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In his New Year message, President John Dramani Mahama (NDC) detailed a vision focused on world-class education, universal healthcare, and renewable energy. Having taken office on January 7, 2025, the President emphasized that his administration is moving toward food self-sufficiency and social housing, calling for a unified national identity that includes active participation from the diaspora and civil society.
This vision sets the legislative and fiscal priorities for the second year of the NDC administration, signaling a shift from stabilization to infrastructure-heavy development.
This follows the 2024 transition where the NDC returned to power. The administration's 'Big Push' agenda is modeled after previous NDC infrastructure successes but faces the challenge of maintaining fiscal discipline post-IMF.
Lawyers for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta have challenged a red notice issued for his extradition from the U.S., where he is receiving medical treatment. While the state alleges corruption regarding payments to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited, Ofori-Atta’s counsel, Enayat Qasimi, claims the charges are a violation of rights and politically driven. Ghanaian prosecutors maintain the charges are based on substantial evidence and a lack of cooperation from the former minister.
This high-profile legal battle tests the new administration's commitment to accountability versus concerns over political witch-hunts against the previous NPP government.
In a significant diplomatic escalation, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have implemented full visa bans on Americans, citing principles of reciprocity after the U.S. imposed travel restrictions. These nations are increasingly leaning toward Russia for security cooperation as relations with Western powers deteriorate.
For Ghana, these tensions in the Sahel pose risks to regional trade and security coordination within ECOWAS, especially as these neighbors distance themselves from traditional Western allies.
Ghana’s currency recorded its first annual gain against the US dollar in over three decades. Strategic increases in gold purchases by the Bank of Ghana have boosted international reserves by 24% to $11.4 billion USD. The establishment of 'GoldBod' (the Ghana Gold Board) is credited with regulating the market and reducing dollar demand.
The cedi’s stability and the reserve boost suggest a lowering of sovereign risk. However, keep a close watch on whether this trend survives the planned exit from the IMF program in 2026.
Your dollar-denominated savings will now buy fewer cedis than last year, but the reduced inflation (driven by a stronger currency) may stabilize the cost of goods for family members in Ghana.
The VAT rate has dropped from 21% to 20%, and the VAT registration threshold has increased from GHc200,000 (~$17,406 USD) to GHc750,000 (~$65,274 USD). Concurrently, the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has raised electricity tariffs by 9.86% and water by 15.92% to reflect a shift toward thermal power generation.
While the VAT reduction and the abolition of the COVID-19 levy provide some relief, the utility hikes will increase operational costs for the manufacturing and services sectors.
The increased VAT threshold is a 'game-changer' for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), reducing their administrative burden and potentially formalizing more of the economy.
The government has released GHc1 billion (~$87 million USD) to settle arrears for road contractors, with an additional GHc2.5 billion (~$217.5 million USD) expected from the Road Fund. Over GHc5 million (~$435,161 USD) has already been allocated to revitalize stalled projects nationwide.
This liquidity injection into the construction sector is a strong signal of infrastructure momentum. Companies in the supply chain for bitumen, cement, and heavy machinery should expect increased demand.
Police arrested Evans Eshun, known as Prophet Ebo Noah, after his prediction that the world would end by flood on December 25 failed to materialize. The prophet, who had collected donations to build 'rescue arks,' was instead spotted at a concert. Public outrage has led to renewed calls for the regulation of religious organizations in Ghana.
Ghana has a vibrant 'prophetic' culture, particularly during New Year 'Watch Night' services. However, the commercialization of these predictions has recently drawn the attention of the Ghana Police Service under directives to prevent public alarm.
Seven bodies were recovered and 96 people rescued after a vessel carrying over 200 migrants capsized. This occurs despite a 60% decrease in irregular migration along the Atlantic route in 2025 due to enhanced regional prevention measures.
This serves as a grim reminder of the 'Backway' migration risks. Many Ghanaian families continue to be affected by these perilous journeys through neighboring West African ports.
The tournament enters the knockout phase on January 3. Ivory Coast will face Burkina Faso after a dramatic comeback win. Notably, Burkina Faso captain Bertrand Traoré was fined $10,000 USD for offensive comments directed at Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea.
Black Stars context: While focus is on the Round of 16, Ghanaian officiating remains in the spotlight, and prophets at home are already predicting a final appearance for the Black Stars in the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Boxer Anthony Joshua has been discharged from a hospital in Ogun State, Nigeria, following a car crash that killed two of his close companions. Joshua sustained minor injuries but expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his long-time coach and friend.
Actor LilWin went viral for spraying what was reported as GHc30 billion (~$2.61 billion USD) on Prophet Adom Kyei Duah during a service. During the same event, the Prophet advised congregants to sell properties to invest in his 'Adom Nyame' vision, sparking intense debates on the commercialization of faith.
Such displays of wealth in religious settings often trigger public discourse regarding tax compliance and the influence of religious leaders on the financial decisions of their followers.
Today we covered the historic 41% gain of the cedi, the implementation of major tax and utility reforms, and the fallout of controversial prophetic claims. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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