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On May 29, 2026, Ghana's Parliament re-passed the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, 2025. The legislation, which seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities and advocacy with prison sentences of up to five years, has sparked intense debate. While proponents like MP Samuel Nartey George celebrated the move, critics within the NPP labeled the revised version "toothless" due to the removal of 31 clauses and new exemptions for professionals. Activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has challenged the legitimacy of the vote, alleging only 34 MPs were present—well below the required quorum.
The bill's final passage could trigger a massive fiscal shock. The Finance Ministry previously warned that this legislation puts approximately $3.8 billion (~$324 million USD) in World Bank financing at risk over the next several years, potentially destabilizing the current economic recovery.
Former President Akufo-Addo previously declined to sign a similar version of this bill, citing pending Supreme Court challenges. Current President John Mahama has previously indicated a commitment to sign the legislation, which aligns with the stance of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is managing multiple diaspora crises. In South Africa, 900 Ghanaians have registered for evacuation following a surge in xenophobic violence. Meanwhile, the Ministry debunked a hoax in Cambodia regarding a deportation deadline but is still facilitating the voluntary repatriation of 161 citizens. In the U.S., a pregnant Ghanaian woman, Anabella Gyasi, and her son were released from detention at Dulles Airport following a habeas petition citing inhumane conditions.
If you have family in South Africa or Southeast Asia, ensure they are registered with the nearest High Commission. The government has reaffirmed its commitment to the safety of the diaspora, but emphasizes verifying all immigration notices through official channels to avoid scams.
At the 10th Ghana CEO Summit in Accra, President John Mahama pushed for deeper public-private partnerships. Edward Effah, founder of Fidelity Bank, proposed a structured alliance to mobilize USD 25 billion into vital sectors over five years to address the challenge of 1.5 million unemployed youth. Meanwhile, the GRA announced its "Publican AI" system generated GHc1 billion (~$85.3 million USD) in customs revenue in April 2026 alone, contributing toward a GHc310 billion (~$26.46 billion USD) revenue target by 2028.
The Bank of Ghana will increase mandatory gold purchases from large-scale miners (like Newmont and AngloGold Ashanti) from 20% to 30% starting June 1. This is a significant signal of the central bank's strategy to bolster reserves and stabilize the cedi.
Following a Court of Appeal ruling, Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom announced a phased return for GN Savings, starting with 10 key locations. Separately, the Bank of Ghana aims to raise $1 billion (~$1 billion USD) through the domestic bond market for the 2026/2027 cocoa season to reduce reliance on foreign lenders.
Decoupling cocoa financing from foreign lenders is intended to protect farmer incomes and reduce USD dependence, which has historically pressured the cedi during the lean season.
Commuters face a 20% transport fare hike starting June 2, 2026, for trotros and buses. This coincides with mixed fuel prices: petrol is expected to rise to GHc15.92 (~$1.36 USD) per litre, while diesel may drop slightly to GHc17.21 (~$1.47 USD).
In a major digital operation, the IGP’s Special Cyber Vetting and Enforcement Team (CVET) arrested seven suspects in Asamankese, recovering three stolen vehicles. In Apam, Central Region, police intercepted a Toyota Voxy carrying 14 boxes of unauthorized shotgun ammunition destined for Assin Fosu. Additionally, authorities are collaborating with Canadian police to trace luxury vehicles, including a Land Rover, stolen through identity fraud in Canada and exported to Ghana.
The use of advanced digital tracking by the Ghana Police marks a shift in their ability to tackle organized crime. Expect further crackdowns on cross-border vehicle smuggling as international collaboration intensifies.
Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has declared a national red alert following an Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo. Stringent screening is now mandatory at Kotoka International Airport, and the Noguchi Memorial Institute is on high alert for rapid testing.
The Bundibugyo strain currently ravaging the DRC lacks a proven vaccine, making border control and early isolation the primary defense strategies for Ghana.
Paris Saint-Germain defended their Champions League title on May 30, defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties in Budapest after a 1-1 draw. In coaching news, Liverpool has sacked Arne Slot after a disappointing fifth-place finish, despite a league title in his debut year. In a shocking development, former England winger Raheem Sterling was arrested in Hampshire on suspicion of drug-driving after a Lamborghini crash.
Black Stars context: Ghana's Ernest Nuamah has rejoined the national camp ahead of the World Cup, while GFA officials defended Carlos Queiroz's squad selections against public criticism.
Today we covered the legislative tension surrounding the Anti-LGBTQ+ bill, major shifts in Ghana's financial sector with GN Savings and cocoa bonds, and critical security and health alerts. Thank you for reading the Ghana News AI Daily Brief!
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