Ghana News
Top Ghana News Headlines: December 2 – First Non-Interest Bank, 120% Health Tariff Hike plus More
Ghana’s local news headlines focus on major developments across finance, governance, healthcare, education, and diaspora affairs.
From the country’s first non‑interest bank to sweeping health insurance reforms, and from high‑profile petitions challenging key state officials to shocking diaspora tragedies, the stories highlight both the opportunities and challenges shaping Ghana today.
Ghana to License First Non-Interest Bank as Central Bank Finalizes Regulations
Ghana’s central banking authority, Bank of Ghana (BoG), has announced plans to begin licensing fully-fledged non-interest banking and finance (NIBF) institutions — a first for the country.
The move follows years of delay caused by a lack of regulatory guidelines under the 2016 Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions Act. BoG now says it is engaging banks, fintechs, rural lenders, microfinance firms and other financial actors to build capacity and prepare them for NIBF licences once regulations are finalised.

Industry stakeholders have already started training staff locally and abroad to align with global standards. BoG’s NIBF advisor, John Gatsi, said the regulatory clarity will allow both new banks and existing institutions to offer ethically-structured, interest-free products — a system practiced in several African countries.
The central bank hopes the model will complement traditional banking, expand financial inclusion and support Ghana’s economic growth.
Ghana Sent 16 Petitions for Removal of Electoral Commission Leaders to Chief Justice
Political pressure has escalated in Ghana as 16 petitions calling for the removal of the heads of the Electoral Commission of Ghana (EC) — including the Chairperson and her two deputies — along with petitions targeting the Office of the Special Prosecutor, have officially been forwarded to the country’s Chief Justice.

According to government spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu, President John Mahama has completed his administrative role; the fate of the EC leadership now lies solely within the judiciary.
Petitioners — comprising civil-society groups, private individuals, and political stakeholders — accuse the officials of mismanagement, procurement irregularities, and flawed electoral practices, including alleged voter-registration problems.
If the Chief Justice accepts the petitions, it could trigger constitutionally mandated removal hearings. The development adds to growing concerns about quasi-Executive control over election oversight in Ghana.
Ghana’s NHIA Announces 120 % Health Tariff Increase for 2026, Capping Controversy Around Coverage and Cost
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Ghana has announced a sweeping 120 percent increase in its healthcare tariff schedule for 2026 — a move aimed at strengthening the health insurance scheme and boosting funding for improved services.
Senior NHIA official Senanu Kwesi Djokoto explained that the hike became possible after lifting a cap on the National Health Insurance Fund, which added an extra GH₵ 3.4 billion to the pool.
The revised tariffs will support a new “Free Primary Healthcare” programme and help build the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to support chronic-disease patients. The reform comes amid concerns over illegal payments at some health facilities.
Medical staff welcomed the change, expressing hope that it will reduce under-the-table fees and improve access to care across the country.
Ghanaian Diaspora in the UK in Mourning UK After Man Stabs His Mother to Death
A Ghanaian family living in the UK is publicly grappling with tragedy after a London-area man stabbed his mother to death and seriously injured his younger sister and father in 2024.
In a rare interview with Sky News, the father, Joshua Obinim, described the horror of the night, recalling how he was also stabbed while trying to save his daughter — only to later discover his wife had already died. The son, later diagnosed with schizophrenia, has been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Obinim described the attack as a “demonic assault” prior to the diagnosis, expressing deep regret for having interpreted warning signs as purely spiritual. He said his family, though shattered, has forgiven the son and urged him to seek healing.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Ghanaian diaspora community in the UK and reignited concerns about mental-health awareness and stigma in immigrant communities.
Ghana Basic Education Crisis: Student Who Passed National Exam Couldn’t Write Her Own Name
A troubling new report has emerged from Ghana’s 2025 national school-leaving exam: a student who passed the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) reportedly could not write her own name at the time she sat for the test.
According to a headmistress interviewed by local media, the student’s illiteracy — despite passing the exam — raises urgent questions about the examination system’s integrity and the quality of basic education.
The incident has stoked concern among parents, educators, and global observers about the long-term value of Ghana’s certification process and the reliability of credentials issued by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Ghana News
Fatal Fire on Accra-Tema Motorway, Private Awards for Ministers Trigger Backlash, Patients Stranded at KATH, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We have curated the most relevant stories in Ghana today, bringing you timely updates on key issues in the country wherever you may be. Stay tuned.
President Mahama Directs Appointees to Refrain from Awards by Doubtful Organizers
President John Dramani Mahama has directed all ministers of state, CEOs of state institutions, and other political appointees to refrain from participating in, sponsoring, endorsing, attending, or accepting awards from private organizations without express authorisation from the Office of the President. This follows concerns over the proliferation of awards from entities with unclear credentials, lacking transparent and verifiable criteria, which risk undermining public service integrity and exposing government to criticism. A recent example was the 6th Ghana Ministers of State Excellence Awards. The directive, issued via a letter dated June 8, 2026, by Secretary to the President Dr. Callistus Mahama, emphasizes performance assessment based on manifesto commitments, policy targets, and measurable outcomes rather than external recognitions. A comprehensive review of ministers and CEOs is planned to inform retention, reassignment, or restructuring. Public officials are urged to focus on service delivery and results for Ghanaians. Read the full story here
Patients Stranded at KATH as Doctors and Nurses Protest CEO Suspension
Hundreds of patients have been left stranded at the Out-Patient Department of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi as doctors and nurses refuse to attend new cases in protest against the two-week suspension of CEO Dr. Paa Kwesi Baidoo. The action stems from the Ministry of Health’s decision following the temporary closure of the Accident and Emergency Centre due to overcrowding. Health workers, backed by the Health Workers Union, argue the suspension was unjust as the decision was collective. The Ministry has appealed for staff to resume duties, warning of impacts on vulnerable patients, while investigations continue. Scenes of confusion and long waits have been reported at the facility. The standoff highlights ongoing operational pressures at Ghana’s major referral hospital, with calls for resolution to restore services. Read the full story here
Meet Edem Wosornu: Ghanaian Appointed UN Assistant High Commissioner for Protection
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Ghanaian Edem Wosornu as Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the UNHCR, succeeding Ruvendrini Menikdiwela of Sri Lanka. Currently Director of OCHA’s Crisis Response Division (appointed April 2023) and Chair of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Emergency Directors Group, Wosornu brings over 21 years of humanitarian experience. She previously held leadership roles in OCHA’s Humanitarian Sector Division and worked with UNHCR and in private legal practice in London. She holds advanced legal qualifications from UK institutions and speaks English and French. Her appointment highlights Ghanaian expertise on the global stage in humanitarian affairs. Read the full story here
Fuel Tanker-Tipper Truck Crash Sparks Fatal Fire on Accra-Tema Motorway
A collision between a fuel tanker and a tipper truck on the Accra-Tema Motorway early on June 9, 2026, triggered a major fire outbreak. The Ghana National Fire Service confirmed the blaze has been fully extinguished, with recovery operations and investigations ongoing at the scene.
The incident was described as fatal, though specific casualty details were not immediately released. Emergency responders worked to contain the fire and secure the busy motorway. Authorities are investigating the cause as motorists and commuters expressed concerns over safety on the critical route. Read the full story here
Mahama to Assess Ministers Ahead of Possible Reshuffle
President John Dramani Mahama is set to conduct a comprehensive performance review of ministers and CEOs of state institutions, with findings to guide retention, reassignment, or Cabinet restructuring. This ties into a directive barring public officials from questionable private awards, urging focus on policy delivery and measurable results. The review aligns with the 2024 NDC Manifesto and government development agenda. The move signals emphasis on accountability and effective governance. Read the full story here
Cedi Weakens Further Amid Second Quarter FX Demand Pressures
The Ghana cedi has continued depreciating against major currencies due to rising foreign exchange demand and corporate repatriation needs. In the interbank market, it traded at GHS 11.85/USD (from GHS 11.63), with similar losses against the pound and euro. Retail rates also rose, reflecting broader pressures despite Bank of Ghana interventions. Analysts expect further strain from Q2 profit outflows, though a $1.2 billion monthly FX support is anticipated. Global factors like high oil prices contribute to the bearish outlook. Read the full story here
Unchecked Development Driving Recurring Accra Floods – Prof. Chris Gordon
Environmental scientist Prof. Chris Gordon has attributed recurring floods in areas like Oyarifa to buildings in natural waterways and drainage paths, destroying vegetation and creating impervious surfaces. He described the incidents as predictable outcomes of rapid, unchecked urban development replacing farmlands and forests. Stricter planning enforcement and land-use management are needed to mitigate risks. “You cannot cheat nature,” he emphasised, calling for science-based approaches to urban planning. Read the full story here
Ghana News
Today’s Newspaper Headlines: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.
















Ghana News
‘Once You Have Life, There Is Hope’: Ghana Demands Compensation for Citizens Hit by South Africa Attacks
Ghana’s government has launched a formal push for compensation on behalf of citizens evacuated from South Africa following deadly xenophobic attacks, with Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa urging returnees to meticulously document every lost property, business, and asset.
Addressing the second batch of evacuees on arrival in Accra on Saturday, June 6, 2026, Ablakwa made clear that the West African nation’s response would not end with evacuation.
“We are not only concerned about evacuating you, but we are concerned about your full integration,” he said. “The government of Ghana has decided that we are not going to sit back without any effort in attempting to secure compensation for those of you who have lost your properties, lost your assets, lost your businesses and your shops.”
The minister directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin assembling documentation and evidence to support a legal compensation case. He urged returnees to provide ownership documents, addresses, and any supporting records that could strengthen Ghana’s claim.
“Please make sure that you provide all the information that we require,” he said, noting that forms were already being circulated.
Ablakwa disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama had instructed him to petition the African Union over the matter and raise it at the next AU ministerial meeting.
“President Mahama is going to make a very strong case for you so that you will be compensated and justice will be done,” he stated.
While acknowledging the heavy losses suffered by some evacuees who had spent decades building businesses in South Africa, Ablakwa struck a tone of resilience:
“Yes, you have lost property, you have lost assets, you have left your businesses behind… but nothing comes anywhere near life. Once you have life, there is hope.”
Ghana acted swiftly to evacuate its citizens before the situation worsened, the minister said, adding that several other African countries had reported fatalities among their nationals during the unrest. Ghana’s evacuation strategy has since drawn interest from multiple African governments, with foreign ministers contacting Accra to learn from its operation.
Beyond compensation, Ablakwa announced that nearly 200 jobs had already been secured for returning Ghanaians through a government initiative involving local businesses. Companies including Engineers and Planners, AirtelTigo, and Telecel have responded positively, he said, with additional employers continuing to offer vacancies.
Reassuring evacuees of continued government support for reintegration, Ablakwa emphasized their value to Ghana’s economy, pointing to remittances from Ghanaians abroad, which reached a record US$7.8 billion last year, according to Bank of Ghana data.
“We value you because you have always contributed to this economy,” he said.
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