••
Ghana's political giants are finalizing internal structures ahead of the 2028 cycle. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is focused on its January 31, 2026, presidential primary, where aspirants like Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Kennedy Agyapong, and Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum are battling for the delegates' mandate, particularly in the Ashanti Region stronghold. Simultaneously, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has slated its National Executive Elections for December 19, 2026, introducing a 'resign-to-contest' policy that requires government appointees to step down six months before seeking party office to ensure a level playing field.
The outcomes of these internal polls will define the leadership faces and ideological directions of Ghana's two main parties for the next four years. The NDC's new directive aims to reduce the incumbency advantage, a move political analysts suggest could improve internal democratic transparency.
These internal shifts occur under the new Mahama administration, which took office in January 2025. Both parties are recalibrating after the closely contested 2024 general elections.
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) reported saving the state over GHc 5.7 billion (~$531.2 million USD) following a probe into the Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML) and Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) contracts. The investigation cited misconduct and false claims, leading President John Mahama to terminate the contracts. Additionally, the OSP is investigating a GHc 345 million (~$32.1 million USD) ports disinfection deal involving LCB Worldwide Ghana Limited, where GHc 25 million (~$2.3 million USD) in VAT was allegedly unremitted.
This represents one of the largest single recoveries of state funds in Ghana's history, signaling a robust enforcement period for the OSP and a zero-tolerance approach to public procurement breaches.
The SML contract was a high-profile point of contention during the previous administration. The current forensic audits and asset seizures—including GHc 18.6 million (~$1.7 million USD) in properties from former NPA officials—reflect the OSP's expanded appetite for high-value criminal cases.
Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has announced a 250-basis point cut to the Monetary Policy Rate, bringing it down to 15.5%. This follows a sharp decline in inflation from over 54% in 2022 to 5.4% in December 2025. The central bank also confirmed it will soon begin licensing non-interest (Islamic) banking operations to improve financial inclusion for SMEs and sustainable infrastructure projects.
Lower interest rates are expected to reduce borrowing costs for the manufacturing and agriculture sectors, providing a much-needed lifeline as the country prepares to exit the IMF Extended Credit Facility program in August 2026.
Monitor the transmission of this rate cut to commercial lending rates. If rates fall to the projected 17-20% range by mid-year, it could trigger a surge in domestic investment and equity market activity.
The stabilization of the cedi and lower inflation mean your dollar-denominated support has more predictable impact on family business investments back home.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines is advocating for a Minerals Revenue Management Act to safeguard gold windfalls, proposing a sliding royalty scale (4% to 8%) and a 1% profit levy for community development. Meanwhile, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare launched the 2026-2029 Development Plan, targeting $10 billion USD in non-traditional export revenue by 2030 and poultry self-sufficiency through the 'Nkoko Nkitinkiti' project, which aims for 80 million birds by late 2026.
The formalization of the small-scale mining sector and the new export incentives suggest a strategic shift toward diversifying the tax base and boosting value-added exports.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe announced that a new private-sector-led national airline is expected to fly within 12 months. This comes as the Ghana Customer Service Index (GCSI) reported a slump in national satisfaction from 72% to 59%, downgrading the country's service rating to a 'D-plus.'
While infrastructure is expanding, service delivery remains a major bottleneck for business growth and tourism.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has debunked claims that vendors are using the toxic bleaching agent 'Akeshaa' in street food like waakye, identifying the substance in a viral video as sodium carbonate (light soda ash), a safe additive. Simultaneously, CID Boss COP Lydia Yaako Donkor urged the public to protect digital footprints as the police intercept narcotic shipments and dismantle robbery gangs targeting travelers.
The FDA warns that genuine 'Akeshaa' remains highly toxic; consumers should report any food with unusual chemical odors immediately.
A Basic 5 pupil in the Savannah Region required surgery after an alleged assault by a teacher over poor grades, sparking calls for the Ghana Education Service (GES) to enforce bans on corporal punishment. Conversely, Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) has launched the nation's first school-wide digital transformation, using Starlink technology to provide high-speed WiFi for students.
Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo has been registered for Manchester City’s UEFA Champions League knockout campaign. After arriving in the January window, the Black Stars attacker is now eligible to feature in the Round of 16 following City's victory over Galatasaray.
Black Stars context: Regular playtime for Semenyo at the highest European level is a major boost for Coach Otto Addo as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup group stages against England, Croatia, and Panama.
Coach Otto Addo met with deputy captain Thomas Partey in Spain to discuss World Cup strategy, focusing on physical conditioning and squad cohesion. Meanwhile, midfielder Majeed Ashimeru has secured a loan move to RAAL La Louvière to regain match fitness ahead of national team assignments.
14-year-old Ghanaian piano prodigy Jude Kofie, who is on the autism spectrum, received a standing ovation at the Joy Awards in Saudi Arabia. His performance has been hailed as a triumph for inclusion and a showcase of Ghanaian 'soft power' on the global stage.
Kofie's success, alongside the viral tourism impact of American streamer IShowSpeed's visit to Akropong, highlights the growing global influence of Ghanaian culture and digital creators.
Today we covered the Bank of Ghana's major rate cut to 15.5%, the recovery of GHc 5.7 billion (~$531.2 million USD) by the Special Prosecutor, and the high-stakes political primaries defining the week. 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