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
MTN Ghana Reveals Massive Fiber Cable Sabotage Crisis Disrupting 157 Network Sites
Accra, Ghana – MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer Stephen Blewett has raised serious concerns about the escalating wave of fiber-optic cable sabotage and damage, revealing that recent incidents have knocked 157 network sites offline and severely degraded service for millions of customers across the country.
Speaking at the MTN Ghana Accra Media and Stakeholder Forum on April 17, 2026, Blewett described fiber cuts as one of the biggest operational challenges currently facing the company.
He explained that because fiber cables serve as the critical backbone linking multiple cell towers to the core network, a single cut — often caused by road construction or deliberate theft — can trigger widespread connectivity failures across entire suburbs and commercial areas.
“It’s not really just talking about cutting fiber to someone’s home,” he said. “When you cut fiber, you bring down all those sites, and that’s problematic.”
The disruptions are driven by two main factors: uncoordinated road expansion works and acts of vandalism or theft. Blewett noted that such incidents are not minor inconveniences but major threats to reliability, affecting businesses, hospitals, emergency services, and everyday users.
Despite MTN’s heavy investment in 4G and 5G infrastructure, the physical vulnerability of the fiber network continues to undermine service quality.
The CEO called for fiber-optic cables to be classified as Critical National Infrastructure to impose stricter legal penalties and urged better coordination between construction agencies and telecom operators.
As Ghana pushes its Digital Ghana agenda, analysts say resolving this “perennial headache” is essential for maintaining a robust and reliable digital economy.
Ghana News
Woman Demands GH¢150,000 from UK ‘Borga’, MTN Reveals Massive Fiber Sabotage and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We are bringing you the most relevant stories from Ghana today to keep you updated. Stories include an interesting dispute between a woman and her UK-based partner, revelations about major telecom infrastructure sabotage, health alerts on Mpox, and other key national developments.
Woman Demands GH¢150,000 from UK ‘Borga’ After He Allegedly Failed to Marry Her
Esther Latebia, a mother of two from Kasoa, is demanding GH¢150,000 in compensation from Mr Osei, a UK-based Ghanaian known locally as a “borga,” after he allegedly failed to honour his promise of marriage following a six-year romantic relationship conducted mainly through video calls. According to her account shared on Nhyira FM’s Obra Show, Mr Osei promised to build her a house, buy her a taxi for work, waive her rent until the house was completed, and support her two children until they completed tertiary education or found jobs. He also promised to marry her as his second wife. After six years, he reportedly changed his mind and withdrew all commitments, leaving her feeling used and seeking redress.
Read the full story here
A Muslim Woman’s Vision of the Second Coming of Jesus: A 30-Year Burden Finally Told
A 69-year-old Muslim woman from Ghana has finally shared a powerful spiritual vision she received in the 1990s about the second coming of Jesus Christ, a 30-year secret she kept due to fear, community pressure, and misunderstanding from both Muslims and Christians. In the vision, she stood in a massive global market where people were trading gold, diamonds, and engaging in various activities when a divine presence behind her instructed her to tell the world that “Jesus Christ is coming — very soon.” Despite the urgent message echoing across the market, no one seemed to notice or listen. The experience left her in uncontrollable tears the next morning, leading to years of isolation as she struggled to understand why, as a Muslim, she would receive such a message.
Read the full story here
157 Sites Disrupted – MTN CEO Reveals Massive Scale of Fibre Cable Sabotage
MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett has revealed that recent fibre-optic cable sabotage has knocked 157 network sites offline, causing widespread connectivity failures across multiple suburbs and affecting millions of customers. Speaking at the MTN Ghana Accra Media and Stakeholder Forum on April 17, 2026, he described fibre cuts — caused by uncoordinated road construction and deliberate theft or vandalism — as a “serious threat” to seamless service delivery. The interconnected nature of the infrastructure means a single cut can bring down numerous cell towers, disrupting businesses, hospitals, and emergency services. MTN is advocating for fibre-optic cables to be classified as “Critical National Infrastructure” to impose stricter penalties and is calling for better coordination of construction schedules.
Read the full story here
CHASS Warns Schools May Shut Down Over Free SHS Feeding Crisis
The Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) has warned that many Senior High Schools could be forced to shut down if the current crisis in the Free SHS feeding programme is not urgently addressed. School heads report severe delays in the release of feeding grants, leaving them unable to provide meals for students and forcing some schools to rely on credit from suppliers. The situation has created significant operational challenges and raised concerns about the sustainability of the flagship education policy. CHASS is calling on the government to release outstanding funds immediately to prevent further disruption to academic activities.
Read the full story here
Ghana’s NTEs Hit $5.006 Billion in 2025
Ghana’s Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) reached a record $5.006 billion in 2025, representing a more than 30% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare. Launching the 2025 Ghana Export Promotion Authority report in Accra, the minister described the growth as strong evidence that the country’s export diversification agenda is gaining momentum. NTEs now account for about 16% of Ghana’s total export earnings, signalling a gradual shift away from heavy dependence on traditional commodities like gold, oil, and cocoa. The government continues to support exporters through improved production capacity, quality standards, and access to finance via the Ghana EXIM Bank.
Read the full story here
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang in Spain to Participate in Fourth High-Level Meeting
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has arrived in Barcelona, Spain, to participate in the Fourth High-Level Meeting of the Initiative “In Defence of Democracy.” She was received by members of the Ghanaian community in Spain, led by Ghana’s Ambassador to Spain, Madam Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe. The Vice President is expected to join global leaders in high-level discussions focused on strengthening democratic governance and advancing collective efforts to safeguard democratic values worldwide.
Read the full story here
Ghana Health Service Confirms Over 1,000 Cases of Mpox
The Ghana Health Service has confirmed four new cases of Mpox, bringing the national total to 1,062 as of April 11, 2026. No new hospital admissions have been recorded, while the death toll remains at eight. Surveillance is ongoing across all 16 regions, with health teams actively monitoring to prevent further spread. Mpox is transmitted mainly through close physical contact, and the public has been advised to maintain strict hygiene, avoid contact with unusual rashes, and seek early medical care for flu-like symptoms.
Read the full story here
Ghana News
Ghana to Open New Embassy in Singapore in Bid To Strengthen Trade Ties with Asia
Accra, Ghana – The Government of Ghana has formally initiated high-level diplomatic engagements with Singapore to establish a permanent embassy in the Asian financial and technology hub, marking a strategic expansion of its global diplomatic presence.
The announcement follows a working visit by a Ghanaian delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs James Gyakye Quayson to Singapore from April 10 to 15, 2026.
During discussions with Singapore’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Social and Family Development, Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Ghana officially conveyed its intention to open a resident mission.
The proposed embassy aims to enhance consular services for Ghanaian nationals, facilitate trade and investment flows, and deepen institutional cooperation in technology, capacity building, and economic development.
This move forms part of a broader foreign policy drive by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establish new diplomatic missions and permanent chanceries in strategic locations, while reducing heavy reliance on rented premises that currently cost the state around $15 million annually.
Earlier commitments outlined at the 2025 Conference of Heads of Mission include opening missions in Massachusetts (USA), Dublin (Ireland), Lisbon (Portugal), and Singapore by 2026. Recent developments under this agenda include the opening of a new chancery in Ethiopia in February and planned missions in Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, Serbia, and Hungary.
Singaporean authorities welcomed the proposal and expressed strong commitment to expanding bilateral ties with Ghana. Officials from both sides see the new mission as a platform to boost South-South cooperation and tap into Asia’s dynamic economic opportunities.
The establishment of the embassy is expected to be completed within the government’s 2026 diplomatic expansion timeline.
-
Ghana News7 hours agoWoman Demands GH¢150,000 from UK ‘Borga’, MTN Reveals Massive Fiber Sabotage and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
-
Ghana News1 day agoPope Leo XIV Strongly Criticises Foreign Exploitation of Africa During Visit to Conflict-Hit Cameroon
-
From the Diaspora1 day agoGhana High Commissioner Assures UK Scholarship Students of Structured Payment Plan to Clear £32 Million Debt
-
Africa Watch2 days agoPresident Mahama Arrives in Brazzaville for N’Guesso’s Inauguration as Re-Elected Leader of Congo
-
Ghana News1 day agoGhana to Open New Embassy in Singapore in Bid To Strengthen Trade Ties with Asia
-
Global Update2 days agoSouth Africa’s Political Landscape Shaken After Julius Malema Sentenced to Five Years in Prison
-
Global Update1 day agoOil Prices Fall By Over 10% as Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Open
-
Ghana News1 day agoMorocco Gifts 2,000 Metric Tons of Fertilizer to Ghana Amid Global Shortage
