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Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is currently being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid a complex legal battle. While Ofori-Atta is seeking an adjustment of status to remain in the U.S., the involvement of the FBI suggests that the case has moved beyond simple immigration violations to potential criminal charges. Ghana's High Commissioner to the U.S., Victor Smith, confirmed that the Ghanaian government has formally requested Ofori-Atta's extradition to face corruption charges related to his tenure. Meanwhile, Ofori-Atta has reportedly refused to meet with consular officials without his legal team present.
This is a watershed moment for accountability in Ghana. The detention of a high-profile former minister by U.S. authorities, coupled with an extradition request, could set a major precedent for how financial irregularities from previous administrations are handled under the Mahama presidency.
The Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) scandal refers to a controversial multi-million dollar revenue assurance contract awarded during Ofori-Atta's tenure, which critics and investigative journalists alleged was unnecessary and fraudulent. Ofori-Atta's legal team maintains that his stay in the U.S. is related to medical and legal petitions for status adjustment.
Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, a former Minister and NPP stalwart, has publicly labeled the current state of the New Patriotic Party as "fake." He criticized the party's recent internal elections for alleged bribery and warned that re-electing past leaders would be a "trainwreck." These comments come as the party struggles to redefine itself following its 2024 electoral loss. Other figures, including Okatakyei Afrifa-Mensah, have argued that Ofori-Atta's legal troubles in the U.S. are making the party "unattractive" to the electorate.
Internal fractures within the largest opposition party could weaken their ability to provide effective oversight of the Mahama administration's policies.
The family of the late Joseph Trumah Bayel, former MP for Sawla-Tuna-Kalba, has appealed to President Mahama to intervene in a dispute with local chief Tunawura Daniel Mahama Amantana. The chief is demanding GHc944,955 (~$88,067 USD) to settle legal costs from a 1990s land ownership case before the burial can proceed. The family, prominent NDC members, describes the situation as a source of political humiliation.
Chieftaincy and land disputes in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba area often intersect with political affiliations, making local resolution difficult without higher executive or judicial intervention.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has declared the Ghana Card as the sole mandatory identification for all financial transactions. Under the new directive, customers without a verified card can still receive deposits but are prohibited from withdrawing funds. A 90-day grace period has been granted for those with biometric data issues, and a mandatory "liveness check" will be added to digital transactions to prevent fraud.
This move accelerates Ghana's shift toward a digital economy but risks temporary financial exclusion for the millions who have faced delays in NIA card issuance.
If you hold a Ghanaian bank account, ensure your Ghana Card details are linked immediately. Non-residents may use passports for specific transactions, but regular domestic banking functionality will now require the card.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is aiming for a GHc225 billion (~$20.97 billion USD) revenue target in 2026. To achieve this, the GRA is implementing major VAT reforms, including raising the registration threshold from GHc200,000 (~$18,639 USD) to GHc750,000 (~$69,897 USD). This change is intended to remove the tax burden from small businesses while focusing enforcement on larger entities. The effective VAT rate is also being reduced to 20%.
The higher threshold provides significant relief for SMEs, potentially boosting entrepreneurship and reducing the informal sector's cost of compliance.
The reduction in effective VAT and the introduction of input tax credits for NHIL and GETFund levies signal a more business-friendly tax regime designed to stimulate domestic investment.
Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has announced a restructuring of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP) after it recorded cumulative losses of GHc4.893 billion (~$456 million USD) between 2022 and 2024. While the programme successfully mobilized $17 billion in gold value to stabilize the cedi, structural costs and timing issues led to the deficit. New reforms include tighter transaction controls and reducing costs to 1.7%.
A forensic audit has been demanded by the Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) to investigate discrepancies in the Gold-for-Reserves policy. Parliament's Public Accounts Committee is expected to intensify its scrutiny of the Bank's gold-buying contracts.
The Ghana Police Service has arrested seven suspects and rescued 48 young adults and students in the Volta Region. The syndicate allegedly used fraudulent visa processing services to lure victims, holding them in coercive conditions. Police recovered receipts and documents linked to the scam and are currently tracing the families of the victims.
This case highlights the dangers of unregulated "visa agents." Remind relatives in Ghana to only use official embassy channels for travel documentation.
Police have arrested a man named Paa Kwesi for the alleged assault of Madam Charlotte, a landlady in Agona Nyakrom. The fatal confrontation began when the landlady questioned a tenant about human waste dumped outside her room. The suspect, the tenant's grandson, allegedly struck her with a belt, triggering a health crisis related to high blood pressure that led to her death.
The autopsy results from the Agona Swedru Mortuary will be crucial in determining whether the assault was the direct cause of death, which will define the final charges against Paa Kwesi.
Gunmen in military uniforms abducted eight residents from a hotel in Ibillo, Edo State. The kidnappers initially demanded N100 million, later reduced to N70 million. One victim was shot during an escape attempt and is being treated.
While this occurred in Nigeria, it reflects a broader regional security challenge regarding highway and hotel safety that often impacts cross-border travelers in West Africa.
Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is set to depart Villarreal on June 30, 2026. Despite a high-profile move from Arsenal, Partey has only made 18 appearances due to tactical mismatches and injury concerns. Head coach Marcelino has reportedly informed the club that Partey's high wages and current form do not align with their long-term midfield strategy.
Black Stars context: Partey remains a central figure for Ghana. His search for a new club in the summer will be closely watched, as his playing time directly affects the Black Stars' readiness for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Asante Kotoko head coach Abdul Karim Zito expressed frustration after a 0-0 home draw against Berekum Chelsea. The result leaves Kotoko in fourth place with 31 points. Zito cited a lack of focus and urged for a turnaround in their upcoming match against Bibiani GoldStars.
In the domestic league, player welfare remains a flashpoint. Former Hearts of Oak player Frederick Ansah Botchway recently noted that some local players earn as little as GHc400 (~$37.28 USD) per month, leading to a massive talent drain to foreign leagues.
Following the death of Highlife legend Daddy Lumba, a public declaration by Nana Osei Kwame Kyeretwie at Kotoka International Airport has sparked debate. He affirmed that Akosua Serwaa is the musician's only officially recognized wife, attempting to settle social media disputes regarding another claimant, Odo Broni.
The estate and legacy of Daddy Lumba are of immense cultural importance in Ghana. Such declarations by traditional authorities often carry significant weight in inheritance and customary proceedings.
Today we covered the escalating legal situation of Ken Ofori-Atta in the U.S., the Bank of Ghana's strict new mandate for the Ghana Card, and the rescue of 48 trafficking victims in Ho. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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