Ghana News
President Mahama Unveils Ambitious Military Modernization Plan in 2026 SONA: New Bases, Helicopters, 12,000 Recruits
Accra, Ghana – February 27, 2026 – President John Dramani Mahama today outlined a sweeping military modernization and security enhancement strategy during his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament.
He highlighted the need for a capable, modern, and responsive Ghana Armed Forces to protect national sovereignty, secure borders, and safeguard critical economic assets amid rising regional threats.
In a detailed segment on defence and national security, the President announced a multi-year investment program that will strengthen the Army, Navy, and Air Force through new infrastructure, equipment acquisitions, and a significant expansion of personnel.
Key highlights of the plan include:
- New Forward Operating Bases and Barracks
Construction is underway on a forward operating base in Ezinlibo along the Western Maritime Corridor to improve maritime surveillance and protect offshore oil and gas installations. Additional military barracks are being built in Ajumako and Dambai to expand state presence and enhance rapid response capabilities in emerging hotspots. - Northern Border Security Reinforcement
Progress continues on the northern border surveillance project, designed to serve as the first line of defence against terrorism, transnational crime, and extremist spillover from the Sahel region. President Mahama stressed the importance of preventing infiltration and maintaining territorial integrity. - Air Force Modernization
Agreements have been signed to procure four new helicopters and one jet for the Ghana Air Force. Simultaneously, grounded aircraft are undergoing comprehensive overhauls to restore full operational readiness, with the President noting: “We are bringing our fleet back into service to maximise availability and strengthen our air capabilities.” - Naval and Ground Mobility Upgrades
Plans are advancing to acquire offshore patrol vessels, armored personnel carriers, protective gear, ammunition, drones, and advanced communication systems. Fifty new vehicles were recently commissioned for the Armed Forces to improve troop mobility and morale. - Massive Recruitment Drive
A progressive recruitment programme aims to expand the Ghana Armed Forces by 12,000 personnel over the next four years. For the first time, the process has been decentralised, allowing prospective recruits to apply and report directly from regional capitals rather than traveling to Accra, making the system more inclusive and accessible nationwide.
President Mahama framed the investments as essential for national defence in an increasingly complex security environment.
“The government will continue to invest in vital defence infrastructure and retooling to ensure our Armed Forces are capable, modern, and responsive,” he declared, linking the upgrades to broader goals of economic security, maritime domain awareness, and counter-terrorism readiness.
The announcements come as Ghana intensifies cooperation with regional and international partners, including recent engagements with US Africa Command (AFRICOM) on counter-terrorism support and joint efforts to address Sahel instability.
The modernization plan is expected to form a core part of the 2026–2029 defence budget and policy framework.
Ghana News
UK Black Stars Launched to Honor Influential British-Ghanaians as Ghana Turns 69
London / Accra – March 2, 2026 – As Ghana marks its 69th Independence Day, the UK’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Ghana has launched the “UK Black Stars” initiative—a new recognition program honoring the most impactful and influential British-Ghanaians shaping life across Britain.
In a video message shared on social media and parliamentary channels, the APPG Chair, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, declared:
“Ghana turns 69 and here in the United Kingdom people of Ghanaian heritage aren’t just celebrating, we’re building.”
The campaign highlights the dual identity and excellence of the British-Ghanaian community, from boardrooms and courtrooms to classrooms, hospitals, labs, and creative industries.
The launch spotlights high-profile figures already making waves, including:
- Jason Arday (University of Cambridge academic)
- Afua Hirsch (journalist, author, broadcaster)
- June Sarpong (media executive)
- Adjoa Andoh (Bridgerton actress)
- Fuse ODG, Raye, and Stormzy (music artists)
- Lord Paul Boateng (one of the first Black MPs in Britain)
- Afua Kyei (Bank of England)
- Barbara Mills KC (Bar Council)
- Michelle Agyemang (footballer)
The APPG stated that these are just the beginning. “Excellence is everywhere,” the statement continued, calling for nominations of doctors, entrepreneurs, artists, young leaders, and community changemakers who embody British-Ghanaian pride and contribution.
Nominations are now open via ukblackstars.com. The initiative aims to amplify visibility, celebrate dual heritage, and demonstrate the positive impact of the diaspora on UK society while reinforcing ties with Ghana.
The launch coincides with Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebrations worldwide and reflects growing recognition of diaspora contributions to both host nations and the homeland.
The APPG for Ghana continues to advocate for stronger bilateral ties, trade, education, and cultural exchange between the UK and Ghana.
Ghana News
Ghana Maintains Over 5 Weeks of Fuel Stock Amid Middle East Tensions and Other Trending Topics in Ghana (March 2, 2026)
Welcome to our rolling news update from Ghana, delivering timely insights and developments as they break. Return often as we continue to add the latest stories.
Ghanaian Residents in Qatar Urged to Register for Emergency Preparedness Amid Regional Tensions
The Embassy of Ghana in Doha has urgently called on all Ghanaian nationals in Qatar to register immediately with the mission as part of ongoing emergency preparedness measures amid heightened tensions and unrest in the Middle East. The registration, accessible via an online form, will enable the embassy to communicate effectively, provide assistance, and coordinate evacuation arrangements if necessary. All information submitted will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for official consular and emergency purposes. The advisory follows recent regional hostilities, including missile and drone activity affecting Gulf countries, and complements earlier shelter-in-place guidance. Ghanaians in Qatar—including students, workers, families, and visitors—are encouraged to complete the form promptly.
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Mother and Three Children Drown in Abandoned Galamsey Pit at Wassa Dankwa
A tragic incident in the Amenfi West Municipality of the Western Region claimed the lives of a 42-year-old woman and her three sons after they drowned in an abandoned illegal mining (galamsey) pit at Wassa Dunkwa on Saturday afternoon. The family had gone to collect firewood from dried cocoa trees near the site—a common practice among residents—when the children decided to swim in the water-filled pit. The mother rushed to rescue them but was unable to save them or herself. Bodies were retrieved and conveyed to the morgue at Catholic Hospital in Asankragwa. Police at Asankrangwa have commenced investigations. The incident renews concerns about the persistent dangers posed by unregulated and abandoned galamsey pits in many communities across the Western Region.
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‘I Dreamt of My Father Awaiting Judgment’ — Mahama Recalls Teen Nightmares
President John Dramani Mahama shared a deeply personal reflection on his teenage years during the opening of the 2026 Judicial Year of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Arusha, Tanzania, on March 2, 2026. He recounted recurring nightmares about his father— a minister in Kwame Nkrumah’s government—standing before judges awaiting judgment after detention following the 1966 coup. Mahama described how his father was interrogated, held for over a year, and later faced renewed risk during the 1974 Acheampong coup despite being a private rice farmer. In a letter to Acheampong, his father offered unsolicited advice: “Do not hold on to power for too long. Leave when the applause is the loudest.” The President said these experiences shaped his understanding of the dangers of challenging power and the importance of justice, stating: “Although I stand before you as a head of state, I remain the child whose father was detained for serving his country and advising its leader.” The anecdote underscored themes of human rights, impunity, and judicial independence.
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Ghana Maintains Over 5 Weeks of Fuel Stock Amid Middle East Tensions – NPA Assures

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has reassured Ghanaians that the country has sufficient fuel reserves despite escalating tensions in the Middle East, including the recent Israel-Iran conflict and threats to the Strait of Hormuz. As of last Friday (February 27, 2026), diesel stocks are projected to last over 5 weeks (approximately 5.3 weeks), while petrol stocks can sustain nearly 6.8 weeks. NPA Director of Economic Regulation and Planning Abass Ibrahim Tasunti, speaking on JoyNews’ The Probe on March 1, 2026, attributed the robust buffer to regular import mandates, daily product discharges, production from the Sentuo oil refinery (operational since June 2025), and the Atuabo gas processing plant for LPG. He emphasized continuous monitoring and planned imports to prevent disruptions, stating, “Even without this war, we always ensure that we have a plan to make petroleum products available for consumers in the country.” Vessels with diesel and petrol cargoes are already at Tema anchorage, with more scheduled.
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Three Arrested for Beating Liberian National to Death in Sakumono
Three suspects—Francis Amuzu (44), William Adison (36), and Vincent Adzikah (34)—have been arrested by Sakumono District Patrol Team after a mob beat a 26-year-old Liberian national, Austin Tengeeh, to death near the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) facility at Lashibi in Sakumono, Greater Accra Region, on February 27, 2026. The victim was mistaken for a thief. Police responded to a distress call, found him unconscious with assault marks, and rushed him to Sakumono Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body is at the hospital morgue, and diplomatic protocols are being followed. The National Police Headquarters’ Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team is pursuing additional suspects. Investigations continue.
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10 Confirmed Dead, 30 Critical After Manso Tontokrom Mine Cave-In
A cave-in at an illegal mining site (galamsey) in Manso Tontokrom, Ashanti Region, has claimed 10 lives, with 30 others in critical condition as of March 2, 2026. Emergency teams are intensifying rescue operations, with an unspecified number still believed trapped underground. Injured victims have been transported to Hwidiem Hospital. Officials have not disclosed the exact cause or total number of miners present at the time, but investigations are underway to determine the circumstances. The incident highlights ongoing safety risks in unregulated small-scale mining operations.
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President Mahama Arrives in Tanzania for African Court’s 20th Anniversary
President John Dramani Mahama arrived at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania on March 1, 2026, to participate in the 20th anniversary celebrations of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the African Court of Justice and Human Rights in Arusha. He will deliver the keynote address at the solemn opening of the 2026 Judicial Year on March 2, themed “20 Years of Service in Protecting Human and Peoples’ Rights in Africa,” at Kibo Hall. Accompanied by senior officials including Presidential Advisor Joyce Bawa Mogtari and Legal Advisor Marietta Brew, his visit underscores Ghana’s commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and African Union judicial institutions. He was received by Tanzania’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Kenya Paul Evans Aidoo, and Supreme Court Judge Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei.
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TikToker Arrested for Spreading False Claims About Kumasi Police Officers
Isaac Boafo, a 45-year-old TikTok content creator known as “Duabo King,” has been arrested by the Police Intelligence Directorate (Ashanti Region) for publishing false information. He alleged on TikTok that four officers at the Central Police Station in Kumasi engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with commercial sex workers during night patrols at Asafo. During interrogation, Boafo admitted fabricating the claims to gain views and engagement, and also confessed to making unverified comments about the President for similar reasons. He was formally charged and detained pending further investigations. The Ashanti Regional Police Command, in a March 1, 2026, press release signed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Godwin Ahianyo, warned that such conduct will be dealt with according to law.
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Diplomatic Reset: President Mahama Appoints Baba Sadiq High Commissioner-Designate to Nigeria
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Baba Sadiq Abdulai Abu as Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria, as announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 1, 2026. The move signals a diplomatic reset in Ghana-Nigeria relations under the Mahama administration. Baba Sadiq, a prominent figure in Ghana’s creative and media industries, recently served as the National Democratic Congress parliamentary candidate for Okaikwei Central in the 2024 elections. The appointment follows the recall of previous envoy Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed (Baba Jamal) after he contested the Ayawaso East by-election amid allegations of voter inducement in NDC primaries. Ghana and Nigeria share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties, though relations have faced challenges from trade disputes, migration concerns, and regulatory issues affecting businesses.
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32-Year-Old Missing Woman Reportedly Killed in Road Crash
A 32-year-old woman who went missing after booking a ride-hailing trip to Kumasi Airport on Thursday, February 26, 2026, has reportedly died in a road accident. The Uber vehicle, traveling at high speed in the early hours (around 4–5 a.m.), crashed into a broken-down bus parked in the middle of the road. An eyewitness rushed the woman and the driver to hospital; she succumbed to her injuries, while the driver survived but remains in a coma. Further details on the exact crash location or family response were not immediately available, and police involvement is not yet confirmed.
Read the full story here
Return often as we continue to add the latest stories.
Ghana News
Newspaper Headlines Today: Monday, March 2, 2026
Monday, March 2, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.


















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