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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

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Honoured as Former and Current Ghanaian Presidents Receive Commemorative Gold Coin

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Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has been formally presented with a specially minted commemorative gold coin in his honor, alongside three distinguished Ghanaian leaders — former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Akufo-Addo and President John Dramani Mahama.

The high-profile presentation, part of activities tied to the 2021 launch of the Otumfuo Commemorative Gold Coin, recognizes the Asantehene’s immense contributions to peace, national development, and democratic stability in Ghana.

Upon receiving the coin, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed humility, stating that he accepted the honor on behalf of the Asante Kingdom and the entire nation.

Former president Akufo-Addo described the gesture as a fitting tribute to the King’s legacy.

He particularly thanked Otumfuo for his instrumental role in facilitating lasting peace in the Dagbon Traditional Area during his administration.

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor was effusive in his praise, declaring that Otumfuo’s mediation in the Dagbon conflict, alongside two other traditional leaders, was of Nobel Peace Prize standard. Kufuor also credited the Asantehene with playing a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in Ghana’s successful exit from the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) program, which resulted in the cancellation of approximately $4 billion in external debt.

President John Dramani Mahama also lauded Otumfuo’s statesmanship.

He highlighted the King’s significant contribution to securing Ghana’s 2016 IMF bailout program, which helped stabilize the economy at a critical time. Mahama further described Otumfuo as a consistent voice of wisdom in Ghana’s democratic journey since the Rawlings era, noting that the Asantehene has offered valuable counsel during numerous national crises.

The presentation of the commemorative gold coin underscores the deep respect and influence Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commands across Ghana’s political divide, transcending party lines and generations.

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Ghana News

Macron, Mahama Held Reparations Talks During Ghana Leader’s Paris Visit: French Ambassador Reveals

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French President Emmanuel Macron and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama discussed the issue of reparatory justice during the Ghanaian leader’s recent visit to Paris, France’s Ambassador to Ghana has disclosed.

Madam Diarra Dimé-Labille, Ambassador of France to Ghana, revealed the high-level engagement during her first press briefing in Accra, confirming that both leaders expressed willingness to continue dialogue on the matter.

The disclosure comes just weeks after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution on March 25, 2026, spearheaded by Ghana on behalf of the African Union with backing from Caribbean states. The resolution calls for recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity and encourages efforts toward reparatory justice.

France abstained from the vote, a decision the Ambassador addressed directly.

“President Mahama and President Macron discussed this issue during the Ghanaian leader’s recent visit to Paris,” Madam Dimé-Labille told journalists. “Both sides expressed willingness to continue engagement on the matter.”

The Ambassador stated that France fully recognizes slavery as a crime against humanity within its legal framework – noting that France was the first country to formally adopt such recognition more than two decades ago.

However, she explained that certain legal considerations influenced France’s position on the wording of the resolution, leading to its abstention alongside other European Union member states.

France, she said, supported the broader intent of the resolution but sought a more consensual formulation aligned with established classifications under international law.

“The resolution is not the end, it is the beginning,” Madam Dimé-Labille said, expressing optimism about the way forward.

She indicated that France is prepared to contribute meaningfully to future discussions, including a proposed coalition of states expected to explore practical pathways toward reparatory justice, potentially hosted in Ghana.

Drawing on her background in international law, the Ambassador explained that establishing a clear legal basis for reparations at the global level remains complex. Unlike other historical cases where compensation frameworks were backed by binding international mechanisms, there is currently no specific legal instrument governing reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.

Progress, she said, is therefore likely to be driven by dialogue, cooperation, and political consensus among states – a process in which the Macron-Mahama conversation represents an early but significant step.

Madam Dimé-Labille described the UN resolution’s adoption, with more than 120 countries voting in favour, as an “overwhelming success” and a significant milestone reflecting growing global consensus on addressing historical injustices.

She also broadened the definition of reparatory justice beyond financial compensation, pointing to areas such as reform of global financial systems, debt considerations, education, and historical research as part of the wider conversation.

“Reparation is not only about financial compensation,” she said.

Ghana has taken a leading role in advancing the reparations agenda internationally, positioning itself at the forefront of calls for historical justice and equitable global systems. The Macron-Mahama talks signal that major European powers are prepared to engage with that agenda, even as legal and procedural differences remain.

The Ambassador reiterated France’s broader commitment to addressing historical issues, including ongoing efforts to acknowledge aspects of its past and support the return of African cultural artefacts.

“Continued dialogue and partnership will be essential in shaping a shared understanding of reparatory justice and its implications,” she said.

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Ghana News

Cheddar Declares ‘I Will Be President Sooner Than Later’, Remittances to Ghana Hit Record $7.8bn and Other Big Stories Today

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We’ve curated the most important stories shaping Ghana today for a global audience. From bold political statements and record gains in non-traditional exports and remittances to government efforts to cut tomato imports, this roundup keeps you informed on key developments across the country—wherever you are in the world.

Cheddar Declares He Will Become President ‘Sooner Than Later’
Nana Kwame Bediako, popularly known as Cheddar and founder of the New Force movement, has confidently declared his ambition to become President of Ghana. Speaking at the Africa Real Estate Festival on April 18, 2026, the 2024 presidential candidate — who placed third with 84,478 votes — told the audience: “I know you all saw me running for president. I probably looked too young, but I’m promising you I will be your president sooner than later.” He added that upon taking office he would extend his vision across African borders to build the continent and its people.
Read the full story here

Government Targets Tomato Import Cuts as Vice-President Courts Major Investment in Spain
Vice-President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government’s push to reduce Ghana’s reliance on tomato imports through major agribusiness investments. During a meeting with GB Foods executives in Barcelona, she highlighted plans for technology-driven tomato production and value addition, including 6,000 hectares already secured in the Afram Plains. The partnership aims to boost local yields from the current average of five tonnes per hectare to as much as 60 tonnes using precision irrigation and specialised techniques, while creating jobs and including smallholder farmers.
Read the full story here

Mahama Vows to Keep Inflation in Single Digits After Sharp Decline
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to maintain inflation in single digits following its sharp drop to 3.2%. Speaking at the University of Development Studies on April 19, 2026, he noted that inflation stood above 24% when his administration took office and credited fiscal discipline, controlled public spending, and prudent management of petroleum prices for the improvement. The President said the government remains committed to keeping inflation below 4% through continued macroeconomic stability measures.
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Ghana’s Top 10 Non-Traditional Exports Skyrocket to $3.28bn
Ghana’s non-traditional exports recorded historic growth in 2025, with the top 10 products generating $3.28 billion, a 53% increase from $2.15 billion in 2024. Cocoa paste led the list at $789.3 million, followed by cocoa butter ($635.7 million) and cashew nuts ($297.6 million), while shea nuts and aluminium products also posted strong gains. The Ghana Export Promotion Authority report shows processed and value-added goods now dominate, accounting for 65.48% of total non-traditional export earnings and signalling successful economic diversification.
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Godfred Dame Alleges Judicial Bias and Warns of Threat to Public Confidence
Former Attorney-General Godfred Yeboah Dame has raised serious concerns about alleged judicial bias, claiming some judges are enabling rights violations against New Patriotic Party (NPP) members through unjustified detentions and denial of bail. Speaking at the Leadership and Law Series on April 19, 2026, he warned that such actions, including prosecutions over public commentary, cast a slur on the judiciary’s integrity and independence, potentially eroding public trust in the justice system.
Read the full story here

NAiMOS Arrests Six Chinese Nationals for Illegal Mining Along Nyaase River
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAiMOS) has arrested six Chinese nationals for illegal mining activities along the Nyaase River in the Ahafo Ano South-West District of the Ashanti Region. The April 18, 2026 operation recovered firearms, ammunition, vehicles, cash, and mining equipment while destroying excavators and washing platforms. The suspects have been handed over to the Ghana Immigration Service for further action.
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Former Fuel Attendant Exposes Alleged Tactics Used to Cheat Customers
A former fuel station attendant has revealed alleged widespread practices of manipulating dispensers to short-change customers. Emmanuel Eshun claimed supervisors adjusted pumps to show higher prices and covered unit-price displays with Ghana Standards Authority stickers. He directed customers to tampered machines, allowing attendants to pocket significant extra cash — sometimes up to GH¢4,000 per day. He advised drivers always to verify unit prices on main signboards.
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Government to Launch WhatsApp System for Reporting Power Outages
Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor has announced plans to introduce a WhatsApp-based system for Ghanaians to report power outages instantly. The new platform will allow users to send their location via message, enabling rapid dispatch of technical teams and bypassing traditional call centres. The initiative forms part of broader efforts to improve communication and service delivery in the electricity sector.
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Remittance Inflows Near $7.8bn in 2025, Surpassing Foreign Direct Investment
Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama has revealed that remittance inflows reached nearly $7.8 billion in 2025, up from $4.6 billion in 2024 and now exceeding foreign direct investment. Speaking at a diaspora roundtable in the United States, he described remittances — which account for about 6% of GDP — as a cornerstone of Ghana’s external sector and called for policies to channel more of these funds into productive investments.
Read the full story here

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