Ghana News
Top Ghana Headlines Today (Jan. 2, 2026): All the Major News Updates With Just a Click
Happy Friday! Ghana’s news cycle today, January 2, 2025, is dominated by policy rollouts, national leadership messaging, civil life shifts and notable cultural moments.
If you’re just getting around to knowing what’s happening in the country, below is a snapshot of the most relevant developments published between late January 1 and early January 2, 2026. Enjoy!
1. Ghana Declares It Is Rising Again Under Mahama’s Leadership
President John Dramani Mahama gave a riveting New Year address saying Ghana has begun “a path of recovery” following economic turmoil, citing stabilised inflation, restored investor confidence and growth prospects — a message aimed at both local citizens and international investors.
2. VAT Reform Takes Effect from Jan. 1, 2026
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) commenced implementation of new VAT laws designed to simplify the tax regime, reduce rates, unify previous schemes and promote compliance — a significant policy shift expected to influence business costs and consumer prices.
3. OMCs Reduce Fuel Prices at Ghanaian Pumps
Major Oil Marketing Companies began reducing petrol and diesel prices in early January, reflecting cedi appreciation and lower global crude prices, offering short-term relief for consumers and transport sectors.
4. MTN Announces Airtime & Data Sales Blackout
MTN Ghana warned of a temporary blackout on airtime and data sales on January 2 in preparation for the roll-out of new VAT tariffs, affecting mobile commerce and digital services for millions of subscribers.
5. Churches Across Ghana Welcome 2026 With Crossover Services
Across the country, congregations filled churches for crossover New Year services blending thanksgiving, prayer and optimism — a cultural snapshot of faith and social sentiment at the start of the year.
6. Vice President Commemorates 31st December Revolution Anniversary
The Vice President led observances honouring the 44th anniversary of the 31st December Revolution, emphasising accountability, justice, and national unity — echoing themes of reform and governance renewal.
7. Ghana’s Economy Headed for Acceleration and Expansion, Mahama Says
In a follow-up New Year address, President Mahama described 2025 as laying a foundation and asserted that 2026 will focus on “accelerated growth and expansion” in key sectors.
8. Small-Scale Miners Defend Local Gold Market Gains
The Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) asked Parliament to protect recent progress in the gold sector, countering criticism from political factions and urging supportive regulatory frameworks.
9. Around 40 Killed in Swiss Ski Resort Fire
A fatal fire in a Swiss ski resort bar claimed nearly 40 lives and injured more than 100 — a major international tragedy grabbing attention in Ghanaian news feeds alongside local updates.
10. Crackdown on Pay-TV Streaming Piracy Launched by Authorities
The National Communications Authority (NCA) initiated a multi-agency crackdown on illegal pay-TV streaming — a move with implications for media rights, tech governance and consumer protection.
11. Mali, Burkina Faso Impose Travel Ban on U.S. Citizens
In recent regional news, Mali and Burkina Faso announced reciprocal travel bans on U.S. citizens — a tit-for-tat move that reflects broader West African sensitivities to U.S. policy shifts.
13. Ivory Coast Stuns Gabon in AFCON 2025
In sports news relevant to African football fans worldwide, Ivory Coast came from behind to beat Gabon 3–2 at the Africa Cup of Nations, progressing to the last 16 — showcasing continental football prowess.
14. Cameroon Triumphs Over Mozambique With Kofane Goal
Teenager Christian Kofane scored a late winner for Cameroon against Mozambique at AFCON 2025, highlighting emerging talent on the continental stage.
15. Fuel, Tax and Cost of Living on the Minds of Ghanaians
Beyond price changes at the pump, consumer reports highlight concerns about utility costs as public discussions around electricity and water tariffs continue — an issue with daily impact.
16. Economic Indicators Point to Stability After Monetary Policy Adjustments
Data ahead of early January signals macroeconomic stability, including declining inflation and improved banking sector health — factors that could sustain Ghana’s recovery.
17. University Fee Hikes Spark Debate
Reports emerged of 25 % university fee hikes, prompting public discussions on education costs and reform timing, particularly as students resume the academic year.
18. Accra Traffic Chaos Hits Kumasi Highway
Early January travel has been disrupted by significant traffic congestion on the Accra–Kumasi Highway, affecting commuters and highlighting infrastructure stress points.
19. Firefighters Battle Blaze at Tudu, Warn of Busy Fire Season
Accra’s Tudu community experienced a fire incident prompting emergency response and warnings from officials about a potentially active fire season.
20. Local Security Reports: Police Arrests and Safety Updates
Ongoing police action in early 2026 includes arrests for firearms possession and robbery, showcasing continued efforts to maintain public safety.
Ghana News
541 Last-Minute Appointments by Akufo-Addo Revoked, Agradaa Released and Other Trending Topics in Ghana (March 3, 2026)
Welcome to our rolling news update from Ghana, delivering timely summaries of breaking news. Return often as we continue to add the latest stories.
541 Last-Minute Appointments Under Akufo-Addo Govt Revoked to Uphold Due Process – Kwakye Ofosu

The Ghanaian government has revoked 541 last-minute political and public-sector appointments made during the final weeks of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State at the Presidency, announced the decision on March 3, 2026, stating the move was necessary to “uphold due process, transparency, and the rule of law.” The affected positions spanned various ministries, agencies, boards, and state-owned enterprises. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the revocations were not politically motivated but aimed at ensuring appointments complied with established procedures and national interest. Affected individuals have been notified, and the government is now proceeding with fresh recruitment or reassignments where necessary.
Read the full story here
Prayer and Faith Sustained Me – Nana Agradaa Reflects After Leaving Prison
Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, has spoken publicly for the first time since her release from prison on March 3, 2026, crediting “prayer and faith” for sustaining her through her 12-month sentence. Speaking to journalists shortly after walking free, she described the period as a “time of deep reflection and spiritual growth,” thanking God, her family, supporters, and legal team for standing by her. Agradaa, convicted in July 2025 for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence over a money-doubling scheme, had her original 15-year term reduced by the Amasaman High Court in February 2026. She expressed gratitude for the remission granted for good conduct and vowed to focus on positive ministry work moving forward.
Read the full story here
Teacher, Farmer Die in Shocking Incidents in Assin Fosu
Two separate but tragic incidents in Assin Fosu, Central Region, claimed the lives of a teacher and a farmer over the weekend of March 1–2, 2026. A 38-year-old teacher at Assin Fosu Methodist Basic School died after a motorbike accident on the Assin Fosu–Breman Asikuma road. Witnesses say he lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a stationary vehicle. Separately, a 52-year-old farmer was electrocuted while attempting to repair a faulty electrical connection on his farm. Both bodies were conveyed to the morgue at Assin Fosu Government Hospital. Police have commenced investigations into both cases, urging caution on roads and around electrical installations.
Read the full story here
11 Foreigners Face Trial Over Counterfeit Dollar Operation in Ga South
Eleven foreign nationals have been arrested and are facing trial in the Ga South District Court for their alleged involvement in a large-scale counterfeit US dollar operation. Police in Accra, acting on intelligence, raided a hideout in Weija on March 2, 2026, recovering fake $100 bills with a street value of over GH¢2 million, printing equipment, and other paraphernalia. The suspects—nationals of Nigeria, Mali, and Niger—are charged with possession of counterfeit currency, conspiracy to commit crime, and money laundering. The case has been adjourned to March 10, 2026, for further hearing. Authorities say the operation targeted unsuspecting businesses and individuals in the Greater Accra Region.
Read the full story here
Nana Agradaa Released from Prison After Sentence Reduction

Patricia Asiedua Asiamah, popularly known as Nana Agradaa or Mama Pat, was released from prison on March 3, 2026, after serving two-thirds of her revised 12-month sentence under Ghana’s standard remission rules for good conduct. Originally sentenced on July 3, 2025, to 15 years with hard labour for charlatanic advertisement and defrauding by false pretence related to a money-doubling scheme promoted at her Heaven Way Champion International Ministry, the Amasaman High Court on February 5, 2026, upheld the conviction but reduced the term to 12 months plus a GH¢2,400 fine (200 penalty units). Her lawyer confirmed the remission applied uniformly. The controversial media personality and former traditional priestess turned evangelist attracted significant public attention throughout the case.
Read the full story here
Barker-Vormawor Shares Alleged Recording of Attempted Bribe by Kan Dapaah, Citing Ofori-Atta
Oliver Barker-Vormawor has released what he claims is an audio recording of a conversation involving former National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah, allegedly offering a GH¢1 million bribe to halt FixTheCountry activism, with references to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. In a March 3, 2026, social media post, Barker-Vormawor said the recording was part of evidence he intended to present in his defamation case but was unable to due to procedural rulings. He stated the clip was made public “in the interest of transparency” and challenged Kan Dapaah to deny its authenticity. The release comes days after the High Court awarded Kan Dapaah GH¢5 million in damages plus costs for defamation. Police and authorities have not yet commented on the recording’s veracity or implications.
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March 6 Declared Statutory Public Holiday for Independence Day
The Ministry of Interior has officially declared Wednesday, March 6, 2026, a statutory public holiday to commemorate Ghana’s 69th Independence Day. In a notice issued March 2, 2026, the ministry reminded the public that all public offices, educational institutions, and selected private entities will be closed in observance of the day. President John Dramani Mahama is expected to lead national celebrations, with events including the national parade, wreath-laying at the Black Star Square, and addresses reflecting on Ghana’s journey since independence. Citizens are encouraged to observe the holiday with patriotism and unity.
Read the full story here
Build a War Chest: Theo Acheampong Makes Case for Leveraging Gold to Boost Reserves
Economist and policy analyst Dr. Theo Acheampong has advocated for Ghana to aggressively leverage its gold reserves to build a stronger economic “war chest” capable of cushioning against external shocks. In a March 2, 2026, opinion piece, he argued that the government should allocate a larger portion of gold production to strategic reserves rather than immediate export, drawing lessons from countries like Singapore and Norway that use commodity wealth for stabilization funds. He noted that Ghana’s current gold-backed reserves strategy is promising but underutilized, and scaling it could provide fiscal buffers against oil price volatility, currency depreciation, and global crises. The call aligns with ongoing discussions on Ghana’s gold-for-oil barter and reserve-building policies.
Read the full story here
Are We Tying Down Growth? Finance Professor Flags Concerns on Gold Reserve Policy
A finance professor has raised concerns that Ghana’s emerging policy of tying a portion of gold production to domestic reserves and local currency support could inadvertently constrain economic growth if not carefully calibrated. In a March 2, 2026, interview on JoyNews, the academic, Prof William Kwasi Preprah, warned that over-allocating gold to reserves instead of export earnings might reduce foreign exchange inflows, limit liquidity for private sector investment, and slow industrial expansion. While acknowledging the benefits of building buffers against currency volatility and external shocks, he urged a balanced approach with clear targets, transparency, and independent oversight to avoid stifling growth in manufacturing, infrastructure, and job creation.
Read the full story here
Government to Issue Long-Dated Domestic Bonds Following Expiration of DDEP Restrictions – Deputy Finance Minister
Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Stephen Amoah has confirmed that the government plans to issue long-dated domestic bonds in the coming months now that restrictions from the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) have expired. Speaking on March 2, 2026, he explained that the move will help lengthen the maturity profile of Ghana’s domestic debt, reduce rollover risks, and support fiscal consolidation. The issuance will target institutional investors, pension funds, and the public, with competitive yields expected. This follows successful completion of DDEP phases and aims to restore investor confidence while funding key development priorities.
Read the full story here
Ayawaso East Polls Open as Observer Koku Anyidoho Applauds Voting Arrangements
Voting has commenced smoothly in the Ayawaso East by-election today, March 3, 2026, with long queues reported at polling stations in the Greater Accra constituency. Domestic and international observers have commended the Electoral Commission for well-organized arrangements, including adequate security, timely opening of polls, and provision of materials. Anyidoho noted: “The process has been peaceful and transparent so far.” The by-election follows the death of the incumbent MP and is being contested by candidates from major parties. Results are expected later in the day or early next week.
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Koforidua High Court Convicts Woman for Manslaughter Over Acid Attack on Boyfriend
A Koforidua High Court has convicted a woman for manslaughter in connection with an acid attack on her boyfriend that led to his death. The incident occurred when the accused allegedly poured acid on the victim during a domestic dispute. The court, after trial, found her guilty of manslaughter rather than murder, citing lack of premeditation. Sentencing details were not immediately available, but the case highlights ongoing concerns about gender-based violence and acid attacks in Ghana. The victim suffered severe burns and complications leading to death.
Read the full story here
Ghana News
Newspaper Headlines Today: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.













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.
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