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NPP Sets Stage for Presidential Primaries — The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has finalized plans for its January 31 primary involving over 211,000 delegates, a crucial step that will determine the leadership of Ghana's main opposition party under the new Mahama administration. Why it matters: The internal stability and candidate choice of the NPP will shape the political discourse and legislative oversight for the next four years.
National Security Crackdown on Human Trafficking and Cybercrime — Security agencies arrested 52 foreign nationals in the Northern Region and nine in Accra, rescuing dozens of victims from Ponzi schemes and forced criminal activity. Why it matters: This coordinated effort signals a toughening stance on cross-border organized crime that threatens Ghana's reputation as a safe regional hub.
IMF Commends Ghana's Infrastructure While Warning of Job Deficit — IMF African Department Director Abebe Aemro Selassie praised Ghana's 90% electricity access rate but cautioned that economic volatility and slow job growth remain significant barriers to true financial independence. Why it matters: Investors and policy analysts must weigh high infrastructure performance against structural employment risks that could impact long-term social stability.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is finalizing preparations for its presidential primaries on January 31, 2026. A total of 211,849 delegates will cast ballots at 333 centers across 276 constituencies. Five candidates are in the race: former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Mr. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Mr. Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, and Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum. Chairperson Joseph Osei Owusu confirmed that proxy voting has been abolished to ensure transparency.
This election is the first major test for the NPP since transitioning to the opposition following the 2024 general elections. The winner will be tasked with reunifying the party and presenting a credible alternative to President John Mahama's NDC government.
Following the inauguration of John Mahama on January 7, 2025, the NPP has undergone a period of introspection. These primaries are seen as the definitive moment for the party's 'reset' strategy.
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been appointed by Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey to chair a 14-member observer group for the Bangladesh parliamentary elections on February 12, 2026. The group will assess the credibility and transparency of the electoral process in accordance with international standards.
This appointment maintains Ghana's high profile in international diplomacy and democratic advocacy, even after the recent domestic change in government.
Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has attributed the successful and orderly screening of new recruits for the Prisons Service and other security agencies to recent digital reforms. By moving the recruitment cycle to a fully digital platform, the ministry has effectively eliminated the 'sale of slots' and other corrupt practices that previously plagued the process.
Whether these digital protocols are extended to other public sector recruitments to further mitigate middle-man exploitation.
IMF African Department Director Abebe Aemro Selassie highlighted that Ghana's electricity access has surged to nearly 90%, up from approximately 40% two decades ago. Despite these development gains, he warned that the nation remains vulnerable to 'election cycles' that prioritize short-term spending over long-term macroeconomic stability and job creation for the growing population.
The IMF's emphasis on 'sustainable solutions' suggests that future lending or program reviews will focus heavily on fiscal discipline and private-sector job growth rather than just infrastructure metrics.
Improved electricity reliability makes Ghana more attractive for 'remote-work' returnees, but the IMF's warning on macro-stability suggests caution regarding Cedi-denominated investments in the short term.
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has accused the industry of victimizing Star Oil Limited after the company advocated for lower fuel prices. Star Oil has suspended its membership in the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), citing dissatisfaction with representation. COMAC CEO Dr. Riverson Oppong denied targeting the company, stating that the chamber is focused on evaluating the national 'price floor' policy with the National Petroleum Authority.
This dispute reveals a rift in the downstream sector. If Star Oil successfully breaks away and offers lower prices, it could trigger a price war beneficial to consumers but challenging for smaller marketing companies.
The implementation of the Smart Port Note (SPN), originally set for February 1, 2026, has been postponed. The GSA cited the need for further stakeholder consultation to resolve technical and regulatory concerns. The SPN is intended to digitize cargo monitoring and improve port efficiency.
A new rollout date has not been set. Importers should expect further engagement sessions in Q1 2026.
Malawi's Energy Regulatory Authority has raised petrol and diesel prices by over 41%. This follows an 80-95% cumulative increase since President Peter Mutharika took office, as the country moves toward an automatic pricing mechanism.
Like Ghana, many African nations are under pressure from international lenders to remove fuel subsidies and adopt market-based pricing, often leading to immediate inflation spikes.
In the Northern Region, 52 foreign nationals (including 31 Burkinabe and 12 Ivorians) were arrested for human trafficking and running Ponzi schemes under the guise of travel opportunities. Separately, in Accra, a joint task force arrested nine suspects and rescued 44 victims forced into cybercrime. Authorities seized 52 phones, 62 laptops, and two pump-action guns.
These victims are often lured by 'Q-Net' style operations or promises of lucrative jobs in Europe, only to be held in 'cyber-ghettos' to commit internet fraud.
Firefighters contained a blaze at Madina Zongo Junction on January 21 that damaged three shops. This follows a more severe 'inferno' at the Circle area commercial district on January 20, which destroyed numerous livelihoods.
The dry Harmattan season increases fire risks in crowded markets. The repeated incidents at Circle underscore the need for modernized electrical wiring in commercial hubs.
Nigeria's police confirmed that 177 worshippers were abducted from churches in Kaduna State. Assailants are reportedly demanding motorcycles, rather than cash, as ransom.
The security situation in Northern Nigeria often has spillover effects on regional migration and border security in Ghana's Upper East and Northern regions.
Former Black Stars psychologist Dr. Patrick Ofori and former GFA VP George Afriyie have come out in support of coach Otto Addo. They argue that the team's challenges are a collective responsibility and express confidence that Addo has matured since the 2022 tournament. Ghana is in Group L with Panama, England, and Croatia.
Black Stars context: Ghana opens its campaign against Panama on June 17, 2026. The technical team is under pressure to prove that the recent AFCON struggles were a temporary setback.
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is preparing to defend its title in the University of Ghana Corporate Football League (UGCFL), which kicks off on February 6, 2026. GCAA won the inaugural 2025 trophy in a penalty shootout.
CAF has released the Team of the Tournament for AFCON 2025 (held in Morocco). Champions Senegal dominated with three players, including Sadio Mané, while Nigeria's Victor Osimhen also featured.
Artisan Juliana Gharbin has officially achieved a Guinness World Record for the largest bead sculpture of a bag (2.69m x 2.05m x 1.47m). The piece features the Ghanaian flag and Adinkra symbols.
This achievement elevates the global profile of Ghanaian handicrafts and traditional bead-making techniques.
Rapper Kwesi Arthur has publicly called out Ground Up Chale and CEO Glen Boateng for allegedly demanding $150,000 for his own images and withholding profits since 2016.
The dispute highlights the ongoing struggle for creative control and fair contracts in the Ghanaian music industry.
Today we covered the NPP's final countdown to its presidential primary, a significant national security operation against human trafficking, and the IMF's balanced assessment of Ghana's developmental gains. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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