Ghana News
Parliament Signals Rapid Passage of Anti-LGBTQ Bill, Ghanaian Pilgrim Dies at Hajj, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
Stay fully informed with our curated selection of the most relevant and impactful stories from across Ghana today.
Ghanaian pilgrim dies during 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia
The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has confirmed the death of another Ghanaian pilgrim, Alhaji Sulemana Iddrisu, aged 60, during the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. He passed away on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the plains of Arafat. PAOG stated that the late pilgrim has been buried in Saudi Arabia in accordance with Islamic traditions after his family was informed, adding that dying in a state of Ihram on the Day of Arafat is considered a deeply honourable passing in Islamic tradition. Read the full story here
Majority Chief Whip says Parliament could pass revived anti-LGBTQ bill by Friday
Majority Chief Whip Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor has signaled that Parliament could pass the reintroduced anti-LGBTQ bill within days, possibly by Friday, once debate begins. He explained that the committee handling the bill has completed its work and will lay its report on Thursday, allowing for rapid progression through the second reading and consideration stages. Dafeamekpor argued that the House is not dealing with an entirely new piece of legislation, as an earlier version had already been approved. Read the full story here
Evacuated Ghanaian recounts alleged xenophobic attack in South Africa
One of the 300 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa displayed visible bruises and marks on his body, recounting the beatings he allegedly suffered during xenophobic attacks. Speaking after arriving in Ghana, the returnee said, “I suffered beatings. Look at my marks. It is God that brought me here.” Despite his ordeal, he called for calm and forgiveness, praising the Ghanaian government for its intervention and for ensuring the safe return of citizens affected by the situation in South Africa. Read the full story here
Court of Appeal orders FDA to pay over GH¢30 million in damages to Tobinco Pharmaceuticals
The Court of Appeal in Accra has unanimously upheld a High Court judgment ordering the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to pay over GH¢30 million in damages to Tobinco Pharmaceuticals for the unlawful confiscation and destruction of the company’s products. The court held that the FDA, under its former CEO Dr. Stephen Opuni, committed the tort of misfeasance in public office, unlawfully detaining Tobinco’s drugs and causing damage to the company’s reputation and business. The damages include special damages of GH₵24,581,871.55 and general damages of GH₵5 million. Read the full story here
Ghana welcomes Pope Leo XIV’s apology for Holy See’s role in transatlantic slave trade
The Ghanaian government has officially welcomed an apology from Pope Leo XIV for the Holy See’s historical role in the transatlantic slave trade, a move seen as a significant step towards reconciliation. The apology, which acknowledges the Church’s complicity and failure to condemn the trade more forcefully at the time, has been praised by officials and religious leaders in Ghana as an important acknowledgment of historical wrongs. Read the full story here
Government moves to operationalise Soyeya Fund for Zongo small businesses
The government has announced new measures to operationalise the Soyeya Fund, aimed at providing financial support and resources to small businesses within Zongo communities across Ghana. This initiative seeks to boost economic activity and entrepreneurship in these communities by facilitating access to capital and business development services. Read the full story here
President Mahama cautions youth against drug addiction
President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong caution to Ghanaian youth against the dangers of drug addiction, warning that substance abuse threatens their future and national development. Speaking at a public event, he emphasized the need for collective action from families, communities, and institutions to prevent drug abuse and support rehabilitation efforts. Read the full story here
Ghana News
World Bank Approves $500 Million to Upgrade Ghana’s Rural Roads and Boost Agricultural Connectivity
The World Bank has approved a $500 million financing package to support the rehabilitation and maintenance of at least 1,000 kilometers of rural agricultural and market access roads across Ghana.
The Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project (GMACP) aims to address long-standing challenges posed by poor road infrastructure in rural areas, which have limited farmers’ access to markets, increased transportation costs, and contributed to high post-harvest losses.
The project is expected to directly benefit over 550,000 people by improving connectivity, reducing travel times, and strengthening agricultural value chains.
World Bank Division Director for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Robert Taliercio, described the initiative as a major step toward enhancing rural livelihoods and economic resilience.
“This project will improve access to markets and opportunities for rural communities while strengthening Ghana’s agricultural competitiveness,” he said.
The project is also projected to generate more than 5,000 direct jobs and over 25,000 indirect jobs through construction and road maintenance activities.
The initiative, which will be implemented by Ghana’s Ministry of Roads and Highways, incorporates climate-resilient designs to ensure long-term durability of the roads and drainage systems.
Ghana News
Ghana Catholic Bishops Slam Aid Cut Threats Over New Anti-LGBTQ Bill, Impending Transport Fare Hikes, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We have curated the most relevant and impactful stories from across Ghana today to keep you updated. Stay informed.
Catholic Bishops Tell Donors ‘Ghana Can Survive Without Your Aid’ Over Anti-LGBTQ Bill
The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has issued a strong response to foreign threats of cutting aid following Parliament’s passage of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. President of the Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, stated that Ghana must be ready to forgo foreign assistance that comes with conditions conflicting with the nation’s values and sovereignty. The bishops emphasized that the country’s dignity and moral principles are non-negotiable. Read the full story here.
Government Debunks Fake Cambodia Deportation Notice
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed circulating notices claiming mass deportation of Ghanaians from Cambodia as fake. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa assured citizens that the government is actively working with Cambodian authorities to ensure the safety and welfare of all Ghanaians in the country. He urged the public to disregard the misleading information and rely on official channels for updates. Read the full story here.
Transport Fares to Increase by 20% from June 2
Commuters across Ghana will face a 20% increase in transport fares effective Tuesday, June 2, 2026, following an announcement by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and allied operators. The increment, driven by rising fuel prices and spare parts costs, affects trotros, taxis, and inter-city services. Operators appealed for public understanding while calling on the government to address underlying economic pressures. Read the full story here.
Pregnant Woman and Son Return to Ghana After US Detention
A pregnant Ghanaian woman, Anabella Gyasi, and her 4-year-old son have returned home after being detained for over a week at Washington Dulles International Airport. The pair were held in a windowless room following their arrival on tourist visas. A U.S. federal judge ordered their release, allowing them to fly back to Ghana. The case has drawn attention to immigration procedures and conditions at U.S. airports. Read the full story here.
Third Ghanaian Pilgrim Dies During 2026 Hajj
The Pilgrims Affairs Office of Ghana (PAOG) has announced the death of a third Ghanaian pilgrim, Hajia Kubura Salifu, during the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia. The 52-year-old passed away in Mina after completing the Arafat ritual. She has been buried according to Islamic rites, and her family has been informed. PAOG extended condolences and noted the spiritual significance of passing during Hajj. Read the full story here.
Independence Square to Host Farewell for Late Apostle Kwadwo Safo
The family of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo has announced revised funeral arrangements, including a grand national farewell ceremony at Independence Square in Accra on July 31, 2026. The burial service will take place at Gomoa Mpota on July 30. The changes were made after consultations with the Asantehene, church leaders, and family members abroad to allow adequate time for international travel. Read the full story here.
Ghana Expects No More IMF Bailouts – Finance Minister
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson has stated that Ghana does not anticipate seeking another IMF bailout in the foreseeable future. He emphasized that the country is shifting from an emergency support recipient to an equal policy partner with the Fund. The minister quoted President John Dramani Mahama’s vision that the current programme should be Ghana’s last IMF engagement. Read the full story here.
Ghana News
Ghana Passes Controversial Anti-LGBTQ Bill Amid Dispute Over Media, Professional Exemptions
Ghana’s Parliament has passed the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely referred to as the anti-LGBTQ bill, after months of intense national debate and international scrutiny.
The legislation, sponsored by a group of bipartisan lawmakers, seeks to criminalise LGBTQ+ activities, advocacy and the promotion of what it describes as non-conventional sexual relations and family values.
However, even as the bill cleared its second reading on Thursday, a heated fight has erupted between co-sponsors and other lawmakers over proposed clauses that would exempt journalists, media houses, and certain professionals from the bill’s sanctions.
The disputed clauses would allow journalists and media houses to report on LGBTQ-related news or current affairs in the normal course of their work, as well as permit medical, surgical, psychological, or counselling professionals to offer services to LGBTQ individuals without penalty.
The Member of Parliament for Assin South and co-sponsor of the bill, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, together with the MP for Bosome-Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, are leading the fight against these exemptions. They argue that the proposed changes are “totally unacceptable” and would be used as a pretext to promote LGBTQ activities. The dispute has created an unusual split, with Minority side MPs joining Fordjour in opposing clauses that some had assumed would be widely supported.
Deep divisions mark legislative milestone
The bill’s passage represents one of the most divisive legislative moments in Ghana’s recent democratic history, drawing strong support from conservative and religious groups while facing sharp criticism from human rights organisations and sections of the international community. Among other provisions, the bill proposes penalties for individuals who engage in same-sex relations, as well as sanctions against persons or organisations accused of promoting, funding or advocating LGBTQ+ activities.
Supporters of the legislation argue that it is necessary to preserve Ghanaian cultural, religious and family values. Several religious bodies and traditional leaders have publicly backed the bill during parliamentary deliberations, insisting that the legislation reflects the moral beliefs of the majority of Ghanaians. Critics, however, warn that the law could undermine constitutional rights, including freedom of expression, association and protection from discrimination.
Long and contentious journey to passage
The bill, formally titled the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, was originally introduced in June 2021 by a bipartisan group of Members of Parliament led by Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George. It underwent its first reading in August 2021 and was subsequently referred to Parliament’s Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee for scrutiny.
Between 2021 and 2022, the committee held extensive public hearings involving religious bodies, traditional authorities, legal experts, civil society organisations and human rights groups. Those hearings sparked widespread public debate, with supporters arguing the bill was necessary to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values, while opponents described it as unconstitutional and discriminatory.
As the bill now moves toward final passage, the unresolved dispute over exemptions for journalists, lawyers, and medical professionals threatens to delay its progress. The outcome of that fight will determine not only the scope of the law but also whether Ghana’s media and healthcare workers can continue to serve all citizens without fear of prosecution.
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