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On January 15, 2026, Lieutenant Colonel Jacqueline Dela Galley made history as the first woman to take command of the Ghana Military Police (GMP). The ceremony at GMP Headquarters featured the symbolic handover of the unit's Badger Dog mascot from outgoing commander Lt. Col. Percy Odartey Lamptey. Brigadier General Albert Assiamah described the appointment as a well-deserved milestone in the military's modernization and gender mainstreaming efforts.
This appointment marks a significant shift in the Ghana Armed Forces' leadership structure, signaling a commitment to merit-based gender inclusivity under the new Mahama administration.
Traditionally, leadership roles in tactical and policing units within the Ghana Armed Forces have been male-dominated. This transition occurs as the military adapts to complex 21st-century internal security challenges.
Ghana’s Ambassador to the U.S., Victor Emmanuel Smith, warned at an economic summit in Pennsylvania that the lack of local job opportunities is a primary driver of illegal migration. He urged the government to prioritize youth employment and food sovereignty—specifically reducing rice imports—to prevent the deportation and legal hardships young Ghanaians face in the U.S. immigration system.
The Ambassador's comments signal a shift toward 'investment-led growth' that seeks to create a safer environment for returnees and reduced pressure on those abroad to fund families back home.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised Ghana's Domestic Gold Purchasing Programme (DGPP) for its role in bolstering economic stability. Since its 2022 inception, the program increased gold reserves from 8 tonnes to 30 tonnes, helping the Cedi recover from nearly GHc17 per dollar to its current range. While successful, the IMF cautioned that the government must improve transparency to mitigate risks associated with recent losses in the initiative.
The program has directly influenced the cooling of inflation and fuel prices, providing much-needed relief to Ghanaian households.
The IMF's endorsement of the DGPP suggests a more predictable foreign exchange environment, though 'What to watch' will be the transparency reforms demanded by the Fund.
Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama has announced that the central bank will prioritize 'monetary consolidation' this year. Rather than introducing new policies, the Bank will focus on risk identification within financial institutions, fintech regulation, and market efficiency to transform recent gains into long-term stability.
This disciplined approach signals a move away from volatile policy shifts, aiming to build a more resilient financial system against global shocks.
South Africa is preparing to lead a high-profile delegation to the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos from January 19-23. Highlighting energy stability (300 days without load shedding) and a credit rating upgrade, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana aims to position the region as an investment-ready hub.
As Ghana participates in the AfCFTA, South Africa’s success at Davos could pave the way for broader regional investment that benefits West African trade corridors.
The Ghana Navy successfully dismantled a major illegal bunkering operation near the Keta-Denu-Aflao coastline. Seven modified dugout canoes (Dendes) were intercepted carrying 378 empty barrels, each with a capacity of 250 liters. The Navy noted that the syndicate used a 'mothership' to transfer fuel beyond territorial waters to evade detection.
Fuel smuggling deprives the Ghanaian state of critical revenue and funds criminal networks. The Navy has since increased maritime assets to protect the coastal economy.
The Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced 27-year-old Ernest Agyei to 84 months in prison and ordered him to pay GHc6,000 (~$559 USD) in compensation for an acid attack on 18-year-old Benjamin Asante. The 2024 attack left the victim hospitalized for three months. Judge Isaac Apeatu cited the defendant's lack of remorse as a factor in the severe penalty.
The verdict highlights a growing judicial trend of using maximum sentencing as a deterrent against rising incidents of violent personal disputes.
Ghanaian striker Antoine Semenyo has completed a historic GBP 65 million (~$82 million USD) transfer from Bournemouth to Manchester City. The move became a topic of discussion in the UK Parliament, where MP Tom Hayes praised Semenyo's character, citing a four-page 'thank you' ad the player bought in local newspapers. Semenyo scored and assisted in his City debut.
Black Stars context: Semenyo's elite-level form is a massive boost for the national team ahead of upcoming international windows, solidifying him as Ghana's premier attacking threat in Europe.
Disturbing footage surfaced on January 16 showing students from Prempeh College in a violent fistfight with Cadet Corps members at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. The incident occurred during the Ashanti Regional Senior High Schools Soccer Festival, leading to widespread calls for disciplinary action.
Sarkodie has achieved a cultural milestone by selling out the UK's Royal Albert Hall for his 'Rapperholic UK' concert on March 6, 2026. The 5,272-capacity venue sold out in just one week. The date coincides with Ghana's 69th Independence Day and will feature a live orchestra.
This is a definitive moment for 'Brand Ghana' abroad, showcasing the global commercial power of the Ghanaian creative arts industry.
Today we covered the Ghana Navy's major smuggling bust, the diplomatic crisis facing Ghanaian students in the UK, and the IMF's vote of confidence in Ghana's gold-backed economic strategy. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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