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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is finalizing preparations for its presidential primaries on January 31, 2026, a crucial step to determine its flagbearer for the 2028 general elections. Advocates within the party, including Barima Sarpong Kumankuma, are calling for unity around candidates like Dr. Bryan Acheampong to restore internal trust. Simultaneously, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is vetting five parliamentary aspirants for the Ayawaso East ticket today, January 28. The field includes Hajia Amina Adam and Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, with a primary set for February 7 and the by-election scheduled for March 3, 2026.
These internal contests are the first major tests of party cohesion following the transition to the Mahama administration in 2025. For the NPP, the January 31 primary will define the opposition's strategy for the next three years.
Ghana operates under a dominant two-party system (NPP and NDC). The current administration, led by President John Mahama, took office on January 7, 2025. These early moves for 2028 reflect the high-stakes nature of political succession in the Fourth Republic.
In a move to curb illegal land grabbing and "galamsey" (illegal mining), the Cabinet has approved a comprehensive review of public lands. Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced that incomplete land acquisitions will be canceled, and records will be digitized to ensure transparency. Vice-President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that this initiative is vital for environmental protection and national development.
The digitalization process could face resistance from entrenched interests. Investors should watch for the release of the new digital land registry, which aims to provide clearer titles for commercial development.
Six months after a land dispute in Gbeniyiri resulted in 38 deaths, traditional priests have performed purification rites to cleanse the community. Led by Chief Priest Mwiri Kipo Huenhen, the rituals included sacrificial offerings intended to appease spirits and prevent future violence. A new chief's palace has been built to replace the one destroyed during the August 2025 clashes.
The Gbeniyiri conflict is part of periodic land and chieftaincy disputes in the Savannah Region. Similar to the Bawku conflict in the Upper East, these disputes often involve deep-seated ethnic and territorial claims that require both traditional and state intervention to resolve.
Energy Minister John Jinapor has announced a $2 billion (~GHc21.46 billion USD) agreement with Jubilee Partners to reduce domestic gas prices from $3.1 to $2.5 per unit. Additionally, a $1.5 billion (~GHc16.10 billion USD) deal with Sankofa Partners has been signed to stabilize supply and boost oil and gas output. Both agreements await parliamentary approval.
Lowering gas prices is a direct lever for reducing electricity costs for manufacturers and households. This move is intended to improve industrial competitiveness and mitigate the impact of recent inflation.
This signals a significant effort to stabilize the energy sector's circular debt. Long-term energy stability could make Ghana's industrial zones more attractive for FDI.
The Ghana cedi has begun 2026 with a 4% decline, trading at GHc10.88 (~$1.01 USD) against the dollar, down from GHc10.45 (~$0.97 USD) in December. In the retail market, the rate has touched GHc12.00 (~$1.12 USD). This currency pressure coincides with a housing deficit of 2 million units. Despite 5.8% GDP growth, young professionals are being priced out of cities like Accra, where landlords frequently demand two years of rent upfront, violating the Rent Act of 1963.
At the current retail rate of GHc12.00, remittances for family construction projects or rent will go further, but be aware that the cost of building materials (often imported) will likely rise in tandem with the dollar.
Ghana entered an IMF program in 2023 to address similar debt and currency challenges. While 2025 saw some recovery, seasonal demand in early 2026 is testing the Bank of Ghana's reserves again.
At the World Economic Forum, AGRA President Alice Ruhweza highlighted that the African food system is projected to reach $1 trillion (~GHc10.73 trillion USD) by 2030. She urged African governments to honor their commitment to invest 10% of budgets into agriculture, emphasizing AI's potential to help women farmers.
The $1 trillion food system projection suggests massive opportunities in ag-tech and cold-chain logistics in Ghana, which remains a regional agricultural hub.
Rebecca Odarquaye, a 36-year-old midwife, successfully underwent surgery for a brain aneurysm after her GHc210,840 (~$19,650 USD) medical bill was covered. While public donations raised GHc17,000 (~$1,584 USD), the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, established under the Mahama administration, settled the remainder.
This case highlights the vital role of the Medical Trust Fund in a country where catastrophic healthcare costs can bankrupt middle-income families.
The Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has advised parents to avoid buying toy guns for children. This follows a fatal incident in Amansie Central where a real firearm was confiscated from a 15-year-old. The Commission fears toy guns normalize weapon handling and may cause children to mistake real firearms for playthings.
CAF is expected to rule within 48 hours on the controversial AFCON 2025 final. Senegal players walked off the pitch after a disputed injury-time penalty was awarded to Morocco. Morocco is demanding Senegal be stripped of their title, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino has condemned the scenes.
Black Stars context: While Ghana prepares for its own qualifying campaigns, the outcome of this ruling will set a major precedent for discipline and officiating standards across the continent.
AFC Bournemouth has signed 19-year-old Brazilian striker Rayan for #24.7 million (~$31.3 million USD). This move follows the departure of Ghanaian star Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City for #65 million (~$82.5 million USD).
Black Stars context: Semenyo's #65 million move to City makes him one of the most expensive Ghanaian players in history, further cementing his role as a key leader for the national team.
Global livestreamer IShowSpeed completed his Ghana tour on January 26, visiting Akropong and popularizing Ghanaian jollof rice to millions of viewers. Ghanaian celebrities like Efia Odo and Samini praised the streamer for his genuine engagement with local culture.
Livestreaming is becoming a major tourism driver. IShowSpeed's visit provided "free" global marketing for Ghana's cultural heritage to a Gen Z audience.
Today we covered the landmark $2 billion gas agreement, the cedi's early 2026 struggles against the dollar, and the high-stakes internal vetting processes for Ghana's major political parties. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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