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Rolling News Update: Ghana and Africa (Feb. 19, 2026)

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Welcome to our rolling news feed. We are curating the latest developments from Ghana and across the continent, providing concise, factual summaries for our global audience. Please check back regularly as we update this feed with new stories throughout the day.


Ghana: President Mahama Signs 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill into Law

President John Mahama has officially assented to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, 2025, transforming a key campaign promise into law. The bill establishes an authority to coordinate a national shift towards round-the-clock economic activity, aiming to boost productivity, attract investment, and create jobs by aligning public and private sector efforts and addressing infrastructure needs. Read the full story here

Ghana: Government Proposes Renaming NIB to BNI, Sparking Parliamentary Debate

The Interior Minister, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, has announced plans to rename the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) back to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) to end confusion with the National Investment Bank. This change is part of a broader Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill that also seeks to abolish the dedicated Ministry for National Security. The bill has faced strong opposition from the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who warns it could concentrate too much power in the hands of the National Security Coordinator. Read the full story here

International: Former Prince Andrew Arrested in UK Over Epstein Links

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, has been arrested by British police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest follows the release of Epstein files by the Trump administration, which reportedly contain allegations that he shared confidential trade information with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in 2010 while serving as a UK trade envoy. Buckingham Palace has stated it will cooperate fully with the investigation. Read the full story here

Ghana: Government Releases GH₵855 Million to Pay Cocoa Farmers as Reforms Backed

In a major move to stabilize the cocoa sector, the government has released GH₵855 million to settle outstanding debts owed to cocoa farmers. This financial intervention comes as the Majority in Parliament throws its weight behind sweeping reforms aimed at restructuring the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to enhance efficiency and revive the industry. Read the full story here

Ghana: Customs Intercepts 12 Trucks with Cooking Oil and Spaghetti, GH¢85M in Taxes at Stake

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority has intercepted 12 trucks loaded with cooking oil and spaghetti in a major enforcement operation. Authorities state that the seized goods involve approximately GH¢85 million in evaded taxes, highlighting ongoing efforts to clamp down on smuggling and revenue leakage at the borders. Read the full story here

Ghana: ECOWAS Backs Full Probe into Killing of Ghanaian Traders in Burkina Faso Attack

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for a thorough investigation into the recent attack in Burkina Faso that resulted in the deaths of Ghanaian traders. The regional body has thrown its full support behind efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the killing, as Ghanaian authorities engage with their Burkinabe counterparts to ensure justice for the victims and their families. Read the full story here


Ghana Water Limited Discovers Illegal Water Connection at Voltic Cool Pac Factory

The Tema Regional Office of Ghana Water Limited uncovered an illegal water connection at a Voltic Cool water production facility. This discovery at Klagon was part of efforts to reduce non-revenue water losses. Read the full story here.

Ofori-Atta Returns to U.S. Court today

A crucial court hearing in the United States on Thursday, February 19, could determine the immediate fate of Ghana’s former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori‑Atta. A federal judge is demanding concrete evidence that Ghana has formally requested his extradition. The development shifts the focus of the high-profile case from bail arguments to a deeper legal question: whether U.S. authorities have received proper documentation to justify continued detention tied to an international extradition effort. Read the full story here.

Chief of Assin Tetre Nkwanta Crashed to Death by Motorbike

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The Chief of Assin Tetre Nkwanta in the Central Region has tragically died after being struck by a motorbike. The incident has sent shockwaves through the traditional area, with residents mourning the loss of their leader. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, and the motorbike rider is assisting with inquiries. Read the full story here.

Ga Mantse Stable After Early Morning Accident

The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, is in stable condition after being involved in an early morning road accident. Reports indicate the traditional ruler sustained minor injuries and is receiving medical attention. Well-wishers and members of the Ga community have been sending messages of support, and palace officials have assured the public of his recovery. Read the full story here.

54-Year-Old Woman Breaks 50-Year Silence on Alleged Abuse by Pastor Father

In a harrowing account of survival, a 54-year-old woman has come forward to break her 50-year silence on alleged sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her father, a pastor. Speaking publicly for the first time, she detailed years of trauma and manipulation within the church setting. The revelations have sparked widespread outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into the allegations. Read the full story here.

Tomato Traders Warn of Price Surge as Burkina Faso Attacks Disrupt Supply

Ghanaian tomato traders are warning of an imminent price surge following recent terrorist attacks in Burkina Faso that have severely disrupted supply chains. The attacks, which targeted Ghanaian traders, have made key trade routes perilous, leading to shortages and uncertainty in local markets. Industry leaders are calling on the government to provide security assurances and explore alternative supply sources. Read the full story here.

‘Create a Gold Stabilisation Fund Now or Pay Later’ – Finance Prof Tells Gov’t

A leading professor of finance has urged the government to urgently establish a Gold Stabilisation Fund to shield the economy from volatile international gold prices. Warning that inaction could lead to severe economic consequences, the professor argued that such a fund would provide a buffer during downturns and ensure long-term revenue stability from Ghana’s gold sector. Read the full story here.

Mahama Advocates for Smart Local Content Policies at Takoradi Summit

Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for the implementation of “smart” local content policies to ensure Ghanaians benefit meaningfully from the country’s natural resources. Speaking at a summit in Takoradi, he emphasized the need for policies that go beyond mere participation to foster genuine ownership, skills transfer, and industrialisation. Read the full story here.

Ivory Coast Considers Following Ghana with Cocoa Price Cut, Sources Say

Sources have revealed that Ivory Coast is actively considering cutting its cocoa farmgate price to align with Ghana’s recent 28.6% reduction. Senior Ivorian officials stated that all options are on the table as the world’s top two cocoa producers grapple with a market crisis and plunging international prices. The Ivory Coast–Ghana Cocoa Initiative confirmed that both nations are coordinating closely on what they called “courageous and realistic decisions” to stabilise the sector. Read the full story here.

Ghana’s Glorification of Burkina Faso Leader Triggered Terrorist Attack on Tomato Traders – Nitiwul

Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has sparked controversy by suggesting that Ghana’s decision to honour Burkina Faso’s leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, at President Mahama’s inauguration may have provoked the recent terrorist attack on Ghanaian traders. Nitiwul questioned why Ghanaians were previously unharmed during peak terrorism years and called for a review of the government’s foreign relations strategy. Read the full story here.


Please check back regularly as we update this feed with new stories throughout the day.

Ghana News

US Requires Ghanaian Visa Applicants to Make All Social Media Profiles ‘Public’ for Vetting

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Accra, Ghana – Ghanaians applying for various categories of US visas must now make all their social media accounts public, the United States Embassy has announced in a new requirement that is being rolled out globally.

The policy, which took effect immediately, affects a wide range of non-immigrant visas including A-3, C-3, G-5, H-3, H-4 (dependents), K-1, K-2, K-3, Q, R-1, R-2, S, T, and U visas. Applicants are required to adjust the privacy settings of platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, and others to “public” to allow US consular officers to review their online activity as part of the security and admissibility vetting process.

The move is designed to help establish the applicant’s true identity, intentions, and potential security risks before granting entry into the United States. While the directive was first highlighted by the US Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, it is now being implemented at US embassies and consulates worldwide, including in Ghana.

Implications for Ghanaian Applicants

For many Ghanaians seeking to visit, study, work, or join family members in America, the new rule adds another layer of scrutiny to the already rigorous US visa application process.

Privacy-conscious applicants may need to temporarily adjust or archive private content before submitting their applications.

US visa officials will now have broader access to posts, comments, photos, friends lists, and online associations.

This development comes amid heightened global security concerns and reflects the Trump administration’s continued emphasis on stricter immigration vetting. Ghanaian travellers are advised to review their social media presence carefully and ensure consistency between their online profiles and visa application details to avoid delays or refusals.

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Bawumia Accuses Mahama Govt of Attacking Democracy, Otumfuo Warns Politicians and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

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We have curated the most relevant stories in Ghana today to keep you informed.

Bawumia Claims Ghana’s Democracy Under Attack and Free Speech Sacrificed Under Mahama Govt
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has strongly accused President John Dramani Mahama’s government of undermining Ghana’s democratic credentials by suppressing free speech and using state security agencies to intimidate political opponents. Speaking on April 18, 2026, during a visit by Bono Region NPP executives, Bawumia described the situation as a threat to the country’s democratic gains and urged party members to remain outspoken. The former Vice President’s comments followed the arrest and detention of NPP member Abubakar Yakubu (Baba Amando), with the party planning a major demonstration in Sunyani on April 22 under the theme “Yensuro Ahunahuna Demo” to protest what it calls attacks on free speech.
Read the full story here

Akonta Mining: Court Gives Wontumi Final Chance to File Witness Statement
The Criminal Division of the Accra High Court has granted Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) a final opportunity to file his witness statements in the Akonta Mining illegal mining case. Justice Audrey Kocouvi-Tey set May 5, 2026, as the new deadline after Wontumi missed the previous April 14 cut-off. The ruling came during a case management conference on April 20, despite defence requests for adjournment pending an appeal. Wontumi faces charges related to unauthorised mining activities on his concession in Samreboi.
Read the full story here

BOST to Lose GH¢40m from Suspended Fuel Margins – Deputy MD
The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company (BOST) stands to lose nearly GH¢40 million in April alone due to the government’s suspension of the BOST margin on diesel. Deputy Managing Director Nat Salifu Acheampong warned that the move threatens critical infrastructure projects, including the upgrade of the Accra-Akosombo pipeline from 6 inches to 12 inches. While the margin on petrol remains, he appealed to Parliament to restore the diesel margin once the current fuel price relief measures end, stressing that the funds support national strategic fuel reserves.
Read the full story here

Power is Transient – Otumfuo Warns Politicians to Stay Out of Chieftaincy Matters
Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has cautioned politicians to refrain from interfering in chieftaincy affairs, reminding them that power is transient. The warning, delivered at the Asanteman Council meeting, underscores the Asantehene’s firm stance on preserving the independence and integrity of traditional institutions from political influence.
Read the full story here

‘You Are All Thieves!’ – Woman Slams Methodist Pastors and Elders Over Tithe Policy
A female member of the Wesley Cathedral Methodist Church in Sunyani caused a stir when she publicly described the pastor and elders as “thieves” during a church service. She criticised an alleged policy tying welfare support (especially during funerals) to tithe payment, arguing it was unfair and discouraging membership. The dramatic confrontation, which has gone viral, has sparked widespread debate on church finances and member support.
Read the full story here

Explainer: Why Asantehene Destooled Kyeame Kofi Nti
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has destooled his linguist (Kyeame) Kofi Nti following deliberations by the Asanteman Council. The removal was based on serious allegations including doubts over his royal lineage, improper handling and failure to report invocations of the sacred Otumfuo Ntam Kɛseɛ oath, and interference in chieftaincy processes. The decision highlights the high standards of accountability expected in Asante traditional offices.
Read the full story here

GES Announces Instalment Plan to Clear Teachers’ Salary Arrears
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has revealed that the government will pay outstanding salary arrears to newly recruited teachers under the 2024 financial clearance in instalments from May to August 2026. Four months’ arrears will be disbursed monthly to ensure accuracy and transparency. The move brings relief to teachers whose payments were delayed after reporting to post.
Read the full story here

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Newspaper Headlines Today: Tuesday, April 21, 2026

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Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.

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