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Suspicious Aircraft in Paga Sparks National Security Alarm -- Residents and youth in the Upper East Region are demanding answers after an unidentified aircraft, reportedly linked to the U.S. Army, made several unauthorized landings near the sensitive border zone.
Clarity on New VAT Thresholds for 2026 -- The Ghana Revenue Authority has clarified that the GHc750,000 (~$65,274 USD) VAT turnover threshold applies only to goods, while all service providers must register regardless of income, a move critical for business compliance this year.
Controversy Deepens Over Gold-for-Reserves Program -- As the IMF reports $214 million USD in losses, government officials and analysts are locked in a heated debate over whether the program is a strategic success for the cedi or a monopolistic drain on resources.
Residents of Paga in the Upper East Region are expressing grave concerns following repeated unauthorized landings of an aircraft (tail number 60171) at the local airstrip between December 28 and 31, 2025. Security personnel attempted to engage the occupants on December 31, but they allegedly refused to cooperate before departing. The Paga Youth Movement is now demanding an official explanation, as local authorities claim they were not briefed on the flights, which some reports suggest may be linked to the U.S. military.
The lack of coordination between international flight operations and local security forces at a strategic border town undermines national sovereignty and heightens local anxieties in a region already sensitive to cross-border movements.
Paga is a major border town adjacent to Burkina Faso. This area is near the Bawku zone, which has seen long-standing chieftaincy conflicts and heightened security due to regional instability. Any unexplained military-style activity in this corridor is viewed with extreme caution by the Mahama administration.
Ghana’s Gold-for-Reserves initiative is under fire following IMF reports of a $214 million USD loss and allegations of unfair market practices. Critics like Bright Simons of IMANI Africa argue the scheme creates a monopoly for Bawa Rock Limited, which reportedly received a GHc2 billion (~$174 million USD) advance payment guarantee, giving it an unfair advantage over private aggregators. Conversely, Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi defended the program, stating the Board achieved a surplus of GHc960 million (~$83.55 million USD) in 2025 against expenditures of just GHc120 million (~$10.44 million USD).
The program is a pillar of Ghana's strategy to stabilize the cedi. Allegations of mismanagement or favoritism could jeopardize future IMF support and investor confidence in the gold sector.
Launched during the economic crisis of 2022-2023, the program aims to swap dore gold for refined gold or currency to bolster the Bank of Ghana’s reserves without depleting US dollar holdings.
Minister of Communication Samuel Nartey George has expressed deep concern over the U.S. military's "Operation Absolute Resolve," which captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3, 2026. George compared the intervention to past crises in Libya and Iraq, questioning the legality of the action and its impact on international sovereignty. While the UK supported the move, Latin American leaders and China have condemned the operation as an act of aggression.
Ghana's vocal stance on international sovereignty reflects the Mahama administration's foreign policy of non-intervention and adherence to international law, signaling a cautious approach to Western military actions in the Global South.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has issued a critical update on VAT reforms effective January 1, 2026. Dr. Dominic Naab clarified that the GHc750,000 (~$65,274 USD) annual turnover threshold for VAT registration applies strictly to businesses supplying goods. Crucially, all service providers are required to register and charge VAT regardless of their turnover. Businesses currently below the threshold must continue to charge the standard 20% rate until formally deregistered.
This clarification aims to prevent revenue leakage in the fast-growing services sector and simplifies the tax obligations for small-to-medium enterprises.
If you are running a consultancy or remote service business based in Ghana, you are now legally required to be VAT-compliant from the first cedi earned, regardless of the GHc750,000 limit that applies to shops and retailers.
The move to a standard 20% VAT rate and expanded registration base signals the government's aggressive drive for domestic revenue mobilization to meet IMF fiscal targets.
Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, has introduced a 24-hour market initiative aimed at increasing income for youth and women traders. The program involves upgrading infrastructure with CCTV security and digital payment systems to allow markets to operate safely around the clock. This aligns with calls from Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga to increase the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocation to drive grassroots development.
This initiative opens opportunities for private-sector partnerships in market infrastructure, security tech, and fintech payment solutions at the municipal level.
Boxing star Anthony Joshua has returned to the UK following a fatal car crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Nigeria. The collision with a stationary truck resulted in the deaths of his friends Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele. Joshua, who sustained minor injuries, reportedly switched to the back seat just before the impact. The driver, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged with dangerous driving and granted bail.
The court case is adjourned until January 20. Public interest remains high regarding safety standards on major West African transit corridors.
As Ghana prepares for its 2026 World Cup opener against Panama on June 17, leaked images of the new PUMA jersey have surfaced. The design features cultural motifs including the Kwaku Ananse cobweb. Former international Laryea Kingston has cautioned the team not to underrate Panama, citing their work ethic despite limited tournament history.
Black Stars context: Following England (June 23) and Croatia (June 27), the Panama match is seen as a "must-win" to avoid the early exits experienced in 2014 and 2022.
Black Stars and Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams has celebrated the birth of his son, Niko, named after his brother and teammate. Williams briefly stepped away from training for the birth but has already returned to club duties in Spain.
British-Ghanaian actor Idris Elba has been knighted for his services to charity and youth empowerment. Now Sir Idris Elba, the 53-year-old was recognized for his "Elba Hope Foundation" and his tireless work combating knife crime and youth violence through education.
Elba is a major cultural ambassador for Ghana, frequently visiting the country to promote the creative arts and film industry. His elevation to knighthood further cements his influence on the global stage.
A review of the past year shows a rise in legal actions against celebrities. Highlights include Shatta Wale's arrest over a Lamborghini linked to a $14 million USD crime (bail set at GHc10 million / ~$870,322 USD) and the 15-year sentence given to Nana Agradaa for fraudulent money-doubling schemes.
Today we covered the national security concerns in Paga, the significant 2026 VAT clarifications from the GRA, and the ongoing debate over Ghana's gold reserves. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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