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Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to immigration status complications. His legal team describes the detention as procedural, stemming from a permanent residency petition filed by his son, a U.S. citizen. However, the situation is clouded by corruption charges pending against him in Ghana and reports of an extradition order sent to U.S. authorities. His lawyers have criticized the Office of the Special Prosecutor for delays in pursuing legal action, which they claim are complicating his ability to return to Ghana.
This detention represents a significant moment for political accountability in Ghana. As the first major official of the previous NPP administration to face international detention related to domestic legal issues, the case will be a litmus test for the Mahama administration's ability to coordinate with international partners on extradition and corruption cases.
Ken Ofori-Atta served as Ghana's Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024 under President Akufo-Addo. He oversaw the controversial period leading up to the 2022-2023 IMF bailout and the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). His detention comes amid the NDC's promises to investigate high-level fiscal misconduct.
Approximately 2,000 rubber farmers in the Western Region have petitioned the Regional Minister against a proposed ban on raw rubber exports. The farmers argue that restricting exports would devastate rural livelihoods and increase poverty by removing competitive pricing from the international market. They have distanced themselves from the Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana, which they claim does not represent the interests of small-scale producers.
Whether the government pivots to a phased value-addition strategy or proceeds with a hard ban to force domestic processing. The outcome will signal how the new administration balances industrialization goals with immediate rural economic security.
The Koforidua High Court has dismissed an election petition filed by the NDC and Oboafo Kwadwo Asante against the victory of Frank Asiedu Bekoe (Protozoa) in Suhum. Justice George Krofa Addae ruled the petition unmeritorious due to a lack of evidence and ordered the petitioners to pay GHc200,000 (~$18,639 USD) in costs.
This ruling helps stabilize the parliamentary majority of the NDC-led government by closing a potential avenue for seat flipping, while also reinforcing the high evidentiary bar for challenging electoral results.
Ghana's inflation rate has reached a four-year low of 5.4% in December 2025, marking the twelfth consecutive monthly decline. This is a massive drop from the 23.8% recorded in December 2024. Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama attributed the success to strict fiscal discipline, improved food supply, and a reduction in the monetary policy rate from 27% to 18%. Additionally, international reserves have hit a historic high of over $13.8 billion USD.
This low inflation environment provides a critical window for the private sector to expand as borrowing costs decrease. It also validates the aggressive monetary policy tightening of the past 18 months.
Your remittances now have significantly more stable local purchasing power. With inflation under control, sending money for construction or business investment in Ghana is less risky than in previous years.
This marks a strong market signal. Look for increased activity in the Ghana Stock Exchange as capital shifts from high-yield government bonds toward corporate equity and infrastructure projects.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has officially implemented a major VAT overhaul. Key changes include reducing the VAT rate from 20%, raising the registration threshold from GHc200,000 (~$18,639 USD) to GHc750,000 (~$69,897 USD), and abolishing the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy. Simultaneously, SSNIT has increased minimum monthly pensions by 33% to GHc400 (~$37.28 USD) to support low-income retirees.
The increased VAT threshold is a major boon for SMEs, likely increasing the formalization of small businesses and improving their eligibility for credit.
Despite high global prices, Ghana's large-scale mining output dropped from 104 metric tons in 2024 to 101 metric tons in 2025. Economist Senyo Hosi warned that higher prices do not necessarily mean higher output due to regulatory hurdles and smuggling. The government is now partnering with the World Gold Council (WGC) to launch regulated community processing plants within six months.
Mining remains Ghana's largest foreign exchange earner. The decline in official production often indicates a surge in illegal 'galamsey' mining or informal trade that bypasses state tax channels.
Health officials have sounded the alarm over a generalized HIV epidemic in Ghana. The Ashanti Region alone reported 2,997 new cases in 2024—averaging nine daily infections. National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) data shows infection rates among key populations remain dangerously high, including female sex workers (45%) and transgender women (48%). Stigma remains the primary barrier to treatment, especially among men.
A push for targeted youth interventions and a possible increase in funding for the National AIDS Control Programme in the 2026 supplementary budget.
The Ghana Police Service arrested Hamza Agerego (alias Nene Bawku) and Alhassan Elliasu (alias Arab Man) in Ashaiman on January 7. They are linked to the violent November 2024 robbery of an Adabraka jewellery shop. Firearms, including pump-action guns, were recovered during the sting operation.
These high-profile arrests are crucial for restoring public confidence in urban security, following a series of daring daytime robberies in Accra during late 2024 and 2025.
Ghanaian winger Antoine Semenyo has completed a £64 million (~$81 million USD) move from Bournemouth to Manchester City. The 5.5-year contract makes him the most expensive Ghanaian player ever, surpassing the fees paid for Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey. Semenyo will wear the number 42 jersey and join Pep Guardiola's squad immediately.
Black Stars context: Semenyo's move to a top-tier global club provides the national team with an elite-level forward as Ghana prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Host nation Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 on January 24, 2025, to reach the AFCON semi-finals. Brahim Díaz scored his fifth goal of the tournament, solidifying his lead for the Golden Boot. Morocco will face the winner of Algeria vs. Nigeria.
U.S.-based Ghanaian music mogul CEO Pryme has pledged $10 million (~GHc107.3 million USD) through his EZ Streets Record label to support local talent. The investment aims to address the financing gap that prevents Ghanaian artists from reaching global distribution. Meanwhile, Black Sherif's Zaama Disco 2025 concert at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium sold out entirely via digital sales.
Institutional capital in the arts is rare in Ghana. This $10 million commitment could provide the infrastructure needed for artists to scale without relying on predatory management deals.
Today we covered Ghana's historic drop in inflation to 5.4%, the landmark transfer of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, and the developing international legal situation involving former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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