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Marking one year since his inauguration on January 7, 2025, President John Mahama has announced the start of the Accra-Kumasi Expressway. The project is part of a larger $13 billion investment in the "Big Push" program for 2023, with $30.8 billion allocated for 2026 projects. While political analysts like Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante praise the administration for low corruption levels, the government remains under pressure regarding illegal mining (galamsey). Despite signs of river recovery in the Central Region, the lack of prosecutions for illegal miners remains a point of contention.
The Accra-Kumasi Expressway is more than a road; it is a vital economic artery connecting Ghana's two largest markets. Success here and in the anti-corruption space will define the NDC's ability to maintain public trust through 2026.
President Mahama took office following the 2024 elections, succeeding Nana Akufo-Addo. The "Big Push" is the administration's signature infrastructure strategy designed to modernize Ghana's logistics network.
Labour consultant Austin Gamey is urging patience as hundreds of nurses and midwives report receiving only one month's pay after nearly a year of service. The crisis is attributed to an "abysmal" transitional validation process during the government handover. While health workers are threatening protests, Gamey advises constructive engagement, asserting the government has the capacity to clear the arrears once validation is complete.
If validation issues are not resolved by the end of Q1, a coordinated health sector strike could disrupt national medical services.
The Dombo family has officially labeled reports of their endorsement of Dr. Bryan Acheampong as "palpable falsehoods." Reaffirming their support for Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the family criticized the publication "United in Truth" for spreading misinformation ahead of the January 31, 2026, NPP flagbearership primary.
The Dombo tradition represents the Northern faction of the NPP's founding Danquah-Busia-Dombo trio. Their endorsement is a powerful symbol of legitimacy within the party's internal hierarchy.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has closed 2025 with record international reserves of $13.8 billion, a massive jump from $7.4 billion in late 2024. This liquidity surge, coupled with a 40% appreciation of the cedi against the USD, has provided the BoG with the ammunition to sell $1 billion in FX in January 2026 to stabilize the market. Additionally, the government seeks to raise GHc7.5 billion (~$698.97 million USD) from the domestic market to meet short-term needs.
The BoG's planned exit from the IMF program by mid-2026 and the successful FX intermediation program signal a return to sovereign market health. Average T-Bill rates are stabilizing around 12%.
With the cedi strengthening significantly, the cost of buying property or investing in local businesses has stabilized, though your USD remittances now yield fewer cedis compared to 2024. At the current rate of GHc10.73, $100 converts to GHc1,073.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) confirms that reducing the VAT rate to 15% and removing the COVID-19 Levy has returned approximately GHc6.5 billion (~$605.78 million USD) to consumers. GRA officials in Accra are currently conducting compliance checks at major retailers like Palace Mall to ensure price drops are being passed on to shoppers.
This tax relief is a direct attempt to cool inflation and stimulate domestic consumption. It effectively gives households a 1.9% increase in purchasing power.
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has moved to formalize the artisanal mining sector by naming Bawa Rock Ltd as its exclusive aggregator. To combat gold smuggling, GoldBod is rolling out a blockchain-based "track-and-trace" system in 2026. GoldBod clarified it is an "institutional upgrade" of the PMMC, focused on building national gold reserves rather than just retail profit.
Ghana is one of Africa's top gold producers, but illegal smuggling has historically drained millions in potential foreign exchange. The blockchain initiative aims to meet international "conflict-free gold" standards.
Residents of Cape Coast should prepare for a significant power outage on January 8, 2026, from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. GridCo is replacing a 33MVA transformer with a new 66MVA unit to double capacity and improve reliability for the Central Region.
Successful completion of this upgrade will likely reduce the frequent localized "dumsor" incidents reported in the Cape Coast metropolis.
The foundation marked its anniversary by donating GHc70,000 (~$6,523.77 USD) to the Sogakope District Hospital to settle medical bills for over 100 needy patients. The outreach included "Love at First Cry" hampers for new mothers.
Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua was involved in a fatal car accident in Ogun State, Nigeria, on December 29. While Joshua survived with minor injuries, his coach and a close friend were killed. The driver has been charged with dangerous driving.
In a landmark deal for Ghanaian football, Antoine Semenyo is set to undergo a medical for Manchester City following a £65 million agreement with Bournemouth. However, the national team faces a crisis as key defender Mohammed Salisu (AS Monaco) has suffered a season-ending ACL tear, ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup group stages against England, Croatia, and Panama.
Black Stars context: Coach Otto Addo is also monitoring Mohammed Kudus, who suffered a minor injury scare during his latest Premier League outing. Losing both Salisu and Kudus would severely handicap Ghana's defensive and creative spines.
The tournament has reached the final eight. Ivory Coast thrashed Burkina Faso 3-0, while Nigeria dominated Mozambique 4-0 behind a Victor Osimhen brace. Sudan, led by Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, has remarkably advanced despite not scoring a goal in the group stages.
In the Ghana Premier League, Swedru All Blacks secured a historic 2-1 upset over Asante Kotoko, leaving the Porcupine Warriors four points off the top. Medeama SC remains league leaders with 34 points after beating Hearts of Oak 1-0.
Nigerian superstar Mr Eazi used the platform of Detty Rave 7 in Accra to announce a $2 million investment in a new 3,000-capacity event center for Ghana. The festival featured Davido, King Promise, and Wande Coal, further cementing Accra as a global December destination.
Ghana suffers from a lack of mid-sized, purpose-built creative venues. This investment will improve the profitability of local concerts and attract more international tours.
The choir completed a 5-nation tour including Vienna, Prague, and Hamburg, promoting Ghanaian choral music. Director Dr. Albert Adusei Dua highlighted the tour as a cultural bridge building toward their 15th anniversary next year.
Today we covered President Mahama's first-year infrastructure milestones, the record-breaking $13.8 billion economic recovery, and the bittersweet football news of Semenyo's Man City move against Salisu's World Cup-ending injury. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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