••
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) is concluding an investigation into allegations that television sets and cash were used to induce delegates during the February 7 primary. In a swift response, President John Mahama recalled Ghana's High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, to address the gravity of the claims. Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially acclaimed Baba Ali Yussif as its candidate for the upcoming by-election. The Ayawaso Council of Zongo Chiefs has cautioned against annulling the NDC results, warning of potential unrest.
This by-election serves as a critical test of electoral integrity under the new administration. The recall of a high-ranking diplomat underscores the government's attempt to distance itself from corruption allegations early in its term.
Ayawaso East is a pivotal constituency. By-elections in Ghana are often precursors to national sentiment, and with the NDC's nationwide registration exercise starting today, party discipline is under intense scrutiny.
Ghana scored 43 out of 100 in the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), a marginal one-point increase from 2024. Transparency International-Ghana notes that the country has effectively remained stagnant since 2020, still trailing its 2014 peak of 48. Experts cite executive interference in the justice system and controversial 'settlement arrangements' for officials as primary drivers of this lack of progress.
For investors and international partners, a stagnant CPI score indicates that systemic risks remain high despite institutional rhetoric about reform.
In a significant development for regional stability, 79-year-old Alhaji Seidu Abagre was granted GHc 100,000 (~$9,320 USD) bail but remains prohibited from presenting himself as a chief. Separately, televangelist Nana Agradaa's sentence was reduced from 15 years to 12 months, making her eligible for release as early as March 3. Additionally, a GHc 10 million (~$931,966 USD) lawsuit has been filed by Frederick Kumi (Abu Trica) against the FBI and Ghana’s Interior Minister over claims of coerced confessions.
The Bawku conflict is a decades-long chieftaincy and ethnic dispute between the Kusasi and Mamprusi groups in the Upper East Region. Any legal movement regarding traditional leadership is highly sensitive and closely monitored by security agencies to prevent local escalations.
COCOBOD CEO Dr. Randy Abbey has revealed that the institution is in its most fragile state in 80 years, with a debt of GHc 32.9 billion (~$3.07 billion USD) and negative equity of GHc 3.8 billion (~$354 million USD). The crisis was fueled by a supply failure of over 330,000 tonnes in the 2023/24 season and expensive 'cocoa road' contracts valued at GHc 26 billion (~$2.42 billion USD). To make matters worse, the regulator has been subsidizing production at a loss of $500 per tonne to support farmers.
Cocoa is the backbone of Ghana's foreign exchange. The insolvency of COCOBOD threatens the livelihoods of millions and the stability of the Cedi.
Significant restructuring is imminent. Watch for procurement reforms and a shift away from state-funded infrastructure (cocoa roads) as the regulator seeks to balance its books.
Clement Boateng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA), has lambasted 'greedy' traders who refuse to lower retail prices despite the Cedi's recent gains. He noted that while inflation is falling, the refusal to pass on exchange rate benefits to consumers is deliberate and harmful.
At the current rate of GHc 10.73 per dollar, remittances have improved purchasing power. However, high retail stickiness means family members may not feel the full relief of a stronger Cedi yet.
Parliament has passed the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, 2025, a landmark policy supported by the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI). The law provides tax incentives and regulatory support for businesses to operate on a three-shift system, aiming to boost exports and job creation.
The 24-Hour Economy was a flagship campaign promise of President Mahama. Its passage into law marks a transition from political slogan to operational policy, though its success depends on resolving the current power supply stability.
Clashes between Ewe and Zabarma communities in the Oti Region have left several injured following a dispute over fishing methods. The Ewe community accuses Zabarma youth of using hazardous hooks that damage nets. Authorities noted that jurisdictional confusion over fishing permits issued by different districts added to the tension.
Security agencies are mediating to prevent ethnic escalation. Standardized national regulations on inland fishing gear are likely to be proposed to prevent similar clashes.
Pastor Elvis Agyemang has suspended in-person sessions at the Alpha Hour auditorium after CCTV captured a woman setting fire to the facility on February 9. This is the second attack on the church in two years, prompting concerns about the security of religious gatherings.
The GFA has added five new specialists to Otto Addo’s backroom staff. Communications Director Henry Asante Twum justified the move by citing Portugal's use of 40+ staff in 2022, arguing that modern football requires specialized analysts and performance coaches.
Black Stars context: This expansion is a significant shift from Ghana's traditional lean setup, aimed at ensuring qualification for the 2026 World Cup after a disappointing previous cycle.
Following Abdul Karim Zito's resignation, Asante Kotoko has named Prince Yaw Owusu as interim head coach. He faces an immediate test in the upcoming Super Clash against Hearts of Oak.
Highlife legend Kojo Antwi will launch 'From Bands to Ballads to Brilliance' on February 13 at the Labadi Beach Hotel. The book details his upbringing in Darkuman and his influence on the global highlife scene.
Antwi is a cultural icon for the diaspora; his memoir provides a rare historical record of the evolution of Ghanaian music from the 1970s to the present.
Today we covered the critical financial strain at COCOBOD, the high-level political fallout in Ayawaso East, and the passing of the 24-Hour Economy Bill. 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