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Former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta will remain in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) until at least April 27, 2026. A U.S. judge deferred a decision on Ghana's extradition request, citing the need for more substantial evidence regarding the corruption allegations. Ofori-Atta, who has been detained since January 6, is also seeking continued medical treatment for prostate cancer and post-COVID complications. He is currently under investigation by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor for alleged financial misconduct in the petroleum and infrastructure sectors.
This case is a litmus test for the Mahama administration's ability to successfully prosecute high-level corruption and navigate international legal cooperation. A failure to secure extradition could be seen as a setback for the Office of the Special Prosecutor.
Ken Ofori-Atta served as Finance Minister from 2017 to 2024 under the Akufo-Addo administration. His tenure was marked by both significant growth and the eventual 2023 IMF debt restructuring. The current investigations center on whether state contracts were inappropriately awarded to entities with links to his former businesses.
The campaign team for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has issued a stern condemnation of personal attacks from rival aspirant Kennedy Agyapong. The dispute centers on allegations regarding disparaging remarks about the health of the late Albert Adu Boahen during the 1996 primaries. Bawumia's team labeled the claims as baseless, clarifying the comments actually originated from regional chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiaku. They have called for a formal apology to maintain party unity.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is currently in a restructuring phase following the 2024 election loss. The internal contest for the 2028 flagbearership is already creating visible rifts between the establishment wing, represented by the former Vice President, and the populist wing led by Agyapong.
The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources has reaffirmed its commitment to ending illegal mining (galamsey) after an ambush in the Bono Region. Armed assailants attacked the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), resulting in the death of one attacker, Abuu Ibrahim, and the injury of a security officer. The Ministry warned that the increasing militarization of illegal mining sites will not deter enforcement operations.
The escalation to lethal violence indicates the high stakes and deep-seated interests in the illegal gold trade, which continues to devastate Ghana's water bodies despite years of military-led interventions.
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has confirmed that recent fuel price drops are a result of a competitive "price war" between industry leaders GOIL and Star Oil. With the current price floor set at GHc9.80 (~$0.91 USD) per litre, aggressive discounting by larger firms is forcing smaller Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to slash margins to remain viable. COMAC's board is meeting to review the sustainability of the current price floor and its impact on smaller players.
At the current exchange rate of 1 USD to GHc10.73, the reduction in fuel costs helps stabilize the cost of living for family members back home, as transport costs are a primary driver of local food inflation.
The aggressive pricing by Star Oil and GOIL suggests a consolidation phase in the downstream petroleum sector. Investors should watch for potential M&A activity if smaller OMCs become distressed by prolonged low margins.
The Ghana Mineworkers’ Union (GMWU) has confirmed that Heath Goldfields has cleared all legal and environmental hurdles to restart operations at the Bogoso-Prestea mine. The Minerals Commission has issued the final operating permits following community concerns over delays. The union emphasized that state institutions, not community agitators, have the legal mandate to regulate mining activities.
The resumption of one of Ghana's legacy mines is a positive signal for the extractive sector, suggesting that the regulatory environment is stabilizing under the new government.
In a significant blow to narcotics syndicates in the Northern Region, police have arrested 17 individuals in Tamale for the possession of suspected Indian hemp. Most concerningly, three active-duty military personnel were among those detained. Separately, police have met with Tamale Technical University authorities to address a recent spike in campus thefts and security breaches.
The military's internal disciplinary response to the arrested soldiers will be a key indicator of the Ghana Armed Forces' commitment to purging criminal elements from its ranks.
A female police officer is under investigation after a taxi driver was fatally shot during a confrontation in Tetegu, near Weija, on January 19. The driver, operating a Hyundai i10, died at the Police Hospital. The officer involved was also hospitalized after allegedly being struck by a vehicle while attempting to leave the scene.
This incident adds to growing public concern over police conduct and the use of firearms during routine traffic stops. Transparency in the investigation will be crucial to maintaining public trust.
Valentino Nii Noi Nortey, a former NPP parliamentary candidate, has been charged with attempted homicide in Pennsylvania, USA, after allegedly stabbing his wife, Gilda Nortey, multiple times. Gilda, who survives the attack, is reportedly seeking advanced medical treatment. The family is calling for justice in both U.S. and Ghanaian jurisdictions.
This tragic case has resonated deeply with the Ghanaian community in the U.S., highlighting the need for increased awareness of domestic violence support networks within diaspora circles.
Ghanaian-favored Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus scored twice in Arsenal's 3-1 Champions League win over Inter Milan. Having returned from an 11-month injury layoff, his form is being closely watched by fans in Ghana who support the Gunners.
Black Stars context: While Jesus represents Brazil, his recovery and elite performance serve as a benchmark for Ghanaian strikers like Antoine Semenyo and Inaki Williams playing in high-pressure European competitions.
The Ghana Football Association has presented FIFA badges to 23 referees for the 2026 season, including 10 center referees and 10 assistants. Daniel Nii Laryea received dual recognition for his roles as a center referee and Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Morocco and Senegal are set to face off in the AFCON 2025 final at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah. Morocco seeks its first title since 1976, while Senegal aims to defend its 2021 crown.
Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie has sold out London's Royal Albert Hall for his March 6 "Rapperholic UK" concert. While a major milestone, the achievement has sparked debate, with DJ Slim arguing that a 5,272-seat venue is "too small" for an artist of Sarkodie's veteran status.
This milestone cements Sarkodie's position as a premier global ambassador for Hiplife, though the debate highlights the growing ambition for Ghanaian artists to fill stadium-sized venues internationally, similar to their Nigerian counterparts.
Today we covered the ongoing extradition drama involving Ken Ofori-Atta, the competitive fuel price cuts benefiting consumers, and Sarkodie's historic sell-out in London. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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