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Ghanaian security forces in Wuru, Upper West Region, apprehended 17 armed soldiers from Burkina Faso, aged 20-30, who were reportedly setting up a combat position. The soldiers claimed they crossed the border accidentally during a routine patrol and were released after several hours on orders from high-ranking officials. Meanwhile, residents of Paga in the Upper East Region are demanding clarity regarding a suspicious aircraft (tail number 60171) that landed three times between December 28 and 31. The Paga Youth Movement alleges the occupants refused to disembark and suspects the plane is linked to the U.S. Army or arms transport for Burkina Faso.
These incidents occur amid heightened regional instability in the Sahel. Unauthorized military incursions and mystery aircraft landings can trigger local panic and risk diplomatic friction with the Burkinabe junta.
Ghana's northern borders are increasingly sensitive due to the spread of extremist violence from Burkina Faso into the coastal West African states. The Paga airstrip is a strategic point for regional trade and security surveillance.
In his 2026 New Year address, President John Dramani Mahama framed his upcoming term as a call for a governance reset rather than mere political campaigning. Analysts, including Professor Kwaku Asare, noted themes of 'One Ghana,' institutional accountability, and framing corruption as a violation of public trust. The President emphasized that economic stability and unity are the pillars of his administration's forward-looking agenda.
This signals the administration's intent to distance itself from the polarization of the previous election cycle and focus on long-term institutional reform.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has announced its Foreign Exchange Intermediation Programme for January 2026, which will see $1 billion USD injected into the market through auctions to commercial banks. This move aims to curb volatility and support the cedi, which started the year trading at a central interbank rate of GHc10.45 (~$0.91 USD) per $1. In the bureau market, the cedi remains slightly higher at GHc12.35 (~$1.07 USD) for selling.
Sustained liquidity is crucial for importers and helps maintain the downward trend in inflation that began in late 2025.
The cedi's relative stability at GHc10.45 compared to last year's lows means the cost of local projects and family support may remain more predictable in USD terms.
This injection demonstrates the BoG's aggressive stance on currency management post-debt restructuring, signaling a more predictable environment for repatriating profits.
The Minister for Communications has confirmed that the 33% to 50% price increases for DStv subscriptions will remain in force. Despite the hikes, officials report an increase in subscriptions due to 'enhanced value' packages. Simultaneously, the global automotive market is shifting as China's BYD surpassed Tesla in EV sales, reaching 2.25 million units in 2025.
International streaming piracy is being targeted by Ghanaian regulators; ensure family subscriptions are through legitimate channels to avoid service disruptions.
A bus carrying members of the Believers Worship Centre collided with a street parade on the Assin Fosu-Kumasi Highway, killing two people, including a 21-year-old student, and injuring 21 others. In a separate community action, a group of citizens was filmed confronting a Ghana Immigration Service officer for allegedly abusing his wife, who had visible facial injuries.
The investigation into the Assin Fosu driver's conduct and potential disciplinary action by the Ghana Immigration Service regarding the domestic violence allegations.
Following a dominant qualifying campaign where they topped Group I with 25 points, the Black Stars are preparing for their World Cup opener against Panama on June 17 in Toronto. Jordan Ayew led the qualifiers as top scorer with 7 goals and 7 assists. Former international Laryea Kingston has cautioned the team not to underestimate Panama before facing England and Croatia.
Black Stars context: Ghana aims to redeem its reputation after early exits in the 2022 and 2014 tournaments. Mohammed Kudus and Jordan Ayew are in peak form heading into the summer.
Boxing champion Anthony Joshua was discharged from a hospital in Nigeria after his vehicle hit a stationary truck in Ogun State on December 29, 2025. Tragically, his personal trainer and a close friend were killed in the accident. Joshua's driver has been charged with dangerous driving.
Ghana hosted 'Countdown Africa' at Black Star Square, marking the first time a New Year's Eve fireworks celebration from Africa was broadcast live on the BBC. The event featured Stonebwoy and Sarkodie, whose 'Bhim Festival' and 'Rapperholic' concerts were recently ranked as the top festive events in the country.
This historic broadcast significantly boosts Ghana's 'Beyond the Return' initiative, cementing Accra as the global destination for the December festive season.
Today we covered Ghana's roadmap to exiting the IMF program, the $1 billion forex intervention to stabilize the cedi, and critical security developments on our northern borders. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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