Today, January 4, 2026, local Ghanaian media outlets are reporting on a range of significant developments. Reports feature domestic political turbulence to community tensions and corporate tariff reforms, with international events such as the U.S. operation in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro also drawing attention and commentary in the local press.

Judicial Crisis: Supreme Court and Chief Justice Torkornoo

Deputy Attorney-General, Dr Justice Srem-Sai, has opposed the ongoing Supreme Court case challenging the process used to begin removal proceedings against erstwhile Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. The case argues that the President and the Council of State acted wrongly by not explaining why they believed there was enough basis to investigate the petitions against her. However, according to the Deputy Attorney-General, deciding whether there is enough initial reason to proceed is a policy decision, not a legal one. He says this kind of decision is based on political judgment and should not be questioned by the courts. He also argues that the Council of State mainly deals with sensitive public and political matters, and its decisions are therefore outside the scope of judicial review.

In short, the government’s position is that the courts should not interfere with how the President and the Council of State handled the early stages of the Chief Justice’s removal process.

Earlier, the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed an injunction application filed by the ousted Chief Justice seeking to halt the removal process against her. The court held that the application lacked merit, clearing the way for the presidentially-appointed investigative committee to proceed with its inquiry into allegations outlined in three petitions.

Political Commentary: NPP Leadership Debate

Political discourse in Ghana remains lively, particularly within discussions about the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Ahead of the 2026 party primaries, a number of commentators and analysts are engaging in debates about leadership choices and the party’s future direction. From the commentaries, it appears former vice president Mahamudud Bawumia and former legislator Ken Agyapong are the lead contenders ahead of the primaries slated for January 31, 2026. Opinion pieces and reports suggest divisions and concerns about electing a leader who can restore public confidence following the party’s embarrassing defeat in the 2024 general elections, with some voices arguing that current figures may not be ideal to return the party to power.

Meanwhile, other Ghanaian outlets have in past months covered internal dynamics within the NPP, including discussions on potential flagbearers and strategic positioning for future elections.

Social and Community Tensions: Ho Central Mosque Closure

Regional news from the Volta Region highlights deep community divisions in Ho over the temporary closure of the Central Mosque by the Volta Regional Security Council following a deadly gunshot incident linked to a long-running dispute over chieftaincy of the mosque. Police and military personnel have been deployed to maintain peace, with residents offering mixed reactions — some seeing the closure as necessary for calm and mediation, others decrying it as an infringement on their right to worship.

Corporate and Economic Developments: MTN Tariff Reductions

On the business front, MTN Ghana announced reductions in tariffs across all products and services, responding to new Value Added Tax (VAT) reforms that took effect on January 1, 2026. The move follows amendments aimed at simplifying VAT administration and reducing tax burdens on individuals and businesses. MTN says the adjustments will deliver direct benefits to consumers and align pricing with the reformed VAT regime.

Security Incident: Autopsy Fast-Tracked After Fatal Police Operation

In Abosso, a mining town in the Western Region, police are fast-tracking an autopsy for an 18-year-old teenager killed during an intelligence-led raid on suspected drug suspects on New Year’s Eve 2025. The Western Central Regional Police Command says the expedited forensic investigation is intended to facilitate burial arrangements and ease rising tensions in the community following the fatal shooting. ACP Bismark Agyapong defended the operation and emphasised law enforcement’s duty to protect lives and property while urging the public not to interfere with police actions.

Law and Order: Arrests for Impersonating NAIMOS Operatives

Law enforcement agencies also reported on the arrest of five suspects posing as officials of the National Inter-Agency Task Force on Illegal Mining (NAIMOS). Police say the suspects were involved in fraudulent activities under the guise of task force operations, prompting multiple arrests as authorities clamp down on impersonation and illegal mining-related scams.

GoldBod and IMF Trading Loss Debate

A $214 million issue linked to gold trading under the Bank of Ghana’s Gold-for-Reserves programme has been in the spotlight for some time now. The debate started when the International Monetary Fund (IMF), said Ghana made a shortfall, or trading losses of $214 million in 2025, suggesting that the country didn’t make as much from selling gold as expected.

Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, said on the popular current affairs program, Newsfile, on Saturday, January 3, that the IMF has every right to call it a trading loss because IMF economic reviews apply to all member countries, and the term reflects normal commercial activity where buy and sell prices don’t match. He also argues policy institutions like GoldBod should be held to the same efficiency and transparency standards as others.

The Gold Board (GoldBod) — the state body involved in the program — strongly disagrees. Its CEO, Sammy Gyamfi, says the entity did not make losses in 2025, reporting revenues of more than GH₵960 million against expenditures of less than GHS120 million, and expects to declare a surplus. He says claims of losses are false and misleading.

This debate feeds into a longstanding public discussion about transparency in how Ghana’s gold sector is managed. There have been calls for clearer pricing and oversight in the industry.

Culture & Entertainment: Mr Eazi on “Detty December”

In entertainment news, Ghanaian-international artist Mr Eazi claims credit for coining the term “Detty December”, a phrase widely used to describe Ghana’s vibrant festive season. In interviews, the musician said the phrase reflects the spirit of celebration and cultural energy that defines the December period in Ghana and beyond.

Youth Empowerment: Vice-President’s Call for Integrity

At an educational conference hosted by PENSA Ghana, the Vice-President emphasised the importance of integrity and service among students. He urged young Ghanaians to pursue excellence and ethical leadership, reinforcing the role of youth in shaping national development and governance.

International Spotlight: U.S. Operation in Venezuela

Ghanaian media outlets have also referenced the U.S. operation in Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, with local commentary drawing parallels to conflict dynamics in Libya and Iraq and stimulating public debate about international intervention and its implications for global stability.