Ghana Politics News

The latest Ghana politics coverage in one place: government and parliament, elections, policy, and the people shaping national life, from Accra to the regions. Stories are curated from Ghana's leading newsrooms and refreshed through the day, newest first.

Global Reactions to US Military Operation and Capture of Venezuelan President Maduro
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Global Reactions to US Military Operation and Capture of Venezuelan President Maduro

In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. forces successfully captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife during a covert military operation named "Operation Absolute Resolve" on January 3, 2026. The operation involved extensive planning by elite U.S. troops and intelligence agencies, including the CIA, and was marked by airstrikes on military targets in Caracas. President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. would oversee Venezuela until a proper political transition is established, raising concerns about international law and sovereignty. Ghana's Minister of Communication, Samuel Nartey George, expressed apprehension about the implications of the U.S. intervention, drawing parallels to previous international crises in Libya and Iraq. He highlighted the potential violation of Venezuela's sovereignty and questioned the legality of the military action. Global reactions have been mixed; while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer showed no remorse for Maduro's capture, leaders from Latin America, Russia, and China condemned the U.S. actions as unacceptable aggression and violations of international law. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also voiced deep concern over the situation. The Pentagon had increased military presence in the region prior to the operation, which culminated in Maduro's capture amid heavy fire, with U.S. forces sustaining no major casualties. Trump later shared a photo of Maduro in custody aboard the USS Iwo Jima, marking a significant military achievement for the U.S. government. However, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer criticized the lack of congressional authorization for the military action, adding to the controversy surrounding the operation.

Controversy Surrounds Ghana's Gold-for-Reserves Program Amid Claims of Mismanagement and Monopoly
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Controversy Surrounds Ghana's Gold-for-Reserves Program Amid Claims of Mismanagement and Monopoly

The Gold-for-Reserves program in Ghana is facing intense scrutiny following claims of significant financial losses and allegations of unfair practices favoring a state-designated aggregator. Dzifa Gunu, Acting CEO of Ghana Digital Centres, criticized Kojo Oppong Nkrumah for his absence from a JoyNews program where he was expected to address concerns about the program, which reportedly incurred $214 million in losses, as highlighted by the IMF. Gunu accused Nkrumah of 'chickening out' from defending the government's policy amid rising public concern. Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, echoed these concerns, stating that the program disproportionately benefits Bawa Rock Limited, the only aggregator licensed under the scheme, due to its access to interest-free funding from the Bank of Ghana. This financial advantage allows Bawa Rock to operate at lower costs, undermining competition and disadvantaging private aggregators who must rely on commercial loans at higher interest rates. Simons criticized the lack of transparency in the aggregator selection process, which he believes could erode public confidence in the program. In response to the criticisms, Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), defended the program, asserting that the reported losses are by design and not due to mismanagement. He explained that the Gold-for-Reserves initiative, introduced in 2022, aims to enhance foreign exchange reserves and is not a reflection of GoldBod's operational failures. Gyamfi also clarified that the licensing process for gold aggregators was rigorous, with Bawa Rock being the only company to meet eligibility criteria out of 31 applicants, thus dispelling claims of monopoly. As the debate continues, stakeholders are calling for greater transparency and fairness in the Gold-for-Reserves program to ensure a level playing field for all participants in Ghana's gold sector.

Suspicious Aircraft Landings in Paga Raise Alarms Over National Security
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Suspicious Aircraft Landings in Paga Raise Alarms Over National Security

Residents of Paga in the Upper East Region of Ghana are expressing serious concerns following the repeated landings of a suspicious aircraft at the local airstrip. Between December 28 and 31, 2025, an aircraft identified by tail number 60171 made three landings, prompting security personnel to attempt engagement, which ultimately failed. On December 31, authorities intervened to prevent the aircraft's takeoff, but the occupants allegedly refused to cooperate with security forces. Reports suggest that the aircraft may be linked to the U.S. Army and could be transporting arms, raising alarms about potential threats to national security. The Paga Youth Movement has demanded explanations from security officials, highlighting that local authorities were not informed about the aircraft's activities. This situation has intensified concerns regarding national sovereignty and the effectiveness of local security measures. Efforts to obtain comments from regional officials have so far been unsuccessful, leaving the community anxious about the implications of these incidents.

Suspicious Aircraft Landings in Paga Raise Security Alarm
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Suspicious Aircraft Landings in Paga Raise Security Alarm

Residents of Paga in the Upper East Region of Ghana are expressing deep concern following the repeated landings of a suspicious aircraft at their local airstrip. The aircraft, identified by tail number 60171, reportedly landed three times between December 28 and December 31, 2025. Local security forces attempted to investigate but were unable to make contact with the aircraft before it departed. On December 31, the situation escalated when the Paga Youth Movement raised alarms, claiming that the occupants of the aircraft refused to disembark. The group alleges that the aircraft is linked to the U.S. Army and that its original identifiers were deliberately concealed. They are demanding public clarification from security officials, expressing concerns that local authorities were not informed about the aircraft's presence. The Paga Youth Movement suspects that the aircraft may have been transporting arms intended for Burkina Faso, calling for a thorough investigation and assurances of safety in the region.

Prophet ElBernard Declares Kennedy Agyapong as NPP's Future Flagbearer
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Prophet ElBernard Declares Kennedy Agyapong as NPP's Future Flagbearer

Prophet Bernard ElBernard Nelson-Eshun, the General Overseer of Spiritlife Revival Ministries, has confidently reiterated his prophecy that Kennedy Agyapong, the former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, will emerge as the next flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the 2028 elections. This declaration was made during Agyapong's National Praise 2026 event held at the University of Professional Studies in Accra. ElBernard emphasized that his predictions are based on divine revelations from an angel, who has guided him in previous successful prophecies involving notable political figures in Ghana, including the Ga Mantse and former President Laurent Gbagbo. He stated that Agyapong's victory in the NPP primaries, scheduled for January 30, 2026, is assured, and he expects confirmation of this success on January 31, 2026, following the balloting. ElBernard's bold assertions have sparked discussions within political circles, as many await the upcoming primaries to see if his prophecies hold true.

Ghana Detains 17 Armed Burkinabè Soldiers Following Border Incident
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Ghana Detains 17 Armed Burkinabè Soldiers Following Border Incident

In a significant security incident, Ghanaian forces apprehended 17 armed soldiers from Burkina Faso in Wuru, Upper West Region. The soldiers, aged between 20 and 30, were reportedly setting up a combat position when local residents alerted authorities, prompting a swift ambush by security officials. The soldiers claimed they had accidentally crossed the border during a routine patrol. After several hours of detention, they were released following orders from higher authorities. A delegation from Burkina Faso arrived the following day to retrieve the confiscated weapons and explosive devices. This incident raises concerns about border security and the potential for misunderstandings between neighboring countries.

Kwaku Azar Interprets Mahama's New Year Address as Call for Governance Reset
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Kwaku Azar Interprets Mahama's New Year Address as Call for Governance Reset

In his analysis of President John Dramani Mahama's New Year address for 2026, Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar, emphasizes that the speech is more about governance than political campaigning. Azar identifies three key themes in Mahama's address: the principle of 'One Ghana,' the framing of corruption as a violation of public trust, and a call for shared national responsibility. He argues that the address advocates for credible institutional behavior to foster unity in a politically polarized environment. Furthermore, Mahama's focus on economic stability, including inflation control and debt restructuring, highlights the need for collective accountability in governance. Azar concludes that the success of these initiatives relies on consistent governance rather than mere rhetoric, framing the address as an invitation for unity and collaborative reform among Ghanaians.

Tragic Shooting in Uganda: Civilian Killed as Soldiers Open Fire at Political Gathering
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Tragic Shooting in Uganda: Civilian Killed as Soldiers Open Fire at Political Gathering

A tragic shooting incident unfolded in Orungo County, eastern Uganda, on Thursday, resulting in the death of a civilian identified as Saidi Eteru and injuring at least five others. The violence erupted when soldiers attached to Foreign Affairs Minister Gen Jeje Odongo opened fire during a political gathering that included supporters of rival candidate Teddy Anyuk Osire. The Amuria Resident District Commissioner condemned the incident, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations due to the involvement of military personnel. In light of the upcoming elections scheduled for January 15, 2026, security measures are being intensified in the area, with officials urging for peaceful campaigning amidst rising tensions.

Mali and Burkina Faso Impose Visa Bans on US Citizens Amid Rising Tensions
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Mali and Burkina Faso Impose Visa Bans on US Citizens Amid Rising Tensions

Mali and Burkina Faso have implemented full visa bans on US citizens, marking a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between these African nations and the United States. This reciprocal action follows recent travel restrictions imposed by the US government, which were aimed at enhancing national security and addressing concerns related to inadequate information-sharing policies and the presence of terrorist groups in the region. The US visa bans affect 39 countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Laos, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, and Syria. Officials from Mali and Burkina Faso have cited principles of reciprocity and mutual respect in their decision to impose these bans, which reflect a broader shift in their foreign policy as they increasingly lean towards Russia amid deteriorating relations with Western powers. Niger has also enacted a similar ban, further highlighting the growing rift between the US and several African nations. The US's original travel restrictions are set to take effect on January 1, and despite these sanctions, the US continues military operations against armed groups linked to ISIS and al-Qaeda in regions such as Somalia and Nigeria. This cycle of visa restrictions underscores the complex dynamics of international relations and the ongoing challenges in security cooperation and humanitarian aid between the US and African countries.

Ghana's Economic Reforms and Road Construction Boost: A Call for Unity and Progress
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Ghana's Economic Reforms and Road Construction Boost: A Call for Unity and Progress

In a recent address, Ghana's Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, emphasized the importance of public support for the government's economic reforms as the nation approaches 2026. He expressed gratitude for the resilience shown by Ghanaians throughout 2025 and highlighted the need for continued commitment to these reforms to stimulate growth and job creation. Forson particularly acknowledged the contributions of market traders and urged all citizens to maintain momentum in implementing policies that would provide more opportunities for households and businesses. In parallel, the Association of Road Contractors has praised the Mahama administration for settling part of the arrears owed to contractors, which is expected to accelerate road construction projects across the country. These payments, part of the 2025 Budget, are aimed at addressing outstanding debts and revitalizing stalled projects. John Afful, the former Chairman of the Association, confirmed that over GH¢5 million has been allocated, alongside a GH¢1 billion release for contractors and ongoing disbursements from a GH¢2.5 billion Road Fund. Afful expressed optimism that these financial measures will uplift contractor morale and enhance project delivery, aligning with the government's Big Push agenda for infrastructure development. Together, these initiatives reflect a concerted effort to foster economic recovery and improve public infrastructure in Ghana.

Ken Ofori-Atta's Extradition Case: Allegations of Political Motivation and Corruption
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Ken Ofori-Atta's Extradition Case: Allegations of Political Motivation and Corruption

Enayat Qasimi, the international lawyer representing former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, has asserted that the extradition case against his client is politically motivated. Ofori-Atta, currently in the U.S. for medical treatment, faces allegations of corruption related to payments made to Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited without adequate evidence. Qasimi emphasized that Ofori-Atta is committed to complying with Ghana's laws and is not evading justice, despite claiming that his rights have been violated. He criticized the issuance of a red notice for Ofori-Atta's extradition, noting that Ghanaian authorities were aware of his medical situation. While U.S. authorities will ultimately decide on the extradition request, Ghanaian prosecutors have countered claims of political persecution, insisting that the charges are based on substantial evidence and Ofori-Atta's lack of cooperation with ongoing investigations.

Political Dynamics in Ghana: Mahama's Vision, Kwetey's Critique, and Miners' Concerns
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Political Dynamics in Ghana: Mahama's Vision, Kwetey's Critique, and Miners' Concerns

In recent political developments in Ghana, key figures and organizations have voiced their opinions on the future direction of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the gold mining sector. Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the General Secretary of the NDC, publicly criticized party members advocating for a third term for former President John Dramani Mahama, labeling them as "sycophants" and "boot lickers" during the party's 31st December Revolution event. Kwetey emphasized that the NDC's values and collective mission should take precedence over individual ambitions, referencing the late Jerry John Rawlings' decision not to pursue a third term as a guiding principle. Meanwhile, President Mahama, in his New Year’s message for 2026, outlined his vision for the nation, highlighting achievements from 2025 and emphasizing the need for continued progress in various sectors. His agenda includes a focus on world-class education, universal healthcare, food self-sufficiency, renewable energy, social housing, and combating corruption. Mahama called for active participation from all Ghanaians, including youth, entrepreneurs, civil society, and the diaspora, to foster a unified national identity and collective development. In a related context, the Ghana National Association of Small-Scale Miners (GNASSM) has urged Parliament to protect the gains made in the domestic gold market amidst political debates that could jeopardize these advancements. Following concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament regarding the national gold trading program, GNASSM defended the program's successes, including the exclusion of foreign traders and improved pricing mechanisms. The association stressed the importance of a united front to enhance Ghana's economic prospects and called on lawmakers to support existing structures like Goldbod instead of engaging in destabilizing discussions.