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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has established a three-member committee led by Kofi Totobi Quakyi to probe widespread vote-buying allegations in the Ayawaso East constituency. Reports suggest delegates were induced with 32-inch television sets, motorbikes, and significant cash payments to favor winning candidate Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed. In an unprecedented move, President John Mahama recalled Ahmed from his diplomatic post in Nigeria as the party Majority Caucus calls for a total annulment of the primary results.
This scandal serves as an early test of the Mahama administration's commitment to ethical governance and could dictate how the NDC manages internal discipline ahead of general electoral cycles.
Ayawaso East is a pivotal constituency; however, the use of 'money politics' has become a growing concern for diplomats like Victor Smith, who warns that corruption often begins with campaign inducements.
Family and friends gathered on February 9 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the brutal 2016 stabbing of MP J.B. Danquah Adu. His widow, Ivy Heward-Mills, expressed deep frustration as the trial of primary suspect Daniel Asiedu continues to face systemic delays. Simultaneously, activist Vitus Azeem has urged the government to rename Kotoka International Airport to "Kwame Nkrumah International Airport," a proposal facing backlash from those who credit the 1966 coup led by Emmanuel Kotoka for ending Nkrumah's one-party rule.
The lack of closure in a high-profile murder trial for a decade undermines public confidence in the rule of law and the judicial system's efficiency.
Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has arrived in Dhaka to chair the Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh’s February 12 elections. Leading a 14-member team, he is meeting with civil society and political parties to ensure electoral transparency. This mission occurs amidst rising global tensions, including accusations of military aggression between Ethiopia and Eritrea and diplomatic rifts between Algeria and the UAE.
Since leaving office in early 2025, Akufo-Addo has transitioned into a senior statesman role, frequently representing international bodies in democratic monitoring missions.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has set an ambitious domestic revenue target of GHc230 billion (~$21.44 billion USD) for 2026 under the government’s ‘Reset Agenda.’ To support this, the Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources is proposing a sliding-scale royalty structure for gold and other minerals. However, the Ghana Chamber of Mines warns this could raise the effective tax rate to 68%, threatening Ghana's competitiveness as a gold hub.
Monitor the final royalty framework; a 60-68% tax burden may deter capital-intensive mining projects in favor of neighboring jurisdictions like CAte d'Ivoire.
In a major regulatory move, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has slashed the foreign investment allowance for local fund managers from 70% to just 20%. This directive aims to keep liquidity within the domestic market to stabilize the Ghana Cedi. Meanwhile, COCOBOD is seeking a new funding model to pay GHc10 billion (~$931.97 million USD) in arrears owed to cocoa farmers, pivoting away from raw bean exports toward domestic value addition.
The offshore cap is a protective measure to prevent capital flight, which has historically put downward pressure on the cedi during economic recoveries.
With the current exchange rate at GHc10.73 per 1 USD, your dollar has significant purchasing power for local property or business ventures, but be aware of the tighter regulations on moving funds back offshore.
AAK Ghana Limited and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture have signed an MoU to boost the shea industry. The 'Kolo Nafaso' program aims to reach 300,000 women collectors, focusing on local processing rather than just raw material export. This aligns with the government's push for industrialization.
Experts at the 2024 World Cancer Day celebrations revealed that Ghana lacks a single standalone comprehensive cancer center for its 35 million citizens. Construction has begun on the $10 million (~GHc107.3 million) Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Ashanti Region, supported by the Biden administration's Cancer Moonshot initiative.
The completion of phase one in Ejisu will be a landmark for radiotherapy access in West Africa, potentially reducing medical tourism to South Africa or Europe.
A sharp surge in MoMo fraud is threatening financial inclusion. Criminals are using social engineering, SIM swapping, and phishing to drain household savings. Experts are calling for enhanced verification protocols by telcos.
Advise family members back home to never share their MoMo PINs over the phone, as fraudsters are increasingly targeting remittances during festive or emergency periods.
It was a massive weekend for Ghanaians in the English Championship. Ibrahim Osman scored on his debut for Birmingham City in a -1 victory over Leicester City. Despite the loss, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku netted his seventh goal of the season for Leicester. In Germany, Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer secured a win for Hamburger SV, while Douglas Owusu starred for Red Star Belgrade in Serbia.
Black Stars context: The scoring form of these youngsters is a silver lining as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Panama and England.
Defending champions Asante Kotoko have crashed out of the MTN FA Cup after losing 4-2 on penalties to Aduana FC following a 0-0 draw. In the Women's Premier League, the 'Service Derby' between Police Ladies and Army Ladies ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
The global music community is mourning Ebo Taylor, who passed away on February 7, just after the launch of EboFest. Known for hits like "Disco Dance," Taylor was a pioneer who blended traditional Highlife with Afrobeat and collaborated with Fela Kuti.
Taylor was one of the last remaining titans of the golden era of West African music. His funeral in Saltpond is expected to be a major national cultural event.
Actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has dismissed rumors of a feud with Genevieve Nnaji, blaming fan-driven narratives. She also reflected on the 2005 industry ban that forced many stars to seek independence from movie marketers.
Today we covered the diplomatic recall of Baba Jamal over vote-buying allegations, the significant shift in offshore investment caps by the SEC, and the passing of the legendary Ebo Taylor. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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