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Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta Faces U.S. Court -- The revocation of Ofori-Atta's visitor visa by ICE and potential extradition to Ghana marks a critical milestone in the Office of the Special Prosecutor's investigation into the SML corruption case, signaling a heightened push for accountability under the new administration.
IFC Injects $300 Million into Cocoa Sector to Resolve Liquidity Crisis -- By providing vital financing to licensed buying companies and farmers, the IFC is stepping in to stabilize Ghana's primary export industry as COCOBOD faces significant financial challenges, ensuring cocoa farmers receive timely payments.
Mining Industry Alarmed by Proposed Royalty Hikes and Fiscal Reform -- The government's plan to increase gold royalties to 12% and eliminate stability agreements has triggered warnings from the Ghana Chamber of Mines about potential project delays and a significant loss of investor confidence in Africa's top gold producer.
Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is scheduled to appear in a U.S. court on January 20, 2026. This legal action follows the formal revocation of his visitor visa by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a move linked to ongoing investigations by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). The OSP is investigating allegations of corruption related to the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) case. Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine has clarified that the visa was not simply expired but actively revoked to facilitate potential extradition proceedings. Additionally, former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu is expected in court on January 21, 2026, for her own extradition-related matters.
This case is a major test for the Mahama administration's anti-corruption agenda. Ofori-Atta was a central figure in the previous NPP government for eight years, and his extradition would be a historic moment in Ghanaian judicial proceedings involving former high-ranking officials.
Ken Ofori-Atta served as Finance Minister from 2017 to early 2024 under Nana Akufo-Addo. The SML case involves a controversial revenue assurance contract that critics allege was awarded without proper tender processes. Ghana is currently rebuilding its image under an IMF program, making fiscal transparency and anti-corruption measures highly scrutinized by international partners.
An Accra High Court has ordered the continued detention of Alhaji Seidu Abagre, the rival Bawku Naba, until February 2, 2026. Following his arrest on December 24, 2025, and a mediation report from the Asantehene recommending his removal, Abagre faces charges including provoking a riot and unlawful impersonation of a chief. The court's decision sparked immediate protests by Mamprusi youth outside the courtroom, who demand his release and claim the charges are politically motivated. His attorney, Martin Kpebu, plans to file a habeas corpus application on January 26 to challenge the legality of the detention.
The Bawku conflict is one of Ghana's most volatile security challenges. Any legal or traditional ruling regarding the chieftaincy can lead to immediate physical conflict on the ground, affecting regional stability and trade routes to Burkina Faso.
The Bawku dispute centers on a long-standing rivalry between the Kusasi and Mamprusi ethnic groups over the Bawku skin (throne). The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has been mediating the crisis to prevent further bloodshed in the Upper East Region.
The University Teachers’ Association of Ghana, University of Ghana Branch (UTAG-UG), has called for the immediate resignation of Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai and Prof. Augustine Ocloo of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). UTAG-UG accuses GTEC of administrative overreach, specifically criticizing a directive that mandates lecturers retire at age 60, which they claim undermines institutional autonomy. The association has given the leaders until January 31, 2026, to resign or face potential industrial action.
If UTAG-UG proceeds with a strike in February, it could disrupt the academic calendar across the country's premier university, potentially prompting other branches to join in solidarity.
The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) conducted intelligence-led operations along the River Bisi and in the Tano North District on January 19, 2026. Officials destroyed makeshift shelters and heavy machinery at various galamsey sites in Sukuumu and Adrobaa. The operations aim to halt the pollution of the Tano River and restore lands vital for local agriculture.
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has pledged up to $300 million (~GHc3.22 billion USD) to address the financing gap in Ghana's cocoa industry. With $100 million (~GHc1.07 billion USD) already committed, the funds target Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) who have struggled as the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) delayed its usual financing. IFC Senior Country Manager Kyle Kelhofer stated that this private-sector model ensures liquidity without adding to Ghana's sovereign public debt. In a related boost, Kelhofer reported a surge in renewable energy proposals, with solar project targets jumping from 20MW to 400MW.
Cocoa is Ghana's second-largest foreign exchange earner. A liquidity crunch at the farmer level could lead to increased smuggling to neighboring countries, further reducing Ghana's official output.
At the current exchange rate of GHc10.73 per dollar, the local impact of these multi-million dollar investments is amplified. Improving the cocoa sector's health supports the millions of rural families who depend on it for their livelihoods.
The IFC's shift toward large-scale solar (400MW) indicates a maturing renewable energy market. Investors should look at the infrastructure and credit systems Kelhofer identified as the primary bottlenecks for small business lending.
The Ghana Chamber of Mines has voiced strong opposition to the government's proposed fiscal reforms. The plan involves scrapping long-term stability agreements and hiking gold royalties from the current 3-5% to a sliding scale of 9-12% based on gold prices. The Chamber warns that while they support a sliding scale in principle, the proposed rates are too high and could lead to job losses and project cancellations.
Ghana is Africa's leading gold producer. These reforms could fundamentally alter the cost-benefit analysis for multinational mining firms currently operating in or considering the country.
This signals a period of regulatory uncertainty. Watch for the outcome of consultations between the Chamber and the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources; a compromise is likely necessary to prevent capital flight.
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) will meet with the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) on January 21 to discuss the fuel price floor policy. Non-compliance with the floor could result in penalties of GHc5,000 (~$466 USD). Simultaneously, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare is engaging cement manufacturers to ensure price stability in the construction sector through transparency and compliance.
Police in Ashaiman have arrested three more suspects in connection with the daring Adabraka gold robbery. The suspects, including Nashiru Abubakari (alias "Soldier"), Fatao Mohammed ("Motorway"), and an individual known as "50 Cent," are currently in custody. This brings the total number of individuals arrested for the high-profile heist to seven.
The recovery of the stolen gold and cash remains the primary objective. Police are expected to present all seven suspects in court later this week.
A construction truck lost control on January 17, crashing into a hairdressing salon and a residential building in Kumawu. The accident resulted in four deaths and five injuries. MP Ernest Yaw Anim visited the victims' families, promising support and calling for national solidarity during the recovery process.
Senegal secured the AFCON title in Rabat after a 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco, thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye. Despite the loss, Morocco climbed to 8th in the FIFA world rankings, while Senegal rose to 12th. The final was noted for its intensity and some controversy, including a missed last-minute penalty by Morocco's Brahim Diaz.
Black Stars context: Ghana's football fans and pundits are urging the national team to adopt Senegal's "collective approach" as they prepare for upcoming qualifiers. The success of North and West African rivals emphasizes the work needed for the Black Stars to return to the top 10 in Africa.
Manchester City has completed the signing of 25-year-old defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace on a five-and-a-half-year deal. City secured the England international for £20 million, following their earlier purchase of Ghanaian star Antoine Semenyo for £62.5 million.
Young Apostles CEO Gerald Domfeh announced the club will boycott the remainder of the Ghana Premier League season. Currently 15th, the club cites persistent poor officiating as the reason, stating they prefer to compete in the Division One League where player sales are more lucrative.
Pundit MC Portfolio has urged the Telecel Ghana Music Awards board to look beyond streaming numbers when evaluating the success of songs. He argues that in Ghana, radio play, nightclub impact, and traditional cultural relevance are equally important metrics, advocating for artists like Wendy Shay to be recognized for their massive local presence.
This highlights the digital divide in Ghana's music industry, where high-streaming artists may not always be the most popular on the ground in rural or non-digital spaces.
Today we covered the significant legal pressures facing former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, the IFC's $300 million lifeline for the cocoa sector, and the brewing tension over mining royalty hikes. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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