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The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has announced that individuals in possession of illegal or unregistered firearms have until January 30, 2026, to surrender them. This follows a two-week extension of the Gun Amnesty Programme (GAP) aimed at reducing the proliferation of weapons in underserved areas. Starting January 30, law enforcement will begin active arrests and prosecutions for non-compliance.
This crackdown is a priority for the new administration to ensure domestic security and reduce violent crime, particularly as regional tensions in West Africa persist. For the government, reducing the number of illegal small arms is essential for maintaining the investor-friendly image of the "Gateway to Africa."
Ghana has faced localized security challenges, including the long-standing Bawku conflict in the Upper East Region, where the use of illegal small arms has historically exacerbated ethnic and chieftaincy disputes. The amnesty is a proactive measure to prevent such tools from being used in political or social unrest.
Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has revealed that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is hesitant to return to Ghana, primarily due to fears of unfair treatment by state security and the justice system. Ofori-Atta, who is recovering from recent surgeries, reportedly fears being targeted for political reasons rather than the legal charges themselves. Bentil has proposed a trial in absentia to expedite legal proceedings and urged the government to engage in dialogue for a safe return.
The treatment of the former Finance Minister is a litmus test for the Mahama administration's commitment to the rule of law versus political retribution. It also affects international perception regarding the stability of Ghana's democratic transitions.
Ken Ofori-Atta served under President Akufo-Addo (2017-2025) and was a central figure during the 2022-2023 economic crisis and the subsequent entry into the IMF program. His tenure remains highly controversial among the Ghanaian public due to the debt restructuring that impacted many domestic bondholders.
Jeff Konadu Addo, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the NPP, has endorsed Dr. Bryan Acheampong for the party's 2028 presidential primaries, citing his logistical and financial support during the 2024 campaign. Acheampong recently disclosed he provided 62 NPP MPs with monthly allowances of GHc20,000 (~$1,864 USD) from 2021 until 2025. Simultaneously, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare has publicly condemned the "escalating corruption" among public officials, warning that those who exploit state funds will face severe repercussions.
The revelation of direct cash payments to sitting MPs by a flagbearer hopeful raises significant questions about campaign finance and internal party democracy. This juxtaposition with a high-profile religious leader’s critique of corruption signals a growing tension between political spending and public accountability.
Newly released data for 2025 reveals that 98.8% of Ghana’s small-scale mined gold exports, totaling over 103,800 kilograms, went to just two countries: Dubai (72%) and India (25%). While these exports generated over $10 billion USD and provided critical support for the Ghanaian cedi, most of the gold exported is unrefined, which significantly reduces Ghana’s bargaining power and prevents the country from capturing value-added revenue.
Concentration risk is high. Any regulatory changes or economic shifts in the UAE or India could immediately destabilize Ghana’s foreign exchange reserves and the value of the cedi.
The lack of domestic refining capacity represents a major investment opportunity in Ghana's "Gold-for-Oil" and value-addition sectors. Developing local refineries could shift Ghana from a raw material exporter to a refined metal hub.
At the current exchange rate of 1 USD = GHc10.73, the stability of the cedi is largely tied to these gold flows. Continued reliance on unrefined exports makes the cedi vulnerable to price fluctuations, which impacts the cost of living for your families back home.
IMF Director Julie Kozack has confirmed that Ghana’s resolution of a US$750 million facility with Afreximbank aligns with the Official Creditor Committee framework. This agreement is viewed as a vital step in concluding the commercial debt restructuring required under the US$3 billion IMF program. Meanwhile, the government exceeded its January Treasury bill target, raising GHc10.057 billion (~$937 million USD) against a target of GHc9.825 billion (~$916 million USD).
The oversubscription of T-bills and the Afreximbank deal suggest that institutional investor confidence is returning, though structural risks like unemployment remain.
Ghana entered an IMF program in 2023 after defaulting on most of its US$30 billion external debt. The Afreximbank deal had been a sticking point due to the bank's "preferred creditor" status.
Watch the conclusion of the IMF program in May 2026. The real test of investor confidence will be whether the government can maintain fiscal discipline (targeting a debt-to-GDP of 45% and inflation of 8%) without the IMF's immediate oversight.
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has officially dismissed claims of a GHc6 (~$0.56 USD) increase in cement prices rumored for January 19, 2026. Director-General Prof. George Agyei urged the public to ignore these reports, which he says are designed to cause market panic. Simultaneously, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has resisted calls to abolish the Fuel Price Floor Programme, arguing that it is necessary to prevent predatory pricing and maintain industry stability.
A tipper truck carrying sand lost control in Kumawu, Ashanti Region, crashing into a hair salon and killing four people instantly, including two children. This is the second major accident involving vehicles from the same construction company working on local road projects, following a previous incident where a truck crashed into a mosque.
Expect intensified community pressure on the Ministry of Roads and Highways to audit the safety protocols of contractors. The history of multiple accidents by one firm may lead to calls for license suspensions or contract reviews.
In Darkuman, Accra, a motorist rammed his car into two armed robbers who had just stolen GHc7,700 (~$718 USD) from a mobile money vendor. One suspect was apprehended by a mob and later rescued by police, while the other escaped. The stolen cash was recovered.
Mobile money vendors are frequent targets for robbery in Ghana. While the motorist's actions were effective, the ensuing mob justice highlights the lack of public trust in the swiftness of the formal justice system.
Senegal's Teranga Lions secured their second AFCON title after a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in Rabat. The match was defined by drama: Senegal's Edouard Mendy saved a 98th-minute 'Panenka' penalty from Morocco’s Brahim Diaz before Pape Gueye scored the winner in extra time. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Super Eagles claimed the bronze medal and N3.56 billion (~$2.5 million USD) in prize money after defeating Egypt on penalties.
Black Stars context: While Ghana struggled in recent tournaments, the performance of regional rivals Senegal and Nigeria serves as a benchmark for the GFA's ongoing "restructuring" of the national team ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Benny Bonsu, Chief Content Officer at Olympic Channel Services, has been named one of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sport for 2025. This recognition highlights her work in elevating African narratives within the global sports ecosystem.
Nigerian superstar Burna Boy was briefly detained by customs at a Moroccan airport over a jewelry dispute prior to his AFCON Fan Zone concert. CAF President Patrice Motsepe personally intervened to resolve the issue, allowing the artist to perform alongside Ghana’s Stonebwoy.
The collaboration between West African giants like Burna Boy and Stonebwoy at AFCON demonstrates the power of "Afrobeats and Highlife diplomacy" in fostering continental unity.
Today we covered the critical concentration of Ghana's gold exports in Dubai and India, the IMF's approval of the Afreximbank debt deal, and the final warning for the national gun amnesty. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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