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In a flurry of executive action at Jubilee House, President John Dramani Mahama signed five significant bills into law, including the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act (restoring the BNI name) and the Growth and Sustainability Levy (Amendment) Act, which slashes the mining levy to 1%. The President also announced that the Free Primary Healthcare Programme will officially launch on April 15, 2026, supported by the Ghana Medical Trust Fund. Simultaneously, the President has ordered a full report into allegations of unmerited sole-sourcing in road contracts valued at GHc73 billion (~$6.64 billion USD) under the 'Big Push' infrastructure program.
The reduction in the mining levy is a direct olive branch to the extractive sector to stimulate investment, while the GHc73 billion (~$6.64 billion USD) procurement probe tests the new administration's commitment to transparency.
These actions occur as the Mahama administration, inaugurated in January 2025, attempts to distance itself from the previous government's procurement controversies while managing a tight fiscal environment under ongoing IMF scrutiny.
Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng has issued a passionate plea to civil society to safeguard the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), stating that the institution faces persistent attacks from politicians. Agyebeng revealed that 2025 was the OSP's most challenging year, nearly seeing its repeal through a parliamentary bill. Despite these hurdles, the office has managed 67 cases with high public confidence levels (over 70%). Agyebeng indicated he has begun 'counting his days' toward the end of his tenure, urging for constitutional protections to shield future prosecutors.
The survival of the OSP is a key indicator for international investors and aid partners regarding Ghana's institutional strength and commitment to the rule of law.
Ghana's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has recommended the prosecution of Frank Oliver Kpodo, a former Director of Procurement at the Ministry of Defence, over a GHc4.8 million (~$436,364 USD) scandal involving six undelivered vehicles. The PAC also rejected GHc91.8 million (~$8.35 million USD) in reported arrears from the Ministry of Trade due to lack of evidence and questioned GHc21 million (~$1.91 million USD) spent on renovating Black Star Square for an event that was eventually relocated.
The Attorney-General's response to these referrals will determine if the PAC's findings lead to actual legal consequences or remain symbolic gestures.
The Ghanaian government is intensifying negotiations for a strategic fuel supply partnership with Nigeria's Dangote Refinery to stabilize domestic prices. This comes as global oil prices are predicted to potentially exceed $200 per barrel due to Middle Eastern conflicts. Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu indicated that the administration is considering a review of the GHc1.00 (~$0.09 USD) development levy and marketing margins to shield consumers from international shocks.
Rising fuel costs in Ghana often lead to increased costs of living for family members back home. A successful deal with the Dangote refinery could moderate the inflation that frequently necessitates higher remittance amounts.
The potential resumption of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) and tax reviews suggest a shift toward energy sovereignty, which may impact downstream petroleum stakeholders.
The Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders has issued an ultimatum to the Ministry of Finance regarding the 'Publican AI' customs valuation system. Trade agents claim the system uses inflated assessments and lacks transparency, leading to higher costs at the ports. This friction occurs alongside reports of successful debt recovery, with Rans Logistics refunding GHc19.1 million (~$1.74 million USD) following an audit into overpayments for grain transportation.
Port efficiency is the lifeblood of the Ghanaian economy. Prolonged disputes over AI-driven valuation could lead to congestion and increased landed costs for imported goods.
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has launched a nationwide campaign through April 7 to curb accidents ahead of Easter, noting that road crashes cost Ghana approximately 1.6% of its GDP annually. This initiative follows the conclusion of recovery efforts at the Accra New Town building collapse site, which left three dead and 11 still hospitalized. Simultaneously, the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has warned of imminent heavy rainstorms merging from the Togo and Benin borders, posing a high flood risk to Ho, Kumasi, and Accra.
Perennial flooding in cities like Wa is often exacerbated by unauthorized construction on waterways and poor waste disposal, a recurring challenge for NADMO during the rainy season.
A husband and wife perished in Kodjonya, Odumase-Krobo, after attempting to treat a bedbug infestation with petrol. The fire, sparked by contact with an electrical source and intensified by a gas cylinder explosion, became fatal because the couple was trapped by reinforced security bars on their windows. One other person remains in critical condition at Akuse Government Hospital.
Safety authorities are expected to increase education on domestic chemical use and may advocate for building code enforcement regarding emergency exits.
Ghana will officially launch its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy in April 2026, focusing on agriculture and healthcare. In the education sector, Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) has unveiled the 'Nimde3 Hyiren REV,' a self-charging five-seater electric vehicle prototype. The car uses regenerative braking to travel from Kumasi to Konongo without an external charge.
KsTU is actively seeking strategic partners to transition this prototype into commercial production, representing a ground-floor opportunity in West Africa's green transport sector.
With just 72 days until the World Cup, the GFA has terminated Otto Addo's contract following a 5-1 loss to Austria and a 2-1 loss to Germany. Addo departs with a record of eight wins in 22 matches. The GFA is reportedly facing a severance bill of approximately $500,000 (~GHc5.5 million) and is considering names like Kwesi Appiah or Herve Renard to lead the team against World Cup opponents England, Panama, and Croatia.
Black Stars context: The sudden vacancy creates significant anxiety among fans and players, as the new coach will have virtually no time for tactical integration before the tournament.
In international club news, Tottenham Hotspur has appointed Roberto De Zerbi on a five-year deal. This move is significant for Ghanaian fans as it places Black Stars playmaker Mohammed Kudus under the guidance of a manager renowned for high-octane, possession-based football.
Tourism Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie and industry leaders like Quables (DWP Academy) are championing the creative arts as a primary solution for youth unemployment. Meanwhile, the AMVCA and Telecel Ghana Music Awards (TGMA) are both gearing up for a massive 'Super Saturday' on May 9, 2026.
Shifting the narrative from arts as a hobby to a multi-billion dollar career path is essential for Ghana's economic diversification.
Today we covered the shocking dismissal of the Black Stars coach, a major legislative overhaul by President Mahama, and the innovative strides in Ghana's AI and EV sectors. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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