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In his address to the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT), President John Dramani Mahama committed to a comprehensive review of the Single Spine Salary Structure (SSSS) and pension reforms. He acknowledged the economic strain on public sector workers and promised to collaborate with the Trades Union Congress (TUC) to align pay with the current cost of living. However, his administration faces an immediate legal hurdle: the Anchoring Democracy Advocacy Movement Ghana (ADAM-GH) has filed a Supreme Court suit seeking to block Mahama from serving, alleging his current tenure constitutes an unconstitutional third term.
The outcome of the salary reforms will determine the stability of the civil service, while the Supreme Court ruling could potentially spark a constitutional crisis if the presidency is contested.
President Mahama, who previously served from 2012-2017, returned to power on January 7, 2025. The debate over term limits hinges on whether the four-year gap between his terms resets the constitutional clock or if the two-term limit is absolute regardless of sequence.
The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has implemented stringent new guidelines for International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs), requiring a 90-day licensing process and restricting transactions exclusively to inward, person-to-person remittances in Ghana cedis. This follows a successful 2025, where the cedi appreciated 40% against the USD. As of January 5, 2026, the cedi traded at GHc10.50 (~$0.91 USD) at the central bank, though forex bureaus are selling at GHc12.35 (~$1.07 USD).
Your remittances are now more protected by strict data standards, but ensure your provider is licensed under the new BoG framework to avoid transaction delays.
The BoG's aggressive monetary discipline signals a lower risk of sudden currency devaluation in Q1 2026, though bureau spreads suggest some remaining liquidity pressure.
The Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) is streamlining its Gold-for-Reserves (G4R) program, clarifying that it is an institutional upgrade from the old Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC). GoldBod has defended granting an exclusive aggregator license to Bawa Rock Company Limited, which met a $2 million (~GHc22.98 million) working capital requirement. The board aims to reduce operational costs while combatting rampant smuggling.
By formalizing artisanal gold trading, the government hopes to build foreign exchange reserves independently of IMF support.
Gold smuggling has historically cost Ghana billions in lost revenue. GoldBod's new four-tier licensing system is the administration's flagship strategy to reclaim control of the sector from illicit middlemen.
The Accra High Court has ordered First Atlantic Bank to pay Vihama Energy over GHc10 million (~$870,322 USD) in compensation after the bank unilaterally tendered the company's bonds into the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP) without consent. The ruling includes GHc28.4 million (~$2.47 million USD) for direct losses and GHc2 million (~$174,064 USD) in exemplary damages.
This is a landmark ruling for corporate governance in Ghana, establishing that regulatory pressure (like the DDEP) does not excuse banks from their fiduciary duty to clients.
Samuel Addo, a journalist with Class Media Group, reports being assaulted by Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) personnel at Kasoa New Market while filming them allegedly beating civilians. Addo claims to have lost over GHc10,200 (~$887 USD) during the struggle. The GNFS has denied the assault, claiming they only confiscated his phone for security reasons.
The Ghana Police medical examination results and potential disciplinary action against the fire service personnel involved.
Ghanaian defender Mohammed Salisu has suffered a season-ending ACL tear during a match for AS Monaco. This is a massive blow for the Black Stars' 2026 World Cup preparations, as Salisu was expected to lead the defense against England and Croatia.
Black Stars context: Coach Otto Addo will now likely look to Alidu Seidu or Jerome Opoku to fill the void in the central defense ahead of the upcoming qualifiers.
Nigeria thrashed Mozambique 4-0 with a brace from Victor Osimhen, while Egypt edged Benin 3-1 after extra time, featuring a late goal by Mohamed Salah. Both giants are now positioned as favorites for the title.
Ghana's Tourism Authority is celebrating after the 'Detty December' festivities were featured on the Asian network CGTN, reaching 159 million viewers. Deputy CEO Abeiku Aggrey believes this will pivot Ghana's tourism market toward Asia in 2026.
The global visibility helps sustain the 'Year of Return' momentum, ensuring high hospitality revenues even after the primary holiday season.
The Ugandan government has banned live broadcasts of riots and protests as President Yoweri Museveni seeks to extend his 40-year rule. While the government denies plans for an internet shutdown, opposition leader Bobi Wine's supporters have faced increased detentions.
Museveni has been in power since 1986. Previous election cycles in Uganda have resulted in significant civilian casualties during crackdowns on the opposition.
At least 30 people were killed in an armed bandit attack in Niger State, Nigeria. Separately, British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua survived a car crash in Ogun State that claimed the lives of two of his close associates, including his coach.
Today we covered the legal challenges facing President Mahama's new administration, the Bank of Ghana's move to stabilize the remittance market, and the critical injury to Mohammed Salisu that reshapes the Black Stars' World Cup hopes. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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