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President John Dramani Mahama departed Accra on January 11, 2026, for a high-stakes trip to the United Kingdom and Davos, Switzerland. In the UK, the President is scheduled to hold consultations regarding the 'Accra Reset' initiative, his flagship policy designed to overhaul Ghana's governance and economic systems. He will then proceed to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos to engage with global heads of state and business leaders to foster diplomatic ties and economic cooperation.
This trip is a litmus test for the Mahama administration's ability to attract international capital. Following the 2022-2023 economic crisis and the subsequent transition of power in 2025, global investors are looking for signals of long-term policy stability in Ghana.
The 'Accra Reset' is the cornerstone of the NDC administration that took office on January 7, 2025. It focuses on reversing the economic challenges seen during the latter years of the Akufo-Addo government, particularly regarding debt management and public sector efficiency.
The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has released a comprehensive review of the administration's first year, citing 'missed opportunities' and rising insecurity. The report specifically points to the persistent conflict in Bawku and the use of 'nolle prosequi' in legal cases as factors damaging public trust. Simultaneously, Dennis Miracles Aboagye of the NPP critiqued the administration at a People's Forum, noting that the price of basic goods like kenkey has hit GHc10 (~$0.93 USD) and bottled water GHc36 (~$3.36 USD) per pack, arguing that the cost of living has worsened despite reported drops in inflation.
These critiques suggest that the honeymoon period for the Mahama government has ended. For the administration to maintain its mandate, it must translate high-level economic indicators into relief for the average household.
The Bawku conflict mentioned in the report is a long-standing chieftaincy and ethnic dispute in the Upper East Region that frequently flares up, requiring heavy military presence and disrupting trade with neighboring Burkina Faso.
Former Deputy Attorney General Alfred Tuah-Yeboah has challenged the current Attorney General's decision to drop the Saglemi housing project case. Tuah-Yeboah argues that $196 million USD was paid for 5,000 houses, yet only 1,506 were built, with the actual value of work estimated at just $67 million USD. He insists the case docket contains sufficient evidence of financial loss to the state.
Whether public pressure or parliamentary oversight committees force a reopening of the investigation into the Saglemi project, which has become a symbol of wasted public resources across multiple administrations.
The Ministry of Finance announced that the government paid approximately $393 million USD (GHc4.22 billion) to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) during the 2025 fiscal year. This is part of a larger GHc15.77 billion (~$1.47 billion USD) initiative to clear legacy debts in the energy sector. Key payments included $120 million USD to Karpowership and $59.44 million USD to Cenpower. The government is also implementing a 'Cash Waterfall Mechanism' to ensure more predictable payments moving forward.
This is a major positive signal for the energy and infrastructure sectors. By clearing these arrears and renegotiating contracts, the government is reducing the 'circular debt' that has historically made the Ghanaian energy market high-risk.
Stable electricity is a prerequisite for the '24-hour economy' the government is promoting. If successful, this could reduce the cost of running businesses for your family members back home and improve the reliability of cold-chain logistics for startups.
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has announced a 10% indexation increase for 2026, raising the minimum monthly pension from GHc300 (~$27.96 USD) to GHc400 (~$37.28 USD). This adjustment will cost the trust GHc616.6 million (~$57.47 million USD) this year. Director-General Kwesi Afreh Biney noted that SSNIT, which manages assets of GHc25 billion (~$2.33 billion USD), is looking to diversify its portfolio into the energy and hospitality sectors.
With a target of adding 200,000 new contributors by late 2026, SSNIT is attempting to capture more of the informal sector to ensure the long-term sustainability of the pension fund.
For those considering a permanent return to Ghana or managing the affairs of retired parents, the increase in minimum pensions offers a slight buffer against inflation, though it remains below the actual cost of living in urban centers like Accra.
A University of Ghana study has endorsed the 'Ghana Gold Board' (GoldBod) as a vital tool for forex stability. By centralizing gold exports and integrating small-scale miners, the board could help the cedi retain value. Meanwhile, the Ghana Publishing Company reported that it has increased revenues and saved 100 jobs by adopting the 24-Hour Economy policy, allowing for a 40% staff salary increase.
Keep an eye on the 2026 'make-or-break' year for the medicinal cannabis industry. The Chamber of Cannabis Industry is pushing for full implementation of the 2020 low-THC policy, which could open a new pharmaceutical export pillar for Ghana.
Police in Nsawam have arrested five suspects in connection with the kidnapping of Seidu Sambiane and Ibrahim Alhassan. The kidnappers had demanded a ransom of GHc400,000 (~$37,279 USD). Following an intelligence-led operation, the victims were rescued unharmed near the Suhum Roundabout. Police recovered a foreign pistol and forged currency from the suspects.
Ghana has seen a concerning rise in kidnapping-for-ransom cases over the last three years, often targeting travelers on major highways. This successful rescue is being touted as a victory for the police's new intelligence-driven rapid response units.
National Security operatives in Tamale have begun using a public clean-up initiative as a deterrent for street prostitution. Women arrested in the central business district are required to participate in urban cleaning tasks. While some locals praise the 'sanitation for rehabilitation' approach, others worry it does not address the economic desperation fueling the trade.
Human rights organizations are likely to monitor this initiative closely to see if the 'public shaming' aspect of the clean-ups violates the dignity of the individuals involved.
Ghanaian international Antoine Semenyo made a dream start to his Manchester City career, netting a goal and providing an assist in a 10-1 FA Cup demolition of Exeter City. Semenyo's performance earned him the Man of the Match award and solidified his status as one of the most exciting Ghanaian talents in the Premier League.
Black Stars context: Semenyo's elite form is a major boost for the Black Stars ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. His ability to perform at the highest level in England gives Coach Otto Addo more tactical flexibility in the attack.
In the Ghana Premier League, Bechem United boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win over defending champions Bibiani GoldStars, thanks to a 15th-minute strike by Augustine Okrah. Meanwhile, Dreams FC dominated Heart of Lions 3-0, with goals from veteran John Antwi, Collins Boah, and Adams Aminu.
Ghanaian casting director Mawuko Kuadzi has been nominated for an Artios Award in the International Feature category for his work on the film The Fisherman. This follows his historic win last year and further cements Ghana's place in the global film industry. The Fisherman was also recently named Best Ghanaian Film at the REFFA Awards.
This international recognition helps open doors for Ghanaian actors to be cast in major Hollywood and European productions, potentially creating a significant cultural export revenue stream for the country.
Today we covered President Mahama's departure for the World Economic Forum, the government's major $393 million USD payment to stabilize the energy sector, and a successful kidnapping rescue in Nsawam. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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