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Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with Ambassador Victor Smith confirming that the FBI is also involved. While the immediate cause of detention was a lapsed visa in late November, the FBI's presence suggests potential criminal inquiries beyond immigration status. Reports indicate the Ghanaian government may have requested cooperation regarding the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) corruption investigation. Ofori-Atta has reportedly declined to meet with Ghanaian embassy officials without his legal team present.
This is a rare instance of a high-ranking former official facing potential legal action in a foreign jurisdiction. It suggests that the current Mahama administration is leveraging international partnerships to pursue accountability for previous fiscal policies and scandals.
The SML scandal involved a controversial multi-million dollar contract for revenue assurance in the petroleum and mining sectors. Ofori-Atta served as Finance Minister for eight years under President Akufo-Addo before the NPP's electoral defeat in late 2024.
Renowned heart surgeon and former Minister Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng has characterized the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a 'fake' version of its original self. He alleged that recent internal elections were marred by coercion and bribery, warning that re-electing past leaders like former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would be a "trainwreck." He further argued that Ghana's development lacks a scientific foundation, urging a move toward long-term, research-driven planning similar to the Chinese model.
As a prominent NPP insider, Frimpong-Boateng's vocal dissent highlights deep-seated ideological fractures within the main opposition party following its 2024 loss.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has confirmed the arrest of a suspect involved in a fraudulent recruitment scheme targeting hopeful security service applicants. The Minister emphasized that all recruitment into the police and other services will be strictly merit-based, warning the public against paying middlemen to secure positions.
Increased surveillance at recruitment centers as the government attempts to professionalize the security services and eliminate the 'whom you know' culture.
Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama reported that the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) has successfully mobilized over $17 billion (~$1.58 billion USD) in gold value since 2021. In 2025 alone, the initiative contributed nearly $10 billion (~$932 million USD) in foreign exchange. However, the program has faced GHS4.893 billion (~$456 million USD) in cumulative losses, which the Bank of Ghana (BoG) attributes to transaction costs and timing effects. The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has slammed the program as a "governance failure," demanding that officials testify before Parliament regarding the lack of transparency.
The gold strategy is the primary buffer for the Cedi's stability. While it has built reserves, the massive accounting losses create a political liability for the central bank.
The BoG's plan to slash transaction fees to 1.7% in 2026 suggests a more efficient operational framework is coming. This may reduce the fiscal drag on the central bank's balance sheet.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has set a target of GHc225 billion (~$20.97 billion USD) for 2026. To achieve this, the VAT registration threshold will be tripled from GHc200,000 (~$18,639 USD) to GHc750,000 (~$69,897 USD), exempting thousands of small businesses from compliance burdens. The effective VAT rate will also be reduced to 20% while abolishing the Flat Rate Scheme.
If you are running or planning a small business in Ghana, these reforms significantly reduce your tax compliance paperwork if your annual turnover is under GHc750,000.
Container traffic at Tema and Takoradi ports rose by 23.2% in the first three quarters of 2025, reaching 647,536 containers. Conversely, passenger arrivals dipped slightly by 1.3%. This suggests a decoupling of trade growth from general travel trends.
The surge in container traffic indicates robust domestic demand and improving trade logistics, signaling a positive outlook for the retail and manufacturing sectors.
Police in the Volta Region successfully dismantled a syndicate that lured victims with false promises of overseas jobs. Seven suspects were arrested. Evidence recovered included receipts for visa payments and coercive documentation.
This is a vital reminder to verify all travel and recruitment agencies through official channels before allowing family members in Ghana to commit funds or travel documents to third parties.
A Columbia University study warns that PM2.5 levels in Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale are 5-10 times higher than WHO limits. In 2023, over 16,000 adults died prematurely due to exposure, primarily from traffic emissions and seasonal dust.
Potential new emission regulations for commercial vehicles and a push for improved air quality monitoring stations in urban centers.
Ghanaian star Thomas Partey is expected to leave Villarreal on June 30, 2026, when his contract expires. Partey has struggled for minutes under coach Marcelino, making only 18 appearances. The club's desire to offload his high wages and shift midfield strategy has made his departure inevitable.
Black Stars context: Regular playing time is crucial for Partey to maintain his form as the national team prepares for the next World Cup qualifying cycle.
Former Hearts of Oak midfielder Frederick Ansah Botchway has criticized the GHc400 (~$37.28 USD) monthly salaries paid to many local players. He argues that poor welfare is the primary reason why Ghanaian clubs cannot retain talent, forcing players to seek opportunities in obscure foreign leagues.
The arrival of Akosua Serwaa at Kotoka International Airport has reignited debates over the late Highlife legend Daddy Lumba's estate. The Asantehene’s Nkosuohene declared Akosua as the only recognized wife, challenging claims by other individuals.
As a cultural icon, Daddy Lumba's legacy remains a point of high national interest, and disputes over his estate often involve traditional leadership and public sentiment.
Today we covered the high-profile detention of Ken Ofori-Atta in the U.S., the debate over the Bank of Ghana's $17 billion gold strategy, and a major crackdown on human trafficking in Ho. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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