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Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana's former Finance Minister (2017-2024), was detained on January 7, 2026, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While his legal team, led by Frank Davies, insists the detention is purely a status issue related to a medical stay, the news has ignited intense debate in Ghana. Ofori-Atta faces ongoing charges at home involving conspiracy and financial misconduct. Legal advocate Martin Kpebu has described the detention as a potential milestone for accountability, though the former minister’s lawyers claim the charges are politically motivated.
This development affects the credibility of Ghana’s anti-corruption efforts. A potential extradition or voluntary return could set a major precedent for how former high-ranking officials are held accountable for economic management.
Ofori-Atta was a central figure during Ghana's 2022 economic crisis and the subsequent IMF bailout. He left office following the transition to the Mahama administration in early 2025.
A review of President John Mahama’s first year in office by the Legal Green Association (LGA) highlights a pivot toward social democratic reforms. Key achievements include the reduction of the ministerial pool from 85 to 60, projected to save GHc300 million (~$27.96 million USD) over three years. The administration also delivered 100 pickup vehicles to the Ghana Police Service this week, with a stern warning from the President against the misuse of state assets.
The reduction in government size and the repeal of specific taxes, like the COVID-19 levy, are central to Mahama's promise of fiscal discipline and immediate economic relief.
Frederick Opare-Ansah, campaign manager for former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has expressed high confidence in a primary victory, citing strong support across 14 regions. Meanwhile, broader political discourse is shifting toward social justice, with Professor Kimani Nehusi advocating for organized political action on reparations for colonialism at the Pan-African Progressive Front headquarters in Accra.
The NPP presidential primaries will determine the face of the opposition. Watch for how the party balances Bawumia's economic legacy with the need for a fresh platform.
Ghana ended 2025 with inflation at 5.4%, a massive drop from the 23.8% recorded just a year prior. This disinflation trend has pushed the Ghana Reference Rate (GRR) down to 15.68% for January 2026. Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama has signaled a goal to bring lending rates below 10% by 2028, supported by international reserves that have now surpassed $13.8 billion USD.
For the first time in years, the real cost of borrowing is becoming manageable for SMEs, which could spark a surge in domestic production and hiring.
The consistent drop in Treasury bill rates (91-day bills now at 10.3%) suggests a shift in capital toward the private sector and equity markets as government debt becomes less lucrative.
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has announced a 10% overall increase in pension payments for 2026. The minimum monthly pension rises from GHc300 (~$27.96 USD) to GHc409.56 (~$38.17 USD). Simultaneously, the removal of the COVID-19 levy has led to an immediate 1.9% price reduction at major retailers like Melcom and Palace Mall.
If you are supporting elderly relatives, the SSNIT increase provides a modest buffer against local costs. Additionally, the lower retail prices at major malls make "remittance shopping" more efficient for family needs.
Remittances from the UK fell from 27.6% of total inflows in 2024 to 17.5% in 2025. In response, the Bank of Ghana is developing "diaspora bonds" and capital market products to encourage Ghanaians abroad to move from sending money for consumption to investing in productive sectors.
Expect new, regulated investment vehicles from the Bank of Ghana soon. These are designed to offer better returns than traditional savings while helping stabilize the cedi.
George Ennin, 53, a Ghanaian security guard in New York, was fatally stabbed on January 5 while walking to work. The suspect, 38-year-old Sean Jones, a career criminal with 15 prior arrests, has been charged with murder. Ennin, a father of two, had just returned from a vacation. The Ghanaian community in the Bronx held a vigil, describing him as a hardworking "diamond in the rough."
This tragedy has renewed calls for better mental health interventions and policing in New York City, as well as a discussion on safety for immigrant workers in late-shift security roles.
Health authorities are reporting an average of nine new HIV infections daily in the Ashanti Region, totaling 2,997 new cases in 2024. Stigma remains the primary barrier to treatment, with many residents avoiding antiretroviral therapy (ART). Women are currently testing at higher rates, but there is a critical need for targeted interventions for youth aged 15-24.
The Ashanti Region, particularly Kumasi, is a high-density transit hub, which often contributes to higher public health transmission rates compared to more rural districts.
The National Anti Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) arrested 12 illegal miners and seized eight excavators at the COCOBOD Demonstration Farm in Bunso. This is the third raid at this specific research site, highlighting the persistence of "galamsey" even on protected state agricultural lands.
The frequency of raids at Bunso suggests that miners are targeting specific mineral-rich zones despite the presence of security forces. Watch for increased militarization of research lands.
World-renowned boxer Anthony Joshua was involved in a serious road accident on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway when his Lexus collided with a stationary truck. While Joshua sustained only minor injuries, two passengers tragically lost their lives. Local authorities in Ogun State have launched an investigation into the crash.
Joshua, who holds both Nigerian and British citizenship, is a massive cultural icon across West Africa. His safety is a matter of high public interest in Ghana, where he has frequently visited and trained.
Ghana's creative scene saw unprecedented events this month. The Kumasi Central Prison hosted its first-ever inmate fashion show, showcasing garments designed and sewn by prisoners as part of their vocational training. On the commercial side, the Konnected Minds Podcast hosted Africa's first cinema-based podcast event at the Accra Mall, while the Teens Africa Festival celebrated students from Islamic Girls and O'Reilly SHS for their creative and culinary talents.
These events signal a maturation of the "Orange Economy" in Ghana, where creativity is being used for both social rehabilitation and high-end entertainment production.
Today we covered the detention of Ken Ofori-Atta in the US, the significant drop in Ghana's inflation to 5.4%, and the tragic loss of a Ghanaian community member in the Bronx. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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