Ghana News
Top Ghana News Headlines Across Various News Outlets Today: January 1, 2026
As Ghana ushers in 2026 with celebrations and reflections, today’s top stories from leading local sources focus on economic reforms, political transitions, security developments, and cultural highlights.
From VAT changes impacting remittances to diaspora investments in tourism, these updates keep you connected to home amid New Year’s optimism. Here’s a curated aggregation of major news stories in Ghana:
Fireworks, Faith, and Flashlight Vigils Usher in 2026 Across Ghana
Ghana welcomed the New Year with a vibrant mix of fireworks, religious services, and candlelight vigils as millions marked the start of 2026. Streets, churches, and public spaces were alive with celebrations stretching into the early hours, signaling national optimism after a year of economic challenges and recovery.
Churches Across Ghana Held Traditional Watch Night Services to Welcome 2026
Across the country, congregations gathered for watch night services on December 31, blending Christian worship with cultural traditions as believers reflected on the past year and prayed for protection and prosperity in 2026.
GRA Implements Major VAT Overhaul Across Ghana Starting January 1, 2026
The Ghana Revenue Authority has officially begun implementing massive reforms to the Value Added Tax system under the new VAT Act, 2025 (Act 1151). Key changes include raising the VAT registration threshold, reducing the standard rate, abolishing the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy, and streamlining tax structures. Businesses and consumers are advised to prepare for the changes as they take effect today.

MTN Ghana Plans Maintenance Downtime Ahead of New VAT System Integration
To align its billing systems with the updated tax regime, MTN Ghana announced a temporary suspension of airtime and data purchases during early morning maintenance on January 2, 2026. The brief disruption is part of preparations for the newly implemented VAT tariffs.
President Mahama Thanks Labour for Accepting 10% Pay Rise
In remarks reflecting ongoing economic reforms, President John Dramani Mahama expressed appreciation to labour unions for accepting a 10% public sector salary increase. The pact is part of broader efforts to stabilize Ghana’s economy amid fiscal pressure and cost-of-living concerns.
💰 Business & Economy
Ghana Completes $1.4 Billion in Eurobond Payments for 2025
Ghana successfully settled all scheduled Eurobond obligations for 2025, culminating in an early payment of a $709 million bond on December 30. Officials say this disciplined debt servicing strengthens Ghana’s credibility with international investors following prior economic challenges.
Fuel Prices Expected to Decline Marginally at Ghanaian Pumps
A combination of a strengthening Ghana cedi and falling global crude prices is expected to result in slight reductions in petrol and diesel pump prices from January 1, easing transport costs for drivers and businesses nationwide.
Ghana cedi Records Historic Annual Gain; First in 32 Years
After decades of currency pressure, the Ghanaian cedi closed 2025 with a notable annual appreciation against the U.S. dollar. Analysts link the rally to strong global gold markets and solid macroeconomic indicators, fueling optimism among importers, exporters, and investors.
Nigerian Star Asake Meets President John Mahama After Accra Show
Afrobeats sensation Asake met with President Mahama following his performance in Accra as part of the “December in GH” festivities. The encounter highlighted Ghana’s growing cultural ties with the wider West African music scene.
Viral Video of Actor LilWin Spraying Cash Sparks Online Reaction
A social media clip showing Ghanaian actor Kwadwo Nkansah (LilWin) spraying money on a religious leader has sparked widespread discussion about celebratory culture and social norms during festive events.
Community & Security
Ho Central Mosque Temporarily Closed Amid Leadership Dispute
Authorities in the Volta Region ordered the temporary closure of the Ho Central Mosque due to an unresolved leadership conflict. The action aims to create space for peaceful mediation and reduce tension among community members.
Police Increase Security Presence for New Year Festivities
The Ghana Police Service has reassured the public of heightened safety measures nationwide during New Year celebrations, including patrols at high-traffic zones, event locations, and watch night services.
Sports & Youth Events
All Set for an Exciting ‘Best of Bukom 2’ Boxing Showcase
Boxing fans are gearing up for the return of “Best of Bukom 2,” a major boxing event taking place at the historic Bukom Arena in Accra on January 1, promising thrilling matchups and celebration of Ghana’s pugilistic heritage.
Human Interest & Prophecy
Prophet Nigel Gaisie Shares 2026 Predictions
Prophetic leader Nigel Gaisie has released a series of visions he says will unfold in 2026, ranging from social shifts to high-profile releases and national triumphs. The prophetic message has ignited debate among followers and observers alike.
Ghana News
Ghana Star Thomas Partey Pleads Not Guilty to Two Additional Rape Charges in UK Court
London, United Kingdom – Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two additional rape charges, bringing the total number of rape allegations against him to seven.
The 32-year-old Villarreal midfielder appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, where he denied the new charges relating to a fourth woman in December 2020.
Partey had previously pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman, with the alleged offences occurring between 2021 and 2022 while he was playing for Arsenal in the English Premier League.
Partey was signed by Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for €50 million ($58.49 million) in 2020 and became a key member of the first team before leaving the club last summer when his contract expired.
He subsequently joined Spanish La Liga side Villarreal.
The midfielder was released on bail following Monday’s hearing. His trial, originally scheduled to begin in November, could now face further delays due to the additional charges.
The case continues to draw significant attention given Partey’s stature as a prominent player for both Arsenal and the Ghana national team, the Black Stars.
Ghana News
Armed Robbers Killed in Tema, New Black Stars Coach Speaks, CSOs Propose Fuel Relief and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We have curated the most relevant stories from Ghana to keep you informed. Today’s trending stories cover security incidents, economic proposals, human rights debates, fiscal updates, and more.
Tema Police Gun Down Two Armed Robbers After Brazen Daytime Mobile Money Heist
Tema police have shot and killed two armed robbers who carried out a daring daytime robbery at a Mobile Money outlet in Community 5, Tema. The suspects, riding a motorbike, attacked the vendor around 8:30 a.m., shooting her in the leg and fleeing with GH¢11,390. A police patrol team intercepted them near the Tema General Hospital area, leading to a chase and shootout. The robbers were rushed to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival. Items recovered included the stolen cash, a loaded pistol, phones, SIM cards, and the victim’s Ghana Card. The female vendor is in stable condition.
Read the full story here
CSOs Propose GH¢1.65 Fuel Price Relief and Long-Term Petroleum Sector Reforms
A coalition of civil society organisations, including IMANI Africa and the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers, has proposed an immediate GH¢1.65 reduction in the petroleum price build-up to ease the burden on Ghanaians amid rising fuel costs. The groups suggested the relief should last for two months instead of the government’s proposed four weeks, followed by a review based on global market conditions. They also called for broader structural reforms, including removal of burdensome taxes and levies, establishment of a Strategic Reserve Fund, and investment in the Tema Oil Refinery to enhance local refining capacity.
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Group Challenges Mahama, Says Backing LGBTQ Bill Undermines Human Rights
The group JustRight Ghana has strongly challenged President John Dramani Mahama over his stated commitment to assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill if passed by Parliament. The organisation described the bill as “modern-day slavery” and argued that supporting it would legitimise the arrest and torture of LGBTQ+ persons, thereby undermining Ghana’s moral authority on human rights issues globally. They cited constitutional provisions on human dignity and privacy, as well as Ghana’s international treaty obligations, and vowed to pursue legal action if the bill is passed.
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Ato Forson Says Ghana on Track for Debt Sustainability as Focus Shifts to Growth
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has stated that Ghana is making steady progress toward debt sustainability, describing it as a major milestone in the country’s economic recovery. Following discussions with the World Bank’s Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa, he noted that the focus is now shifting from stabilisation to growth-oriented investments in commercial agriculture, energy, education, and infrastructure. The minister stressed continued fiscal discipline while safeguarding vulnerable groups.
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Does He Think He’s Still in the Entertainment Industry? – UCC Lecturer Fires A Plus
A senior lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Dr Jonathan Asante Otchere, has sharply criticised Gomoa Central MP Kwame Asare Obeng (A Plus) for what he described as “irresponsible” and “wild allegations” regarding government officials acquiring state lands. The lecturer questioned whether A Plus still sees himself as a lawmaker or remains in the entertainment business, urging him to use formal parliamentary channels or whistleblower mechanisms instead of threatening to release documents out of anger.
Read the full story here
Newly Appointed Black Stars Coach Speaks
Newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has vowed to meet the expectations of Ghanaians, promising commitment, discipline, and unity as he takes charge of the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese tactician, who has managed at World Cups with Portugal and Iran, described the role as a great honour and expressed confidence in building a competitive squad capable of making Ghana proud.
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Ten Killed in Deadly Crash on Accra-Kumasi Highway
Ten people have been killed in a tragic road accident on the Accra-Kumasi highway. The crash occurred when a vehicle lost control and collided with another, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Emergency services responded promptly, but the incident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety on one of Ghana’s busiest highways.
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Strong Exports Lift Ghana’s Q4 2025 Trade Surplus to GH¢47.2bn
Ghana recorded a strong trade surplus of GH¢47.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by robust export performance, particularly in key commodities. The positive trade balance reflects improving external sector conditions and stronger global demand for Ghanaian goods. Economists say sustained export growth will be critical for maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Read the full story here
Ghana News
Newspaper Headlines Today: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.












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