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President John Mahama has officially received a 175.6-kilometre cleared right-of-way for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway. The task was completed by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) 48 Engineer Regiment one week ahead of schedule. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson confirmed the $2 billion project will be funded entirely through domestic taxpayer resources held in a special Bank of Ghana account, avoiding external debt. The six-lane highway is expected to create 30,000 jobs and reduce travel between Accra and Kumasi to approximately two hours.
This project represents the largest capital investment in Ghana's history without external borrowing, signaling a shift toward fiscal self-reliance and massive infrastructure-led job creation.
The commitment to non-debt funding reduces pressure on sovereign debt levels while providing a massive boost to the national logistics and construction sectors. Watch for sub-contracting opportunities as ground-breaking is slated for December 2026.
Following the discovery of 3.9 tonnes of cocaine in France concealed in a container of plastic waste from Ghana, President Mahama has convened an emergency meeting of the nation's top law enforcement agencies at Jubilee House. The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has already arrested three suspects linked to the notorious Dutch fugitive 'Bolle Jos.' However, the Minority in Parliament is demanding a deeper probe, alleging that narcotics seizures linked to Ghana have exceeded $1 billion USD in value since early 2025.
Ghana has faced increasing scrutiny as a transit point for South American cocaine destined for Europe. Previous major busts, including a 3.3-tonne seizure in Cape Coast in March 2025, have seen only low-level couriers prosecuted, leading to calls for better identification of the high-level financiers.
Revised strategy for intelligence sharing at ports and airports, and potential personnel changes within the Narcotics Control Commission.
The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) is embroiled in a row with the government after President Efua Ghartey criticized Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for allegedly praising the previous administration's performance. Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai accused the GBA of 'selective criticism,' while Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine announced the Legal Practitioners Standards Board Bill to enhance the independence of the bar from partisan politics.
This friction highlights ongoing tensions between the executive branch and the legal fraternity following the 2025 removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has signaled that the 2027 Budget, set for presentation in November 2026, will deploy roughly $10 billion USD to stimulate economic activity. The strategy focuses on job creation and massive infrastructure. This comes as economist Gideon Boako highlighted that the 'gold-standard' financial models piloted earlier are successfully protecting the cedi against global volatility.
With the current exchange rate at GHc11.42 per USD, the government's focus on stability and large-scale investment suggests a favorable window for remittance-backed housing or business projects. Your dollars currently hold strong purchasing power compared to mid-2024 levels.
Look for incentives in the upcoming budget specifically targeting private-sector infrastructure participation and new business tax breaks.
GCB Bank PLC has announced a strategic partnership to host the West Africa Youth Days (WAYD) 2026 in Accra. The event will gather young leaders from 16 countries. The bank aims to use the platform to drive financial literacy and inclusion, targeting the 36.9% of Ghana's population within the 15-to-35 age bracket.
Financial institutions are increasingly pivoting toward 'youth-centric' banking to capture the next generation of West African entrepreneurs.
A kidnapping syndicate including two teachers and a security guard was dismantled by police in Assin Fosu. The group allegedly kidnapped Bismarck Amo and demanded a GHc45,000 (~$3,938 USD) ransom. Despite the family paying GHc19,500 (~$1,706 USD), the victim was tortured. One suspect, Mavis Badu Acheampong, claimed the victim had previously defrauded her of GHc44,800 (~$3,921 USD).
The case highlights the dangerous trend of 'vigilante justice' where citizens use criminal syndicates to settle financial disputes rather than the legal system.
General Corporal Robert Koranteng has been interdicted following the death of 23-year-old law student Ivan Baidoo on the Tema Motorway. Baidoo was allegedly struck from behind by a police vehicle during a pursuit. The student suffered broken ribs and head trauma.
Results of the internal police inquiry and potential criminal charges against the corporal to determine if the pursuit violated motorway safety protocols.
Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang launched the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health Emergency Response (PRIMER). Ghana's maternal mortality rate is currently at 234 deaths per 100,000 births, well above the UN goal of 70. Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh announced the recruitment of 16,000 professionals to staff free primary healthcare centers, with 8,000 already posted.
70% of Ghana's maternal deaths are concentrated in just 11 regions. The Ashanti Region currently records the highest fatalities, making this a localized emergency.
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew made his debut for Sheffield United against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite the 1-0 loss, Ayew was praised by Chris Wilder for his leadership and technical quality. This marks his return to competitive action after the 2026 World Cup.
Black Stars context: Ayew's fitness is critical for Ghana's upcoming AFCON qualifiers against C$te d'Ivoire (Sept 24) and The Gambia (Sept 29).
Asante Kotoko secured their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Heart of Lions, while Hearts of Oak beat Bibiani Gold Stars 2-1, saved by a crucial Benjamin Asare penalty stop. David Gyamfi Junior of AshantiGold stole the show with a hat-trick against Vision FC.
Veteran gospel icon Bernice Offei passed away at 63 after a five-year battle with dementia. Best known for her hits 'Life is Short' and 'Hold On,' she was described by Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin as a woman whose songs were 'sermons set to music.'
Offei was a rare talent who successfully balanced a career as a banker with her gospel ministry, serving as a role model for professional-artistic balance.
Today we covered the handover of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway right-of-way, the high-level security response to international drug trafficking, and a significant new push for maternal health with 16,000 new workers. Thank you for reading the Anansi News Daily Brief!
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