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Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs James Gyakye Quayson and Canada's Deputy Minister of Immigration Dr. Harpreet S. Kochhar met on January 13, 2026, to discuss a formal agreement on labor mobility. The proposed MoU aims to create structured pathways for Ghanaian workers to fill gaps in the Canadian labor market while curbing irregular migration. A key focus of the discussion was ensuring streamlined immigration processes for Ghanaians planning to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
This agreement could provide a safer, legal alternative to the 'japa' trend, reducing the risks Ghanaians take when seeking opportunities abroad while strengthening bilateral ties through official labor exports.
This MoU signals a move toward more flexible visa regimes and labor recognition between the two countries, which could simplify family reunification and work permit renewals for Ghanaians already in Canada.
National President Samuel Afotey Otu has announced that JUSAG members will embark on a nationwide strike due to the government's failure to pay eight months of salary arrears stemming from a 10% base pay increase approved for 2025. Despite months of negotiations with the Ministry of Finance, the arrears from January to August 2025 remain unpaid. The association stated that the strike will remain in force until all outstanding payments are settled in full.
An indefinite strike in the judiciary will halt all court proceedings, including high-profile commercial and criminal cases, delaying justice and potentially impacting the business environment's legal stability.
Ghana's fiscal space remains tight following the debt restructuring protocols. Public sector unions have increasingly used strikes to demand that the government honor previous wage agreements amidst rising living costs.
Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has cautioned the New Patriotic Party (NPP) against selecting a first-time presidential candidate for the 2028 elections. Speaking on Joy News, Nitiwul argued that Ghanaians rarely favor untested candidates and urged the party to rally behind Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. He framed 2028 as a 'must-win' scenario to avoid a catastrophic period for the party following their loss in 2024.
These comments indicate the internal jockeying for leadership within the NPP has already begun as the party seeks to rebuild its identity under the new Mahama administration.
Bank of Ghana data shows that job vacancies rose to 3,248 in October 2025, a 14% increase compared to the previous year. Furthermore, contributions to the SSNIT Pension Scheme surged to GHc527.17 million (~$49.13 million USD), a 14.5% year-on-year increase. This domestic optimism contrasts with a World Bank report projecting global growth to stabilize at a modest 2.6% by 2026, warning that developing nations face historic levels of public debt and widening inequality.
The increase in SSNIT contributions suggests that more Ghanaians are entering formal employment, providing a more stable tax base for the government.
The 14.7% month-on-month increase in job postings indicates expanding private sector confidence. However, the World Bank's warning on debt levels suggests that fiscal discipline will remain the primary metric for sovereign credit ratings.
Dr. Mark Assibey-Yeboah, former MP, has sparked debate by claiming the Ghana cedi is currently overvalued at GHc10.73 per dollar, which he argues is hurting exporters and reducing state revenue for agencies like COCOBOD. Meanwhile, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare met with Chinese investors to transition from discussions to 'action-oriented partnerships' in agribusiness and manufacturing to boost value addition.
At the current rate of GHc10.73, your remittances remain vital. If Dr. Assibey-Yeboah's call for a policy shift toward growth over currency stability is heeded, we may see further fluctuations in the exchange rate.
Watch for new agribusiness incentives as the Trade Ministry seeks concrete Chinese investment in industrial manufacturing.
The Ghana Police Service arrested three men--Sasu Lawrence, Richard Osei, and Charles Kofi Nti--for operating a taxi-based theft syndicate that targeted female passengers in early morning hours. In a separate, more disturbing case, Coffie Agyemang was arrested in Kwamang after attempting to sell his three-year-old son for GHc1 million (~$93,196.64 USD) due to alleged financial hardship.
Increased police patrols in urban centers following the exposure of the taxi syndicate. The Kwamang case has reignited national discussions on child protection and the impact of economic distress on family structures.
Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo, who recently completed a 65 million pound move to Manchester City, scored his second goal for the club in the 53rd minute of the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg. City won 2-0 at St James' Park, taking a significant lead into the second leg on February 4.
Black Stars context: Semenyo's prolific form in the world's most competitive league is a massive boost for the national team ahead of upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Ministry of Sports has finally paid all outstanding per diem arrears to the U-20 women's team, the Black Princesses. The settlement comes at a critical time as the team prepares for their FIFA U-20 World Cup qualifier against South Africa, following their aggregate win over Tunisia.
Months after the burial of the legendary musician Daddy Lumba, a legal battle has emerged over his properties. His widow, Akosua Serwaa, has filed for letters of administration, but her claim is being contested by another partner, Odo Broni, who argues Akosua cannot be recognized as the sole surviving spouse. The Kumasi High Court has given Akosua seven days to justify her claim.
Daddy Lumba was a national cultural icon; the resolution of his estate has significant implications for copyright management and the preservation of his musical legacy.
Today we covered the potential for safe new migration routes to Canada, the looming judicial strike over salary arrears, and the standout performance of Antoine Semenyo in the Carabao Cup. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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