••
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been elected to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2028 general elections after securing 110,643 votes (56.48%) in the January 31 primary. He defeated rivals Kennedy Agyapong (23.76%) and Dr. Bryan Acheampong (18.53%). Following the win, the Bawumia camp, led by advisors like Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, admitted that winning back national trust will require 'radical honesty' regarding the party's past governance performance.
This victory positions the NPP for an early start on its 2028 campaign, but deep internal divisions remain. The bitterness in the Agyapong camp and calls to remove Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin suggest a fractured front that the new flagbearer must unify quickly.
Dr. Bawumia served as Vice President from 2017 to 2025. This internal win follows his unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid against current President John Mahama. The NPP is attempting to 'break the eight' (serving more than two consecutive terms) which they failed to achieve in 2024.
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Dubai for the 2026 World Governments Summit to discuss his 'Accra Reset' vision for African debt relief and climate finance. Simultaneously, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is in Latvia leading a six-member forensic delegation to investigate the death of Nana Agyei Ahyia, a Ghanaian student. The Latvian government has pledged full cooperation to clarify the circumstances of the tragedy.
This mission to Latvia signals a proactive shift in the government's approach to protecting Ghanaians abroad. If you have family members studying in Eastern Europe, this high-level intervention sets a precedent for diplomatic accountability.
Results from the forensic team in Latvia and the outcomes of the President’s subsequent State Visit to Zambia (Feb 4-6) regarding regional trade initiatives.
Parliament reconvened today for the Second Session of 2026, facing reports that anti-illegal mining (galamsey) operations are being sabotaged. The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) revealed that District Chief Executives (DCEs) are allegedly leaking raid information to illegal miners. Lands Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has ordered a decentralization of security efforts to hold local officials accountable.
Illegal mining continues to devastate Ghana's water bodies and cocoa lands. Alleged complicity by government-appointed DCEs remains the single largest hurdle to ending the practice.
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) projects fuel prices will increase starting February 1, 2026. Petrol is expected to hit GHc11.48 (~$1.07 USD) per litre. This coincides with a Bank of Ghana report showing petroleum receipts dropped to US$399.65 million in the second half of 2025. To mitigate food security risks, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced a US$22.6 million World Bank facility for the agricultural sector.
Rising fuel costs in Ghana typically lead to transport and food price inflation. Consider that your remittances may need to be adjusted as the cost of living for family members in Accra and Kumasi increases due to these energy hikes.
The 4% depreciation of the cedi and the decline in petroleum revenue may put pressure on the government's fiscal targets. Monitor the upcoming implementation of medicinal cannabis cultivation (starting March 1, 2026) as a potential new revenue stream.
The Tema Development Company (TDC) has launched a technology-driven agenda to address the national housing deficit. Managing Director Courage Nunekpeku announced a 24-hour call center and new business centers to streamline the delivery of affordable housing.
If you are looking to invest in property back home, the TDC's shift toward digital efficiency and courier-integrated services may provide more reliable pathways for diaspora returnees seeking sustainable housing in the Tema enclave.
A historic drop in gold prices occurred following the nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the US Federal Reserve. Spot gold saw its largest one-day decline since 1983, falling 9%. Simultaneously, a landmark trade deal between the US and India has seen India commit to buying $500 billion in American goods, moving away from Russian oil.
As a major gold producer, Ghana's mining sector revenue is highly sensitive to these global price swings. The 'Warsh effect' on the Fed signals a potentially stronger dollar, which may continue to pressure the cedi in the short term.
The Ghanaian community is reeling from two high-profile paternity cases. In Denmark, Benjamin Offei reportedly committed suicide after a DNA test showed four children he raised for a decade were not his. In Ghana’s Northern Region, Mayemoh Gyangamo is suing his former girlfriend for a refund of GHc70,000 (~$6,524 USD) in expenses after learning he is not the biological father of her child.
These cases have sparked a national debate on paternity fraud and the psychological impact on men. There are growing calls for clearer legal frameworks regarding financial restitution in non-biological parenting cases.
A fire at Pong Tamale Senior High School marks the third school dormitory blaze in the Northern Region in a single week, following incidents at Tolon SHS and NOBISCO. Over 1,000 students have been displaced across the three schools. While no fatalities were reported at Pong Tamale, several students collapsed from distress during the evacuation.
Investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) into whether these fires are linked to electrical vulnerabilities or other systemic infrastructure issues in the region.
German Bundesliga club Wolfsburg has completed the €10 million (~$10.7 million USD) signing of 20-year-old Ghanaian defender Jonas Adjetey from FC Basel. Adjetey has signed a four-year contract to help stabilize Wolfsburg's defense, which has conceded 42 goals this season.
Black Stars context: Adjetey's move to a top European league increases his visibility for the national team as they prepare for upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
Asante Kotoko coach Abdul Karim Zito has publicly declared interest in Heart of Lions' midfielder Etse Dogli for the next season. Dogli has been a standout performer since August 2025 and is also being monitored by Black Stars 'B' handlers.
Veteran musician Akosua Agyapong has accused the Ghana Music Rights Organisation (GHAMRO) of operating without a valid license and mismanaging funds. She alleged that veteran musicians are dying in poverty while royalties are being embezzled by leadership.
This highlights a systemic crisis in the creative arts sector regarding intellectual property and the welfare of Ghana's cultural legends.
South African singer Tyla secured her second consecutive Grammy for Best African Music Performance, edging out Nigerians Davido and Burna Boy. The win for her track 'Push 2 Start' signals the global rise of Amapiano.
Today we covered Dr. Bawumia's 2028 election mandate, the looming fuel price increases of GHc11.48, and the government's dual focus on global diplomacy in Dubai and citizen safety in Latvia. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
Have feedback or suggestions? We'd love to hear from you at info@ghananews.ai