Connect with us

Ghana News

Top Ghana Headlines Today: December 20 – Fuel Relief, Diaspora Unity, Otumfuo’s Opposition…Plus More

Published

on

Ghana is navigating a blend of economic adjustments, and cultural reconnections amid festive preparations and policy shifts.

From fuel price drops easing holiday burdens, and high-profile investigations alongside calls for reparative justice, these developments reflect the nation’s push for stability, accountability, and global engagement.

Mahama Rallies African Leaders for Slavery Reparations Push

President John Dramani Mahama, on the opening day of the Diaspora Summit on December 19, urged African unity for UN recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity. Proposing debt cancellation and artifact returns, he stated that reparative justice will play role in addressing epigenetic trauma and fostering Pan-African solidarity.

Otumfuo Rejects Proposal to Include Queenmothers in House of Chiefs Sittings

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II firmly opposed a bid to amend the Chieftaincy Act, 2008, to allow queenmothers seats in National and Regional Houses of Chiefs meetings. During the final 2025 Ashanti Regional House of Chiefs session on December 19, he stated: “No one should create rules that bind everyone… I will not allow anyone in Ghana to change my culture.” The proposal, led by the National House of Chiefs, aims for gender equity via a ‘Chamber of Queenmothers.’ This highlights tensions between national laws like the Affirmative Action Act and traditional practices.

More OMCs Cut Fuel Prices as NPA Warns Hoarders Ahead of Christmas

Several Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) reduced fuel prices effective December 19, with Star Oil slashing petrol to GH¢11.35/litre and diesel to GH¢12.45/litre, GOIL setting petrol at GH¢11.99/litre, and TotalEnergies at GH¢12.50/litre for petrol. Attributed to cedi stability and falling global prices, the cuts aim to curb transport costs during the holidays. The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) issued stern warnings under Act 694, threatening 5-10 year jail terms for smuggling or adulteration, with monitoring teams deployed to prevent hoarding.

Afenyo-Markin Defiant in ECOWAS Parliament Dispute

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin vowed to serve his full term as Third Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament until April 2028, defying a parliamentary resolution to remove him. Amid a petition by Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga for referral to the Privileges Committee, Afenyo-Markin stated: “The Minority Leader will insist on his rights… He shall remain until April 2028.” The row stems from ECOWAS rejecting Ghana’s new delegation in November due to his presence, raising questions on national vs. regional commitments.

John Kumah’s Widow, Lilian Owusu, Remarries

Lilian Owusu, widow of late Deputy Finance Minister and Ejisu MP Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah—who passed away on March 7, 2024, at age 45—has remarried. Kumah was lauded for his public service and economic advocacy. No further details on the remarriage were disclosed, but the news about Lilian Owusu’s remarriage has piqued the interest of many Ghanaians. The story has been trending since Friday, December 19, 2025.

BoG to Collaborate with Agencies Against Unlicensed Financial Institutions

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) plans intensified partnerships with state agencies to tackle unlicensed financial entities threatening stability. Second Deputy Governor Matilda Asante Asiedu, at a December 19 stakeholder meeting, noted: “The persistence of these operators calls for new strategies… The trust, soundness, and stability of our financial system are at stake.” Efforts include public warnings, arrests with EOCO, and enhanced intelligence sharing via COCLAB.

Minority Vows to Resist Democratic Decline and Injustice

The Minority Caucus, led by Alexander Afenyo-Markin, pledged resistance against oppression under the government in a December 19 parliamentary address. Afenyo-Markin declared: “The spirit of the mighty Minority Caucus… says we will resist oppression, and we will overcome.” Calling for active citizenship, free media, and truthful civil society, the statement warns of eroding democracy and urges collective action.

Encroachment on Tema Wetland Sparks Health and Flood Concerns

Unidentified developers are constructing an industrial facility on a Tema wetland near the Tema Lube Oil Company, blocking sewage pipelines and filling water retention areas since October 2025. This has caused overflows, raising fears of health emergencies and flooding. Violations of laws like the Land Use Act and Ghana Hydrological Authority Act are alleged, with no TMA intervention reported.

Parliament Approves Tighter Limits on Central Bank Financing

On December 18, Ghana’s Parliament passed amendments to the Bank of Ghana Act, restricting central bank financing of government deficits to enhance fiscal discipline. The move aims to stabilize the economy amid inflation pressures, drawing international attention to Ghana’s monetary reforms.

Grandmothers Empower Rural Ghana with Solar Energy Initiatives

In a bit of unusual news coming from northern Ghana, elderly women in that part of the country are installing solar panels to combat chronic power shortages. Many of the villages are off-grid. A December 19 DW report highlights their training programs, providing lighting and electricity, transforming daily life and reducing reliance on kerosene—boosting health and economic opportunities.

Government Resubmits Lithium Mining Bill

On December 19, the government reintroduced the lithium mining bill to Parliament, seeking to regulate extraction in resource-rich areas. The move addresses environmental concerns while aiming to boost revenue, amid calls for community benefits.

Ghana News

Ex-President Akufo-Addo and President Mahama Exchange Pleasantries on Easter

Published

on

Kwahu, Ghana – Former President Nana Akufo-Addo paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026, while both leaders were in the Kwahu enclave for the annual Easter celebrations.

The meeting took place as President Mahama participated in activities linked to the Kwahu Business Forum, a major event held alongside the Easter festivities.

Akufo-Addo, who has maintained a nearly two-decade tradition of spending Easter in Kwahu, described the visit as a cordial engagement during the sacred period.

In a Facebook post, the former president wrote: “On the Holy Saturday of Easter, while in Kwahu where for almost two decades I have consecutively visited during the sacred period of Easter, I called on the President of the Republic, H. E. John Dramani Mahama who is also in Kwahu.”

The encounter highlights a moment of peaceful political civility between the current and immediate past leaders of Ghana amid the festive season. No further details about the substance of their discussion were made public.

The visit comes at a time when both leaders are actively involved in national and regional development conversations, with Mahama using the Kwahu platform to engage stakeholders on economic matters.

Continue Reading

Ghana News

Mahama Calls Christ’s Birthplace an ‘Epicentre of War’, New Airport Concourse Planned and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

Published

on

We have curated the most relevant and impactful stories from Ghana to keep you informed.

‘It’s Painful Christ’s Birthplace Now an Epicentre of War’ – President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has described the ongoing violence in the Middle East as a “painful irony,” noting that the birthplace of Christianity and the land where Christ preached love, forgiveness, and peace has become a major centre of conflict. In his Easter message delivered at Black Star Square on April 3, 2026, Mahama said the suffering in the Holy Land cannot be ignored during the season of Easter. He extended Ghana’s thoughts and prayers to the people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran, and the wider Middle East region, urging world leaders to embrace restraint, dialogue, and respect for human dignity.
Read the full story here

Gov’t to Construct New Concourse at Accra International Airport to Ease Congestion
The Ghana Airports Company Limited will begin construction this month on an ultra-modern concourse linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport. The project aims to eliminate current operational bottlenecks, enable seamless passenger transfers, and significantly improve hub efficiency. Key features include five additional passenger boarding bridges, five passenger holding areas, bi-directional travelators, new escalators and elevators, a VIP lounge, four business lounges, and four retail and duty-free pods. The expansion forms part of a broader modernisation drive to provide world-class facilities and strengthen Ghana’s position as a competitive aviation hub in West Africa.
Read the full story here

Gov’t Procures Over 24,000 Medical Equipment to Support Free Primary Healthcare Rollout
The Ghanaian government has acquired 24,534 pieces of medical equipment to strengthen health facilities ahead of the nationwide rollout of its free primary healthcare policy. The consignment, inspected by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, includes baby incubators, radiant warmers, oxygen concentrators, X-ray machines, ultrasound devices, laboratory analysers, vital signs monitors, glucometers, patient monitors, infusion devices, delivery beds, and hospital beds. The equipment will be distributed across government hospitals to improve diagnostics, newborn care, and overall service delivery at the primary level.
Read the full story here

Ghana to Manufacture First Vaccine with Support from Indonesia
Ghana is set to begin local production of its first vaccine with technical and partnership support from the Indonesian government. Honorary Consul of Indonesia to Ghana, Paskal A B Rois, confirmed that a high-level delegation from Ghana’s National Vaccine Institute, Food and Drugs Authority, and GIZ visited Indonesia late last year to finalise arrangements. Once operational, Ghana will become the third African country — after Senegal and South Africa — to manufacture vaccines domestically. The initiative is expected to enhance the country’s health security and reduce dependence on imported vaccines.
Read the full story here

No Business Thrives Without Trust in Justice System — Chief Justice
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has emphasised that trust in the judicial system is essential for business growth and investor confidence in Ghana. Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on April 4, 2026, he stated that contracts must be honoured, property protected, and disputes resolved fairly and predictably for any economy to flourish. The Chief Justice announced that the judiciary is repositioning itself to become an active partner in creating a business-friendly environment anchored in the rule of law. He warned that delays and uncertainty in the justice system carry real economic costs by discouraging investment.
Read the full story here

Continue Reading

Ghana News

Ghana President Convenes Emergency Cabinet Meeting to Cushion Ghanaians from Soaring Fuel Prices

Published

on

President John Dramani Mahama has convened an emergency cabinet meeting to address the sharp rise in fuel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the escalation involving Iran.

Speaking on Saturday, April 4, 2026, during the second day of the Kwahu Business Forum, President Mahama stated that the meeting will focus on practical interventions to ease the burden on citizens.

He specifically mentioned the possibility of adjustments in fuel margins and other components of the price build-up to help keep prices relatively stable while hoping for de-escalation of the conflict.

“I have called for this emergency cabinet meeting to decide on specific measures we can take to cushion petroleum prices,” Mahama said. “There are adjustments we can make, particularly in the margins, to help maintain relatively stable prices as we pray for the war to cease.”

The President assured Ghanaians that the government remains committed to protecting the economy from external shocks and has taken steps to build resilience.

“I can confidently tell you that the economy will not collapse because of the war in Iran,” he stated.

Mahama also commended transport unions for showing restraint by not immediately increasing lorry fares despite the fuel price surge.

He urged them to continue exercising patience as the government works on relief measures. Fuel prices rose significantly effective April 1, 2026, with petrol increasing to approximately GH¢13.30 per liter (a 15% hike) and diesel to GH¢17.10 per liter (a 19% hike) for the first half of April.

The government is reviewing options including reductions in margins and levies to provide relief to consumers.

This latest development highlights the direct link between global geopolitical tensions and domestic living costs in Ghana, as the government balances immediate relief with longer-term economic stability.

Continue Reading

Trending