Politics
Latest politics stories from Ghana's newsrooms
politics|
Afenyo-Markin Alleges Intimidation of NPP Lawmakers as Government Introduces Major Local Governance Reforms
The political landscape in Ghana has been marked by heightened tensions and significant administrative shifts this week, as Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin alleged a growing climate of fear within Parliament. Afenyo-Markin claimed that New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmakers face consistent threats and intimidation when criticizing the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), leading to a hesitation among some members to voice concerns on critical issues. Amidst these allegations, the parliamentary atmosphere saw a moment of reconciliation when the Member of Parliament for Walewale, Dr. Kabiru Tiah Mahama, issued a public apology to Speaker Alban Bagbin, retracting previous comments in which he had described the Speaker's decision to recall the house as "rude." In the executive branch, the Minister for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, announced a series of reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency within Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). Minister Ayariga revealed plans to remove funding incentives for statutory meetings under the District Performance Assessment Tool (DPAT), arguing that such meetings are a legal obligation rather than an activity warranting extra financial rewards. Additionally, the Ministry has mandated that MMDAs broadcast their local assembly meetings live on FM stations to ensure community accessibility and accountability. This push for transparency extends to land administration, as the government recently inaugurated the Sempe Customary Land Secretariat in Accra to curb land disputes and multiple sales. On the legal and accountability front, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has been granted an additional four weeks by the Accra High Court to serve court summons to former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and his ex-Chief of Cabinet, Ernest Darko Akore, who are currently in the United States. The case involves 28 counts of corruption related to revenue arrangements that allegedly resulted in over GH"1.4 billion in losses to the state. This development coincides with sharp criticism from Senyo Hosi of the One Ghana Movement, who stated that Ghana "missed the boat" in its fight against illegal mining (galamsey) during the previous administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo due to political considerations surrounding the 2020 elections. Regional concerns also took center stage as Dr. Abednego Bandim, MP for Bunkpurugu, called on the National Communications Authority to address frequent network disruptions in Northern Ghana, citing their detrimental impact on healthcare and education. Simultaneously, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) and the National Peace Council launched a workshop in Wa to bridge the trust gap between civilians and security agencies amidst rising extremist threats from neighboring countries. As the government continues to implement its agenda, including new sanitation mandates from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and tourism maintenance initiatives in the Eastern Region, the focus remains on balancing administrative reform with political stability and public accountability.
politics|
Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri Makes History as Morocco's First Female Prime Minister Amid Global Shifts in Housing and Tech Policy
In a landmark political development for the Arab world, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the country’s first female Prime Minister. The 50-year-old leader of the centre-right Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) secured the position after her party won 97 out of 395 seats in the recent parliamentary elections. A former Mayor of Marrakesh and experienced minister, El Mansouri now faces the immediate challenge of negotiating a coalition government, as her party fell short of an absolute majority. Her administration is expected to focus on pressing economic challenges and social reforms, while also overseeing preparations for Morocco’s role as a co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Despite her historic rise, observers note her cautious approach toward public debates on women’s rights in a traditionally male-dominated political landscape. While Morocco reshapes its leadership, Spain is undergoing a significant shift in domestic policy following nationwide protests sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid. Spain’s coalition government has proposed a sweeping ban on evictions until 2030 and a mandatory rollover of rental contracts until 2028. Health Minister M3nica Garc1a emphasized that these measures, which also include stricter regulations on short-term holiday rentals, are intended to protect over five million vulnerable citizens. However, the proposal faces a difficult path through Congress, where the government lacks a clear majority and opposition parties have raised concerns about the impact on small-scale landlords. On the international security front, maritime and technological boundaries are being redrawn. In Ghana, Danish Ambassador Jakob Linulf celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Danish Maritime Security Programme, urging regional partners to sustain gains made in the Gulf of Guinea. While piracy has significantly declined over the past decade thanks to the training of over 1,000 security personnel, Linulf warned that overfishing, smuggling, and marine pollution remain critical threats that require tailored, local solutions. His call for vigilance comes as Ghana prepares for new port investments that will necessitate enhanced security infrastructure to protect economic interests. Simultaneously, the global race for technological supremacy has seen the United States take a hardline stance against collaborative innovation. Citing national security risks, the U.S. administration has officially ruled out joint artificial intelligence ventures with China. President Trump framed the decision as essential for protecting American technological advantages, dismissing public anxiety over AI safety as politically motivated. While the administration plans to appoint an oversight official and potentially rename federal AI initiatives to “Super Intelligence,” the move signals an era of increased tech-protectionism. Together, these developments across Morocco, Spain, and the U.S. reflect a global political climate increasingly defined by social protections, national security, and historic leadership transitions.
politics|
Gender Minister Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey Advances National Agenda on Women’s Rights and Early Childhood Development
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), led by Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has intensified its efforts to strengthen Ghana’s social framework through a series of legislative reforms and emergency interventions. Most recently, in September 2026, the Ministry inaugurated the National Inter-Sectoral Early Childhood Care and Development Committee (NIEC). This committee is tasked with driving the implementation of the 2025 Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Policy, focusing on the holistic development of children from conception to age eight. Dr. Lartey emphasized that investing in early childhood is the foundation for national progress, calling for the establishment of regional committees to ensure the policy reaches the most vulnerable citizens. These structural advancements follow the Ministry’s proactive response to advocacy from the Women’s Voices Matter Movement. In a series of engagements, the movement, led by Madam Akosua Manu, presented a petition demanding the protection of women's constitutional rights, greater freedom of expression, and the immediate implementation of the Affirmative Action Act. Dr. Lartey acknowledged the petition as a vital democratic exercise and confirmed that the necessary committees to oversee the Act’s implementation have been established. A major pillar of this response includes the development of a Women’s Development Bank, a project currently being prioritized in coordination with the Office of the Vice President to provide dedicated financial support to Ghanaian women. Beyond policy and advocacy, the Ministry has demonstrated a commitment to immediate social protection during domestic crises. Following severe flooding in the Hohoe Municipality of the Volta Region, Dr. Lartey announced an emergency Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) package to assist displaced households. This emergency intervention was designed to complement existing relief efforts, providing a financial safety net for residents as they work to rebuild their homes and livelihoods in the wake of the disaster. The move highlights the Ministry's dual focus on long-term systemic reform and rapid-response humanitarian aid. Looking forward, the Ministry aims to harmonize service delivery gaps across various sectors to ensure that no marginalized group is left behind. By bridging the gap between legislative promises—such as the Affirmative Action Act—and practical implementation through committees like the NIEC, the government is signaling a shift toward measurable results in social welfare. Dr. Lartey has urged all stakeholders to remain engaged in the dialogue, stressing that the success of these initiatives depends on continued collaboration between the government, civil society, and development partners to foster a more equitable Ghanaian society.
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