeline to Adamus Resources, and a highly competitive race for NPP national executive positions ahead of the 2028 elections.
1. The GoldBod $1.7bn Loss Saga: War of Words Escalates
The Minority in Parliament is refusing to back down on the GoldBod losses, while the state gold company’s CEO faces intense scrutiny.
- “No Distraction: Afenyo-Markin, Minority Sustain Heat …On $1.7bn Gold Loss” (Day Break), with The Daily Statesman stating “PERSONAL ATTACKS WON’T DISTRACT US.”
- The Source reports “Sammy Gyamfi’s Extortion Claim False – Afenyo-Markin,” while The Inquisitor and The Daily Gist note the Minority Leader is “Threatening Legal Action” over the allegation.
- The Informer headlines “Minority Hauls GoldBod CEO Before Parliament” over the controversy.
- NewsCentra digs into the numbers, reporting “GH¢29.1bn Gold Losses In 4 Years – The role of GoldBod and BoG explained,” while The Custodian leads with “Minority Vows To Probe GH¢22bn Gold Trading Loss.”
2. Mahama Intervenes: The Adamus U-Turn
President John Dramani Mahama has stepped into the heated standoff between the Lands Ministry and Adamus Resources, granting the mining giant a 12-month reprieve.
- Daily Democrat and The Insight lead with “Mahama Rescues Adamus Resources” / “Gives Adamus Reprieve.”
- The Daily Banner and The Ghanaian Publisher frame this as a “Government Flip-Flop Questioned” or a “U-Turn.”
- The Informer reports the President “Gives Company Amnesty To Operate Under New Arrangement.”
3. NPP Internal Elections: 50 Battle for Top Posts
The race for the NPP’s national executive positions is officially underway, drawing a massive field of candidates.
- Daily Guide reports “50 Battle For NPP Top Posts,” while The Source and NewsCentra note “50 Aspirants Chase 11 Positions.”
- The Chronicle and The Daily Gist report “Afoko Files Chairmanship Papers Morrow” (Tuesday).
- In the Communications Director race, Daily Analyst and The Source report “Gordon Asare-Bediako withdraws from NPP Communications Race …Endorses Dennis Miracles Aboagye.”
- Republic Press highlights the upcoming internal vote with “50 Battle For NPP National Executive Posts.”
4. Galamsey, Security, and Public Health
- Daily Analyst leads with a tragic report: “Kakum Forest Reserve Wildlife Guard Shot Dead.”
- The Daily Statesman reports “Galamsey destroys over 100 acres of farmland,” while The Informer quotes the Interior Minister vowing to “Get Tough!” on illegal mining.
- On the health front, Daily Analyst and The Exclusive report Ghana’s plan to “Reverse 70% Medicine Imports Through 24-Hour Economy,” while Daily Democrat notes a “GMTF, Atlantic Lifesciences Partner to Cut Drug Costs.”
5. Economy, Banking, and Tax
- Graphic Business leads with a major fiscal milestone: “Ghana now spends less than 20% on servicing debt.” This is supported by The Custodian, which reports “Ghana Signs €163m Debt Restructuring Deal With Belgium.”
- B&FT highlights “Gov’t weighs lifting grain export ban …amid 70,000mt rice glut.” The paper also reports “Robust investor confidence in economy returns …local investments hit US$816m, FDIs US$2.62bn.”
- Graphic Business also flags the “23 banks, one dollar, many prices” phenomenon, exposing varying FX costs across banks.
6. Judicial and Political Fallout
- Republic Press reports the “Supreme Court clears way for legal vacation criminal trials …Dismisses Oppong Nkrumah’s injunction bid,” a ruling also confirmed by Daily Guide.
- The Daily Gist reports a tragic cross-border incident: “Man Drowns While Helping Travellers Cross Ghana-Togo River.”
Ghana News
Ghanaian Firms Inject €425,000 of Own Funds to Ignite ‘Made in Ghana’ Health Innovation
In a powerful demonstration of local ownership, Ghanaian research institutions and pharmaceutical manufacturers are contributing an additional €425,000 of their own money to implement innovative health projects, signaling a robust commitment to advancing homegrown medical solutions beyond relying on foreign aid alone.
The co-funding is part of a €2 million grant package awarded under the PharmaVax Ghana program, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU).
The initiative is designed to bridge the critical gap between scientific discovery and industrial-scale manufacturing within Ghana.
While the grants provide vital financial fuel, the local co-investment—which ranges from €10,000 to €150,000 across the eight winning projects—represents a crucial “skin in the game” approach.
It shows that local institutions are not merely passive recipients of aid, but active stakeholders willing to risk their own capital to bring products to the market. This practical commitment underscores the sustainability of the projects, ensuring they are not abandoned once international funding cycles end.

The projects span a wide range of medical priorities, including fast-dissolving oral tablets for child-friendly malaria treatment, AI-powered diagnostic tools for Mpox and malaria, standardized herbal treatments for hypertension and liver disease, and stability data for locally produced tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.

Highlighting the importance of this local participation, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), emphasized that the funds are meant to catalyze local capabilities.
“Ghana has the scientific talent, the research institutions and an increasingly capable pharmaceutical industry to develop health solutions that respond to our own priorities,” he stated. “By bringing these strengths together, we are creating the foundation for medicines and vaccines that are developed in Ghana, manufactured in Ghana, and have the potential to benefit the wider region.”
Ghana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, echoed this sentiment, noting that the initiative marks a journey where researchers and manufacturers collaborate to transform scientific discoveries into life-saving products.
The €425,000 in local contributions—combined with the €2 million in grants and technical assistance from the EU and Germany—positions Ghana as a rising hub for pharmaceutical industrialization in West Africa, moving the nation closer to health security and economic self-reliance.
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Ghana News4 hours agoTop Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026
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Ghana News3 hours agoAmerican Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections
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