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Ghana Cedi Records Historic 41% Appreciation -- The local currency ended 2025 as the world's second-best performer, strengthening to GHc10.45 per dollar and signaling a major relief for importers and households.
Prophetic Warnings Cloud 2026 Outlook -- As the nation enters a new year, prominent religious leaders have issued conflicting forecasts involving a potential coup attempt against President Mahama and a chaotic NPP primary.
Fuel Prices Set for Major January Reduction -- Petrol prices are expected to drop by 4.8% this month, driven by the cedi's historic gains and falling international oil prices, easing the cost of living for millions.
Ghana's religious landscape is currently dominated by the 2026 forecasts from high-profile prophets following traditional New Year's Eve services. Rev. Isaac Owusu-Bempah has issued a grave warning regarding the upcoming New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries, predicting violent confrontations and a potential coup attempt against the administration of President John Dramani Mahama. Simultaneously, Prophet Nigel Gaisie predicted that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will secure the NPP nomination despite legal and security challenges, while also forecasting significant economic prosperity under the current National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.
These prophecies often influence public sentiment and political discourse in Ghana. In a highly religious society, warnings of coups or violent primaries can heighten political tensions and necessitate increased security vigilance from the state.
Ghana recently transitioned power to the NDC following the 2024 elections. The NPP is currently in a restructuring phase to elect new leadership, making the primaries a high-stakes event for the country's democratic stability.
In a significant regional development, Mamady Doumbouya, who led the 2021 coup in Guinea, has been declared the winner of the December 28 presidential election with 86.72% of the vote. While the administration frames this as a return to civilian rule, the process was marred by the restriction of social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook, and allegations of fraud from opposition parties. Voter turnout was officially reported at 80.95%, though these figures remain contested as the Supreme Court prepares to validate the results.
Guinea is one of several West African nations that recently experienced a coup. The transition to a civilian-led (though military-rooted) government is a key milestone for ECOWAS regional stability, though the suppression of digital platforms remains a concern for democratic observers.
Israel has become the first nation to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent state, a move that has drawn sharp condemnation from Somalia, Turkey, and China. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited Somaliland's right to self-determination and strategic interests in the Red Sea as primary drivers. The U.S. has shown support for the move at the UN, while Houthi rebels in Yemen have threatened military repercussions.
This sets a significant precedent for separatist movements across the African continent. For Ghana, which maintains a policy of non-interference, this development in the Horn of Africa could affect African Union (AU) diplomatic dynamics regarding territorial integrity.
Five prominent women are leading the charge for legal and social reform in Ghana. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Angela Dwamena-Aboagye, Genevieve Partington, Professor Emerita Takyiwaa Manuh, and digital activist Ama Governor are utilizing legal reform, academic research, and social media to combat gender-based violence and protect vulnerable populations.
These activists are bridge-builders between civil society and the newly inaugurated Mahama administration, ensuring that human rights remain central to the legislative agenda in 2026.
The Ghana cedi (GHc) has achieved a historic milestone, appreciating by 41% against the USD in 2025, its first annual gain in over 30 years. The currency ended the year at GHc10.45 to the dollar. This recovery was fueled by record gold prices and the Bank of Ghana’s aggressive gold purchase program, which increased international reserves by 24% to $11.4 billion USD.
The cedi's strength means that while your USD-denominated remittances buy fewer cedis than last year, the local purchasing power of those cedis is stabilizing as inflation on imported goods begins to cool.
This performance indicates a significant reduction in currency risk. The establishment of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has improved market transparency, making Ghana's mining sector a more stable destination for capital.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson announced the early settlement of a $709 million USD Eurobond obligation on December 30, 2025. This brings total Eurobond payments for the year to $1.4 billion USD. Simultaneously, the Bank of Ghana reported a record trade surplus of $8.5 billion USD, driven by gold exports totaling $15.2 billion USD.
Repaying debt ahead of schedule is a powerful signal to international credit rating agencies, potentially paving the way for Ghana to return to international capital markets with lower borrowing costs.
Consumers can expect lower costs at the pump this month. Petrol is projected to decrease by 4.8%, diesel by 3.77%, and LPG by 2.19%. Retailers like Star Oil, GOIL, and TotalEnergies are expected to lead the price cuts, reflecting the stronger cedi and lower global crude costs.
Lower fuel costs will reduce the burden on family members involved in transportation or business, potentially lowering the frequency of emergency remittance requests for basic operational costs.
MTN Ghana will temporarily suspend airtime and data purchases on January 2, 2026, from 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM to update its systems in compliance with new VAT reforms. The reforms include a reduction in the VAT rate, which will eventually lower service costs for users.
The Cyber Security Authority (CSA) has warned against a surge in fake parcel delivery scams. Fraudsters are sending messages with malicious links, pretending to be courier companies. The CSA advises the public to verify all delivery claims and report suspicious activity immediately.
Be cautious of SMS or WhatsApp messages regarding "undeliverable packages" that require a small fee for re-delivery; these are designed to steal credit card information.
British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car accident in Ogun State, Nigeria, on December 29. While Joshua sustained only minor injuries, the crash claimed the lives of his long-time coach Sina Ghami and friend Kevin Latif Ayodele. The accident occurred when a tire burst at high speed, causing their vehicle to hit a stationary truck.
This tragedy has highlighted the ongoing issue of road safety in Nigeria, where over 5,000 people died in road accidents in 2024. A fundraising effort has already raised £37,000 for a mosque in memory of Ayodele.
Philanthropist Alhaji Seidu Agongo has inaugurated an eight-bed facility at the Ghana Police Hospital dedicated to "unknown patients"—those who are destitute or mentally ill and lack relatives. Agongo also committed to funding mass burials for unidentified individuals.
This initiative addresses a critical gap in Ghana's healthcare system, where unknown patients often lack the resources for dignified care or final rites.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stages concluded with high drama. Defending champions Ivory Coast defeated Gabon 3-2 to top Group F, while Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a perfect 9-point record. Nigeria will face a third-placed team in the Round of 16 on January 5.
Black Stars context: While Ghana prepares for its own next steps, the performance of regional rivals Nigeria and Ivory Coast sets a high bar for the remainder of the tournament.
André Dede Ayew has officially joined Dutch club NAC Breda on a free transfer to maintain fitness for the 2026 World Cup. Meanwhile, Antoine Semenyo continues to impress in the Premier League, providing an assist in Bournemouth's 2-2 draw with Chelsea. Rumors suggest Manchester City is considering a £65 million USD move for the winger.
Musician King Paluta has sparked debate by revealing he sometimes spends up to GHc50,000 (~$4,351 USD) in a single day on music videos, studio sessions, and logistics. He defended the expenditure as a necessary investment in his brand within a competitive global industry.
This disclosure highlights the significant capital required for Ghanaian artists to compete on the world stage, reflecting the professionalization of the local music industry.
Today we covered the historic 41% appreciation of the cedi, the political prophecies shaping the 2026 outlook, and the upcoming relief in fuel prices. As Ghana starts this new year, the economic indicators offer a rare sense of optimism. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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