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Naser Toure Mahama, the 60-year-old Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, passed away on January 4, 2026, at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. A stalwart of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mahama was in his fourth consecutive term, having served the people of Nima and surrounding areas since 2012. He was a highly respected figure in Parliament, serving as the Vice Chairman of the Energy Committee and a key member of the Roads and Transportation Committee. Known for his academic background, including an MBA from Doshisha University in Japan, he was a bridge between grassroots activism and policy expertise. His burial is scheduled for today, January 5, 2026, in Accra, in accordance with Islamic traditions.
The death of a fourth-term MP creates a significant void in the NDC caucus and will trigger a by-election. Given his role in the Energy Committee, his passing also removes a seasoned voice from critical discussions regarding Ghana's power sector stability and petroleum downstream regulations.
Ayawaso East, which includes the Nima enclave, is a strategic constituency in Accra. In the current political landscape following the January 2025 inauguration of President John Mahama, maintaining parliamentary strength is vital for the administration's legislative agenda.
The Government of Ghana has successfully executed an early settlement of US$709 million in Eurobond obligations as of late December 2025. This payment is part of a broader US$1.4 billion debt management plan for the current fiscal cycle. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stated that the move is intended to rebuild trust with international capital markets and reduce the long-term cost of borrowing. The early payment was made possible through improved revenue mobilization and the strategic use of fiscal buffers built over the previous four quarters.
This is a strong signal that Ghana is emerging from the shadow of its 2022-2023 debt restructuring. By paying ahead of schedule, the government is actively trying to lower the 'risk premium' on future Ghanaian debt, which could lead to cheaper credit for both the state and private sector.
This early settlement suggests that the government's fiscal surplus targets are being met. It may lead to a positive outlook revision from credit rating agencies such as Moody's or Fitch in the coming months.
Improved economic credibility often leads to a more stable exchange rate. While the current rate stands at GHc11.49 to the dollar, these fiscal moves are designed to prevent the sharp depreciations that previously eroded the value of your remittances and local investments.
Effective January 1, 2026, the Bank of Ghana (BoG) has officially begun its withdrawal from the small-scale gold trading market. This responsibility is being fully transitioned to the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama noted that this shift allows the Central Bank to focus exclusively on its core mandate of price stability and inflation targeting. While the IMF had previously warned of potential financial slippages during this transition, the BoG maintains that the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) has sufficiently matured to be managed by a specialized commercial body.
This move formalizes the separation between monetary policy and commodity trading. It aims to make the gold market more transparent and efficient by removing the Central Bank from direct commercial competition.
Watch for new regulatory guidelines from GoldBod. This transition could open up new opportunities for private licensed gold buyers to partner with the state under a more streamlined regulatory framework.
Former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has returned to the UK following a devastating car accident in Ogun State, Nigeria, on December 29, 2025. The incident occurred when a Lexus SUV carrying Joshua and his entourage collided with a stationary truck. Tragically, two of Joshua's close friends, Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, were killed. Joshua sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized briefly in Nigeria before being discharged. The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with dangerous driving. Tributes have poured in from across West Africa, including messages from President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, as the boxing world mourns the loss of Joshua's associates.
Investigations into the presence of stationary trucks on major highways—a recurring safety hazard in the region—may face renewed scrutiny following this high-profile tragedy. Funerals for the victims are being held in London this week.
The Ghanaian entertainment industry is facing an unprecedented wave of litigation as 2026 begins. Gospel singer Empress Gifty has filed a GHc20 million (~$1.74 million USD) defamation suit against Nana Agradaa, while rapper Medikal is fighting a GHc15 million (~$1.31 million USD) copyright claim from the group Alabaster Box regarding his hit 'Welcome to Africa.' Additionally, media personality Afia Schwarzenegger has been slapped with a GHc10 million (~$870,322 USD) lawsuit by politician Sammy Gyamfi. These cases represent a shift toward legal accountability in a sector previously dominated by informal 'beefs.'
The sheer scale of these damages—totaling over GHc45 million (~$3.92 million USD) across three cases—indicates that the legal system is becoming a primary tool for reputation management in Ghana. This could lead to more cautious public discourse among celebrities.
Prominent businessman Dr. Osei Kwame Despite has clarified his stance in the dispute involving the family of the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba (Charles Kwadwo Fosu). Despite denied allegations of bias, confirming he donated GHc100,000 (~$8,703 USD) to the family purely as a mark of respect for the musician's legacy. He emphasized that he has remained neutral and has not aligned with any specific faction in the ongoing funeral and inheritance disagreements.
Chieftaincy and family disputes following the death of high-profile Ghanaians are common and often involve influential patrons. Dr. Despite's public clarification is an attempt to protect his business reputation from being entangled in domestic legal battles.
Today we covered Ghana's major leap in debt management with the $709M Eurobond payment, the passing of MP Naser Toure Mahama, and the tragic road accident involving Anthony Joshua. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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