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Top Ghana Headlines: December 12, 2025 – Notorious Fraudster Arrested, Fuel Price Dip, Forex Crackdown Effects…Plus More

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9 months ago

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From falling fuel prices that promise a merrier Christmas, to a brazen courtroom invasion in Bono-East and a major health alert on everyday products, Ghana is making headlines at home and abroad.

Here’s your crisp, no-nonsense digest of the stories shaping the nation today – curated for Ghanaians everywhere and friends of Ghana across the globe. Enjoy.

1. Fuel Prices to Drop for Christmas

Ghanaians could enjoy lighter wallets this holiday season as petroleum prices signal a downward trend, according to Gabriel Kumi, Board Chairman of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC). Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express Business Edition on December 12, Kumi highlighted global declines in key products: diesel down about 10%, petrol around 6%, and LPG between 1-1.5%.

“Fortunately, Ghanaians are going to have a very good Christmas in terms of petroleum prices, because already the indication is that the price of finished petroleum products is going down,” he said.

The relief is set to kick in mid-December, with a general drop expected by the December 16 pricing window, provided the cedi holds steady. This comes as a second window covering the festive period promises further easing, easing strains on transport and cooking costs for families from Kumasi markets to Accra commuters. For global watchers eyeing Ghana’s economic pulse, this stability underscores the interplay of international oil markets and local currency resilience amid ongoing forex pressures.

2. Crackdown on Forex Black Market Dealers Seen As a Disrupter

The government’s aggressive raids on black market forex traders are backfiring, distorting rates and fueling cedi instability that ripples into fuel pricing, says Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC).

On December 11, Amoah’s team witnessed rates swing wildly within an hour while sourcing dollars, blaming the task force’s arrests—such as the seizure of GH¢1.2 million from 41 traders in Accra—for “unintended shocks.”

“Whatever the task force did yesterday… is also having a negative impact,” he noted, urging a “more friendly way” to regulate dealers who supply vital forex access.

This volatility exacerbates fuel costs, as the cedi’s erratic “on and off” performance—gaining then losing value—hikes import bills for petroleum. With recent police actions clamping down on “abokyi” operators, COPEC calls for a policy rethink to avoid worsening distortions. For international investors tracking West Africa’s currency woes, this news reflects the tightrope between enforcement and economic flow in Ghana’s informal markets.

3. Mob Storms District Court, Frees Prisoners in Shocking Assault on Justice System

A violent mob disrupted proceedings at the Kwame Danso District Court in Bono-East Region on December 10, freeing two remand prisoners and leaving judicial staff traumatized in a brazen attack that has sparked nationwide outrage.

The incident unfolded during the trial of Isaac Kwabena Mintah and two others on charges of unlawful damage, stealing, and assault; enraged locals, chanting threats from the nearby police station, stormed the courtroom with weapons, smashed furniture, and targeted the magistrate’s chambers before Atebubu reinforcements intervened. The Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) condemned the “disturbing trend” in a December 11 statement by National President Samuel Afotey Otu, demanding the Inspector General of Police (IGP) apprehend perpetrators and Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie shutter the court until safety is assured.

“We further demand that the Inspector General of Police and his team take immediate steps to apprehend the perpetrators… and bring them to face the full rigor of the law,” JUSAG urged.

This follows repeated assaults on local police stations, raising alarms over Ghana’s rule-of-law reputation as Africa’s democratic beacon— a concern for global human rights observers monitoring vigilante justice in emerging democracies.

4. UNICEF-FDA Probe Exposes Toxic Metals in Everyday Ghanaian Products

A stark joint report from UNICEF and Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has uncovered alarming levels of lead, cadmium, and mercury in popular items like cereal mixes, turmeric, and skin creams, posing severe health risks to vulnerable populations.

Testing 1,691 samples, the study found lead exceeding safe limits by over 100 times (up to 11,000 ppm vs. 20 ppm cap) in 78% of unbranded kohl from Upper East and Eastern regions, 42.1% of turmeric in Greater Accra and Central areas, 29% of cadmium-laced Tom Brown cereal mixes, and 24.6% of lead-tainted bentonite clay. Skin-lightening creams also failed miserably. UNICEF health specialist Dr. Emmanuel Kyeremateng-Amoah warned of lead poisoning’s devastating effects, calling for bolstered ministry resources for testing.

The FDA vows arrests for violators and stresses checking expiry dates and packaging. Consumers are advised to shun unbranded goods; for the global African diaspora sourcing heritage remedies, this is a wake-up call on supply chain safety in traditional markets.

5. Ghanaian Influencer Abu Trica Indicted in US for $8M Romance Scam

Snapchat sensation Abu Trica, real name Frederick Kumi, a 31-year-old from Swedru, faces up to 20 years in a US federal indictment for his role in an $8 million romance fraud ring targeting elderly Americans since 2023.

Charged with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering by the FBI’s Cleveland Division, Trica allegedly used AI-faked personas to build trust via messages and calls, then siphoned funds for sham emergencies, routing proceeds through US accomplices to Ghana.

Ghanaian authorities have arrested him, marking a win for cross-border cyber enforcement led by Divine Selasi Agbeti. Social media erupted with condemnation of his cash-flaunting videos, drawing parallels to Hushpuppi:

“They will commit fraud then start flaunting… for what?” tweeted one person.

Another commented: “Small small, dem go barb all of them 1 by 1.”

Others invoked Proverbs on deceitful gains, lamenting how such displays pressure youth into crime. As Ghana grapples with its digital underbelly, this case spotlights the perils of unchecked online opulence for a global audience tuning into African influencer scandals.

6. President Mahama Lands in Kenya for State Visit, Eyes Jamhuri Day Ties

President John Dramani Mahama arrived in Nairobi on December 12 for an official state visit to Kenya, received with full military honors as Guest of Honour for tomorrow’s Jamhuri Day celebrations marking the republic’s founding. Accompanied by key officials, Mahama will attend a presidential luncheon hosted by President William Ruto before departing on December 13.

While specifics on trade or security agendas remain light, the trip underscores strengthening bilateral bonds amid East-West African diplomacy. For global observers, it’s a timely flex of Ghana’s regional leadership post-election.

7. US Diasporan Battles Greedy Landlord in Ghana Rent Dispute

A US-based Ghanaian returnee, @starringcourtny on TikTok, claims her landlord hiked fees post-payment of $1,532.62 for a 27-day “super safe” apartment stay, invoicing extras because “they could get more.”

“A dollar is a dollar; it doesn’t change for me,” she vented, armed with receipts and cedi conversions.

After escalating to Ghana’s Rent Control Office, a December 22 mediation is set—the landlord cited “complications” for missing the initial slot. Her story is an example of pitfalls for diaspora renters navigating homecoming deals; thorough docs are key, experts say.

Checkout what the print media are reporting also today

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Ghana News

Ghana Positions Accra as West Africa’s Premier Aviation Hub with New Airport Hotels Complex

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15 hours ago

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August 28, 2026

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President John Dramani Mahama has cut the sod for a massive seven-storey multi-tiered car park and airport hotels complex at the Accra International Airport, marking a major strategic investment to consolidate Ghana’s position as the leading aviation hub in West Africa.

The ambitious project, being undertaken by the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), will provide approximately 2,030 covered parking bays alongside two new hotels—a 120-room five-star facility and a 250-room three-star facility. The complex will also feature a vibrant mix of retail and dining outlets, office spaces, a food court, a pedestrian sky bridge, a sky lounge, and an aircraft-viewing observatory.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 28, 2026, President Mahama stated that the development is not merely a construction initiative, but a necessary response to the rapidly increasing demands on Ghana’s principal international gateway.

“This is about preparing Ghana’s principal international gateway for the demands of the future, improving the experience of passengers and visitors, and ensuring that our airport infrastructure keeps pace with Ghana’s economic and development ambitions,” President Mahama stated.

The President highlighted the urgent need for the project by pointing to the significant surge in passenger traffic, which has grown from 1.8 million in 2022 to 2.5 million in 2025. This influx has placed considerable pressure on existing parking facilities, airport roads, and passenger pick-up and drop-off areas.

Designed to optimize the limited land within the airport enclave through vertical development, the new complex will improve traffic circulation and reduce congestion. President Mahama noted that the development would cater to travelers across different income levels, transforming the airport enclave into a vibrant, 24-hour commercial and hospitality hub.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to strengthening connectivity, the President urged contractors and consultants involved in the project to ensure impeccable quality, value for money, and timely completion.

“The project must be completed and commissioned for the benefit of the Ghanaian people,” Mahama stressed, as the government looks to solidify Accra’s status as a leading aviation hub in the sub-region.

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Ghana News

Top Headlines From Ghanaian Newspapers: Friday, August 28, 2025

Published

16 hours ago

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August 28, 2026

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Here are the top headline stories from the Ghanaian newspapers published on Friday, August 28, 2026.

💰 The GoldBod Saga & Financial Losses

  • The Inquisitor, The Ghanaian Publisher, New Weekend Crusading Guide, Daily Gist, & Metro Lens: “It’s Accounting, Not GoldBod Loss” / “$1.7bn ‘Loss’ Is Not All Real Money Lost” / “GH¢1.7BN GOLDBOD LOSS CLAIM DOESN’T ADD UP – IEA”. The IEA disputes the loss figure, stating it represents revenue and foreign-exchange valuation differences, not actual financial loss.
  • The Source & The Daily Searchlight: “AFAG Demands Forensic Audit Of GoldBod’s ‘Fiscal Recklessness'” / “PROBE GOLDBOD OVER ALLEGED GH¢78.6M EXPENDITURE! …AFAG Demands”. (The Alliance for Accountable Governance has called for a forensic audit into the Board’s spending).
  • The Informer: “We Warned BoG About GoldBod Losses IMF Reveals; But Central Bank Succumbed To Pressure Of Higher Authority – IMF Reveals…” (Claims the IMF warned the Bank of Ghana about GoldBod losses before they occurred).
  • B&FT: “Raise large miners’ mandatory gold sales for GoldBod to 50% — IEA”. (The IEA is proposing a change to the gold purchasing framework).

🗳️ NPP Politics & Internal Elections

  • Supreme, The Meridian, & New Weekend Crusading Guide: “Abanga Promises 4 Million Youth Votes for DMB in 2028 …Files For NPP Youth Organiser, Unveils 70 Seats Plan”.
  • Supreme, The Meridian, & The Ghanaian Publisher: “Nana B Files Nomination to Contest 1st Vice Chairman of NPP …Declares ‘I Am the Right Man at the Right Time'”.
  • Daily Guide & The Ghanaian Publisher: “John Boadu Files NPP National Chairman Nomination” / “‘I’ll Rebuild NPP And Mobilise For Bawumia'”.

⚖️ Justice, Parliament & Vetting Processes

  • The Daily Searchlight, Republic Press, & Daily Gist: “Minority Walks Out/Boycotts Over ‘Rushed’ Vetting Of Supreme Court Nominees”.
  • Daily Guide: “Appointments Committee Okays 3 SC Nominees As Minority Boycotts Vetting”.
  • The Chronicle, The Meridian, The Ghanaian Publisher, Metro Lens, Supreme, The Source, & Daily Gist: “Ayariga Praises Afenyo-Markin …He is a Paragon of Honesty, Fortitude and Integrity” (Outgoing Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga’s parting verdict on Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin).
  • Daily Gist: “Martin Amidu Takes On Mahama Over Agalga’s Appointment As Majority Leader”.
  • Republic Press: “OSP, A-G On Collision Course! … Over AKSA Probe”.
  • Daily Guide: “SML/GRA Scandal: OSP Gets More Time To Serve Ofori-Atta” and “Exim Bank ‘Fraud’: Wontumi Plea Deal Fails, Trial To Proceed”.
  • The Informer: “The OSP Is Back! – Kissi Agyebeng Declares Rebirth, Fires Warning @ Critics As He Names 5 Persons of Interest in Berko Probe”.
  • Daily Graphic: “Property rate can yield GH¢20bn yearly – Local Government Minister designate (Mahama Ayariga) says at vetting”.
  • Metro Lens: “Parliament Approves Mahama Ayariga, Zanetor as Ministers” (Zanetor to resign as 2nd Veep for Pan-African Parliament).

🛡️ Security & Vigilantism

  • The Inquisitor: “Julius Debrah Wants Tougher Action Against Vigilantism”.
  • The Informer: “Vigilantism Back In Disguise – Nat’l Security Boss Sounds Alarm”.
  • Republic Press: “Ayitey Powers In Trouble …Remanded Over Death Threats Against NSA Boss”.

🏫 Education & Public Services

  • The Archives: “RECRUITMENT SCANDAL HITS GES …Successful Applicants Asked To Pay GH¢18,000 For Appointment Letters; Two Arrested”.
  • The Daily Searchlight: “Labour Dispute Looms as Teacher Unions Warn GES Over August 31st Deadline for Promotion Placements”.

🏗️ Economy, Infrastructure & Industry

  • B&FT: “OSP pushes lifestyle audits and unexplained wealth laws”, “BoG targets faster policy response with AI-powered inflation and growth forecasts”, and “Plant, materials push building cost inflation to 4%”.
  • Daily Graphic: “President Mahama cuts sod for multiple airport projects”.
  • The Archives: “DVLA Cuts Sod For Number Plate Manufacturing Centre Today”.
  • Daily Guide: “New Excise Law Threatens 80,000 Farmers, 5,000 Jobs – Analysts Warn”.
  • The Informer: “Ghana’s Growth Faces Fresh Threat …As World Bank Flags High Cost Of Doing Business”.

🌍 Environment, Social & Galamsey

  • The NewsCentA: “Galamsey Has Been Normalised – Presby Moderator, Catholic Bishops’ President express outrage”.
  • The Informer: “‘Galamsey Now Youth Employment’ – Catholic Bishops”.
  • New Weekend Crusading Guide: “Armed Soldiers Attack Mining Site With ‘Orders From Above’ …Kill One, Take Over Narawa Mine Concession In Heman”.
  • Daily Graphic: “I’ll fight galamsey, environmental crimes – Dr Agyeman-Rawlings”.
  • Supreme Newspaper: “Zoomlion Launches Disinfection, Disinfestation Exercise Across Upper East Region”.
  • B&FT: “Tourism Authority partners Africa’s Brain Bank for Medical City groundbreaking”.
  • The Daily Searchlight: “Stay & Build Ghana’s Economy! …Kwame Pianim Urges Ghanaian Youth”.

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Ghana News

Diplomatic Row: President Mahama and Israeli Ambassador Lock Horns Over Gaza

Published

2 days ago

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August 27, 2026

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The Israeli Ambassador to Ghana has publicly rejected President John Dramani Mahama’s characterization of the war in Gaza as genocide.

Ambassador Roey Gilad has described Mahama’s assessment of the situation in Gaza as “wrong” and pointed out that Israel’s military campaign is a defensive operation with no intent to annihilate the Palestinian people.

The remarks, delivered at a press briefing in Accra, sharpen the diplomatic disagreement between the two nations over the legal and moral interpretation of the conflict.

The Clash Over “Intent”

Ambassador Roey Gilad acknowledged the significant number of casualties but argued that the legal definition of genocide rests on specific intent, not the scale of civilian deaths. He stated that Israel’s operations were a defensive response to the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and that civilian casualties were “collateral damage” rather than an objective of the campaign.

“What defines genocide is the intention of one side to annihilate, to destroy completely the other side… There was no intention whatsoever to destroy, to annihilate the Palestinian people and in that sense I think the President is wrong,” Ambassador Gilad said.

He further emphasized that Israel is fighting terrorist organizations, not the Palestinian people, highlighting the challenge posed by Hamas operating within civilian areas in Gaza.

The President’s Position

President Mahama has consistently used the term “genocide” in international forums. He first applied the label during his address to the 80th United Nations General Assembly in September 2025. He reaffirmed this stance in an interview with TRT World’s Bigger Than Five program aired on August 21, 2026, where he argued that the international community had avoided direct language about the crisis.

He tied the situation in Gaza to what he describes as double standards in international justice, saying, “As long as we continue to distort justice, depending on who it is, we’ll continue to live a lie.”

A Relationship of Disagreement and Partnership

Despite the verbal conflict, the Ambassador was keen to downplay the notion of a strained relationship, stressing that disagreements do not equate to bad relations. He noted that Ghana remains an “extremely important partner” for Israel and highlighted the reopening of Ghana’s embassy in Tel Aviv in late August as a sign of strengthening ties.

Ghana and Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1957. The two nations have continued to cooperate on development issues, with recent bilateral consultations in Jerusalem covering cybersecurity, fintech, and defense.

Continued Scrutiny and Casualties

The public disagreement occurs against the backdrop of ongoing international scrutiny over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. As of August 25, 2026, Gaza’s health ministry reported 73,431 Palestinians killed and 174,437 injured since October 7, 2023. The United Nations attributes these figures to the Gaza Ministry of Health while noting they have not all been independently verified.

The debate mirrors wider legal arguments regarding the situation, centered on the interpretation of the 1948 Genocide Convention and whether Israel’s actions demonstrate the specific intent required for a legal finding of genocide.

The Ambassador also called on Ghana to join international efforts to pressure Iran, which he claims is destabilizing the region and impacting global trade routes, including fuel imports crucial for Ghana’s economy.

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