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President John Dramani Mahama has directed Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine to draft a State Assets Protection Bill to regulate the management and disposal of public lands, buildings, and industries. Speaking at the Ghana Civil Society Forum, the President also announced the 2026–2030 National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Plan (NACAP) and a potential shift in elected officials' tenure from four to five years to allow for more stable long-term planning. To ensure these promises are met, a new Presidency Delivery Unit will track government performance.
This legislative move addresses long-standing public anger over the perceived 'capture' of state assets by political elites. By establishing strict disposal guidelines, the administration seeks to restore public trust early in its term.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has referred former aspirant Kennedy Ohene Agyapong to its National Disciplinary Committee following a chaotic NEC meeting in Accra. Rival factions clashed at the Alisa Hotel as protesters chanted ‘Ken Must Go,’ and security was forced to intervene when demonstrators attempted to block Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin’s vehicle. The committee has two weeks to investigate Agyapong’s criticisms of party leadership regarding the Afari Military Hospital.
The NPP is currently navigating a period of introspection and internal friction following its 2024 election defeat. Disagreement persists between those advocating for radical structural reforms (like a 'one member, one vote' system) and the established leadership.
Accra High Court has sentenced Larry Dogbey, Managing Editor of The Herald, to seven days in prison for violating an injunction regarding defamatory material against businessman Kevin Okyere. Separately, the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice dismissed a human rights suit filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo against the Republic of Ghana, rejecting her $10 million USD compensation claim following her removal from office.
The jailing of a journalist for reporting on public petitions has sparked condemnation from the GJA and PRINPAG, who argue that harsh contempt rulings stifle media accountability.
Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem revealed that GoldBod generated over $10 billion USD from gold exports in 2025, primarily driven by the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. This performance contributed to a 41% appreciation of the cedi and a surge in foreign reserves to $13.8 billion USD. Effective July 1, the government will implement a new deal requiring large-scale miners to sell 30% of their output locally in cedis at a 0.55% discount to the Bank of Ghana Reference Rate.
This is a major market signal indicating the government's pivot toward local currency liquidity and 'domestic value retention.' The push for London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) accreditation for a local refinery by 2030 suggests a move up the value chain.
The reported cedi appreciation and strengthened reserves could lead to more stable exchange rates for your remittances, though volatility remains a long-term risk.
President Mahama commissioned the Phase II expansion of Sentuo Oil Refinery, which will increase capacity from 40,000 to 100,000 barrels per day. Meanwhile, Standard Chartered PLC announced it is exploring the sale of its Wealth and Retail Banking business in Ghana after 130 years to focus exclusively on Corporate and Investment Banking. In the indigenous sector, Kasapreko PLC recorded a record GHc 3.7 billion (~$329.27 million USD) turnover, outperforming several foreign multinationals.
The Sentuo expansion aims for energy independence and could stabilize local pump prices. Conversely, Stanchart's retail exit reflects a significant shift in the banking sector's competitive landscape.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has revoked all existing firearm permits nationwide, effective immediately. Owners must undergo a new, stricter registration process including mental health assessments and drug screenings. The Ministry also warned private security firms that they are legally prohibited from arming guards with lethal weapons, even if those guards hold personal permits.
Security experts have criticized the blanket nature of the revocation, comparing it to canceling all driver's licenses to fix bad driving. Watch for legal challenges from responsible gun owners and associations.
Authorities in the Savannah Region seized 18 excavators from illegal mining sites this week. Regional Minister Salisu Be-Awuribe emphasized that the destruction of water bodies must stop. Simultaneously, NDC Chairman Asiedu Nketiah has urged local communities to exercise ‘positive defiance’ against illegal miners on their lands.
'Galamsey' (illegal small-scale mining) remains a critical environmental threat in Ghana, polluting major rivers like the Pra and Ankobra. The previous government's 'Operation Halt' saw limited success, leading to current calls for more localized resistance.
Prominent businessman Dr. Ofori Sarpong has publicly charged the Black Stars to prioritize national pride over financial incentives as the team prepares for upcoming qualifying windows.
Black Stars context: National sentiment remains fragile following recent tournament disappointments; the new administration is under pressure to deliver a successful qualification campaign for the 2028 AFCON.
Today we covered the massive $10B gold revenue surge and the government's move to secure a 30% local stake, President Mahama's new State Assets Protection Bill, and the sweeping revocation of all national gun permits. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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