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.

A close-up photograph of a Ghanaian official wearing a white shirt and glasses, gesturing with his hand while speaking. In the background, an official portrait of President John Dramani Mahama is visible on the wall, indicating the setting is a government office or press briefing.
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Speaker Bagbin and Gender Minister Respond to Rights Concerns as Waste Disposal Crisis Sparks Ultimatum

The Ghanaian political landscape has seen a surge in civic activity and government response, highlighted by the ‘Women’s Voices Matter’ demonstration in Accra. NPP-affiliated and cross-party women marched to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to advocate for justice, dignity, and the protection of constitutional rights. In response to the petition, Gender Minister Agnes Naa Momo Lartey confirmed that the implementation structures for the 2024 Affirmative Action Act, including a dedicated committee and secretariat, are now fully operational. This development coincides with a strong directive from Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, who urged the House’s Human Rights Committee to proactively investigate potential abuses of freedom of expression without waiting for formal referrals, emphasizing that legitimate criticism of public officials must never be criminalized. Simultaneously, an environmental and political standoff has emerged in the Eastern Region, where Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh and residents of the Yaw Adipa/Asiyaw Electoral Area have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government. The community is demanding an immediate suspension of waste transport from Accra to their locality, citing severe health risks, foul odors, and potential groundwater contamination. Addressing these systemic waste management challenges, Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga announced plans to decommission the overflowing Kpone landfill and construct new, modern waste management sites in the Greater Accra and Eastern regions. The government is also exploring alternative technologies, including incineration and waste-to-energy systems, to transition away from traditional landfill reliance. Infrastructure and security concerns have also taken center stage, with various traditional leaders and advocacy groups calling for urgent state intervention. Torgbuiga Akpo Ashiakpor VI of the Weta Traditional Area and Naa Debomo Victor Gandaa V of Birifoh have both prioritized road rehabilitation and enhanced police presence to combat rising drug trafficking and local disputes. Additionally, the planned October 1st rollout of the TRAFFITECH-GH automated traffic enforcement system has faced calls for postponement. Groups like CUTS International and Citi Newsroom have urged the government to ensure all traffic lights, speed limits, and road markings are fully functional and visible before the system begins issuing automated fines to motorists. Amidst these regional demands, the administration of President John Mahama continues to receive commendations for local development initiatives. Government appointees in the Jasikan Municipality recently praised the President’s leadership for advancing the Oti Technical University and expanding rural electrification. Meanwhile, social welfare remains a priority as the Gender Ministry begins nationwide monitoring of Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) payments, and UNICEF advocates for a GH‑30 million annual funding commitment to bolster child protection services. As the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and local parliamentary aspirants call for peace and accountability, these multi-sectoral developments underscore a national drive toward transparency and sustainable progress.

A composite image featuring two prominent Ghanaian politicians. On the left is Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader, in a pensive pose, and on the right is Bryan Acheampong, Minister for Food and Agriculture, speaking during a session.
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Minister Eric Opoku Urges Finance Ministry to Reverse Withdrawal from $640m World Bank Food Resilience Programme

Minister for Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku has formally urged Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson to reverse a decision to withdraw Ghana from the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP). The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) contends that the Finance Ministry issued a withdrawal notice to the World Bank without prior consultation, a move that now threatens GH¢643.87 million in existing contractual obligations. The World Bank has already suspended activities related to the $640 million programme, prompting MoFA to warn of severe disruptions to critical irrigation projects and the government's flagship Feed Ghana Programme. Minister Opoku has called for an urgent reconciliation of accounts and a formal retraction of the withdrawal notice to prevent additional costs and delays in seasonal agricultural interventions. Despite the fiscal friction, the agricultural sector continues to show robust performance according to recent ministerial reports. In engagements with traditional authorities, including a courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, Nii Teiko Tsuru II, Minister Opoku highlighted that the Feed Ghana Programme achieved maize production of over 4.6 million tonnes in 2025, significantly exceeding the national demand of 3.6 million tonnes. The Ga Mantse emphasized the importance of traditional leaders in disseminating agricultural information and urged the ministry to prioritize maize production to ensure food security for local communities. Minister Opoku reiterated the government's goal of making agriculture more profitable to attract the youth into the sector. Parallel to these developments, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, is advocating for institutional integrity and structural reforms. She has called on the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to uphold transparency and avoid selective enforcement of environmental laws to regain public trust. Furthermore, Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings has pushed for reforms to remove barriers facing women in trade and agribusiness, specifically identifying land title issues as a major hurdle to financial collateral. She proposed the placement of female customs officers at borders and urged for infrastructure investments that recognize women's significant but often unpaid labor in the agricultural value chain. On the administrative and environmental front, the government is addressing both personnel rumors and critiques of its mining policies. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources recently clarified that Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah has not resigned from the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod); rather, Chief Director Marcus Haligah was appointed to represent him due to the Minister's intensive schedule. Meanwhile, the efficacy of anti-illegal mining operations remains a point of debate. Senyo Hosi, convenor of the One Ghana Movement, has criticized current 'galamsey' raids as temporary measures that merely 'reset the clock' for miners. He urged the government to adopt a new strategy focused on changing economic incentives and measuring success through tangible outcomes like river cleanliness and land reclamation.

Prof. Atsu Ayee, Prof. John Osae-Kwapong
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President Mahama Finalizes 60-Member Ministerial Team Amid Nationwide Calls for Constitutional Reform

President John Dramani Mahama has officially completed the formation of his government following Parliament's approval and the subsequent swearing-in of the final batch of deputy ministers. The four new appointees—Prof. Grace Ayensu-Danquah (Health), Dorcas Affo-Toffey (Transport), James Gyakye Quayson (Foreign Affairs), and Mohammed Adams Sukparu (Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations)—bring the total ministerial count to 60. This milestone fulfills a primary campaign pledge by President Mahama to maintain a lean and efficient administration. During the swearing-in ceremony, the President emphasized that the streamlined team is part of a broader strategy to restore trust in public service, noting that savings from budget cuts at the Office of the President will be redirected toward the education and health sectors. While the executive branch solidifies its structure, the Constitution Review Committee (CRC), chaired by Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, is moving into the final stages of its public engagement process. Established by President Mahama shortly after his inauguration in January 2025, the committee has been gathering diverse proposals aimed at updating the 1992 Constitution. Stakeholders have proposed significant shifts, including reducing the minimum age for presidential candidates to 21, limiting the President's appointment powers over the Electoral Commission, and decoupling the roles of Member of Parliament and Minister to enhance the separation of powers. Amid these discussions, political scientists Professor Joseph Atsu Ayee and Dr. John Osae-Kwapong have pushed back against alternative proposals for a new Constituent Assembly, arguing that the current CRC framework provides a more efficient and transparent path for reform. Institutional challenges within the legal and legislative sectors have also come to the fore. Attorney-General Dr. Dominic A. Ayine recently alerted the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional and Legal Affairs regarding a crisis of high attrition within his office. Dr. Ayine cited poor compensation and heavy workloads as primary factors driving skilled state attorneys toward the private sector, urging for immediate funding increases to retain legal talent. Simultaneously, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, addressed the 11th Biennial Conference of the Commonwealth Hansard Editors Association, warning that parliamentary records face increasing threats from digital manipulation and "fake news." He called for urgent investment in technological upgrades for Hansard staff to ensure the integrity of democratic documentation. On the security front, Mahama Ayariga, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, has issued a stern call to end the politicization of the long-standing Bawku conflict. Following a series of violent escalations, including the murder of a local chief and students, Ayariga urged political leaders to prioritize peace over partisan interests. Meanwhile, the legal system has set a significant precedent regarding the limits of religious freedom. The 15-year prison sentence handed to Nana Agradaa for money-doubling fraud has sparked a national debate on the regulation of "one-man churches." Experts suggest that while religious autonomy is protected, the conviction serves as a clear signal that fraudulent practices under the guise of faith will face strict legal scrutiny, highlighting an urgent need for a clearer regulatory framework for religious organizations in Ghana.

Dr John Osae-Kwapong
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Akwatia and Tamale Central By-Elections Anchor Shifting Ghanaian Political Landscape

Ghana’s political arena is currently defined by preparations for critical by-elections and a heated national debate over economic stewardship. The Electoral Commission has scheduled the Akwatia constituency by-election for September 2, 2025, following the death of NPP Member of Parliament Ernest Kumi. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has elected 40-year-old lawyer Bernard Bediako Baidoo to contest the seat, while Solomon Kwame Asumadu represents the New Patriotic Party (NPP). In a contrasting move, the NPP National Steering Committee announced it will not field a candidate for the Tamale Central by-election, citing a desire to foster national unity and avoid political polarization following the tragic death of MP Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed in a helicopter crash. In Parliament, the debate over the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review has exposed deep ideological rifts between the governing NDC and the NPP minority. Deputy Majority Leader George Kweku Ricketts-Hagan asserted that President John Mahama’s administration is "resetting" the economy through homegrown policies, specifically highlighting the growth of national gold reserves to over $11 billion. However, the NPP minority, led by figures like Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, disputed these claims, arguing that current economic growth is the result of initiatives established during the immediate past administration of Nana Akufo-Addo. Residents in the Sekondi-Takoradi area expressed cautious optimism about the budget while urging the government to prioritize digital payment systems and infrastructure completion. The structural integrity of Ghanaian democracy is also under scrutiny as calls for political financing reform grow louder. Dr. John Enyonam Kpikpi, flagbearer of the Progressive Alliance for Ghana (PAG), has called for a radical review of MPs' salaries and benefits, suggesting they be aligned with those of teachers and medical doctors to ensure politics remains a public service rather than a path to wealth. This follows a Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) study estimating the cost of winning a presidential election at $150 million. Concerns about the influence of money are further highlighted by the NPP’s high primary fees, with total costs for presidential candidates reaching GH₵1,000,000, leading legal practitioner Martin Kpebu to suggest that the NPP may face a long road back to power, potentially until 2032. At the local and personal levels, political tensions continue to manifest in protests and historical grievances. In Akyem Asene, over 1,000 residents demonstrated against their NPP MP, George Kwame Aboagye, alleging neglect of their community compared to other parts of the constituency. Meanwhile, UT Bank founder Kofi Amoabeng recently alleged that the former NPP government attempted to block his international travel by writing to the US Embassy to deny him a visa. These developments, coupled with the 13-year abandonment of a Vice-Presidential residence in Cantonments and recent televised clashes between NPP and NDC representatives, underscore a volatile political climate as the nation navigates the challenges of the Mahama presidency's first year.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings lays wreath in honour of helicopter crash victims
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President Mahama Appoints Caretaker Ministers and Declares National Mourning Following Fatal Helicopter Crash

In the wake of a devastating military helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama has moved to stabilize the government by appointing Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson as Acting Defence Minister and Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah as caretaker Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology (MEST). The tragic accident, which occurred in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of eight individuals, including the substantive Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the MEST Minister, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. The delegation was traveling to commission a community mining scheme when the aircraft went down near Brofoyedru. President Mahama has declared three days of national mourning, with flags flying at half-mast to honor those described by the government as heroes of national service. The tragedy has triggered a massive wave of condolences from across the political spectrum, uniting the nation in grief. Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former President John Agyekum Kufuor both described the incident as a profound national tragedy, with Kufuor urging the country to respond with unity and compassion. Former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, who accompanied President Mahama during a visit to the bereaved family of Dr. Omane Boamah, emphasized the immense sacrifice made by the public servants. Similarly, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Minority Caucus in Parliament issued statements praising the dedication of the deceased and calling for a transparent investigation into the cause of the crash to ensure full accountability. Institutional tributes have poured in, highlighting the professional impact of the fallen ministers. The Electoral Commission (EC) recognized Dr. Omane Boamah as a vocal and dedicated member of the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), noting his advocacy for electoral transparency. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin, during a visit to the families, urged Ghanaians to focus on the legacies and contributions of the leaders rather than the circumstances of their passing. Further honors were paid by former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, who laid a wreath at the Jubilee House, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), which cited the sacrifice of the officials as an inspiration for civic responsibility. As the nation prepares for a state funeral scheduled for August 15, 2025, at Black Star Square, the sense of loss remains palpable, particularly in the home regions of the deceased. In Effiduase and Koforidua, residents and NDC executives gathered at Dr. Omane Boamah’s family home to mourn a man described by neighbors as a generous and caring leader. While the government manages the immediate transition with caretaker appointments, the Progressive Alliance for Ghana (PAG) and other stakeholders continue to demand a comprehensive technical investigation into the flight’s failure to prevent future occurrences of such a high-level military disaster.

Institutional, partisan anti-corruption fight dilemma
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Ghana Audit Service to Launch Recommendation Tracker Amid GH"100 Billion Financial Loss Crisis

The Ghana Audit Service has announced the upcoming launch of an internal online tracker in October 2026 to monitor the implementation of audit recommendations and financial recoveries. Auditor-General Dr. Pamela Graham revealed that while the service has recovered GH"17.6 billion and saved the state GH"11.7 billion through its activities, a significant GH"280.5 million in surcharges remains unpaid. Professor Francis Dodoo, a Presidential Advisor, highlighted a staggering GH"100 billion lost to financial irregularities over the past six years, urging the service to utilize its constitutional powers of disallowance and surcharge more aggressively to deter future misappropriation. This push for accountability coincides with intensified enforcement actions by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The office recently froze the assets of Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), including five bank accounts and 17 properties, following an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of GH"55 million. Meanwhile, legal disputes have flared within Parliament, with Akwatia MP Bernard Bediako Baidoo reiterating accusations against Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. Conversely, the Attorney-General’s decision in July 2025 to discontinue criminal proceedings against Dr. Kwabena Duffuor regarding the GH"5.7 billion UniBank collapse has sparked public debate over whether judicial expediency is compromising systemic accountability. To complement these institutional efforts, the Mahama administration is calling for a more robust media landscape. Marietta Agyeiwaa Brew, Legal Advisor to President John Mahama, urged journalists at a 2026 stakeholders’ conference to strengthen fact-checking and utilize the Right to Information (RTI) Act to combat —information disorder.— She emphasized that in a digital age, the media’s responsibility to verify information is critical to maintaining public trust and ensuring that public institutions remain accountable to the citizenry. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim added that the government remains committed to the timely release of information to support fair media scrutiny. Despite these advancements, experts warn of a lingering —institutional dilemma— where partisan narratives often complicate anti-corruption efforts. While the Audit Service moves toward AI-enabled auditing and digital tracking, the political nature of appointments within the Attorney-General’s office continues to raise questions about the independence of high-profile prosecutions. As the country moves toward the 2026 audit cycle, the success of these transparency initiatives will depend on a consensus across political lines and the ability of the Audit Service to impose stricter penalties that outweigh the potential gains of financial misappropriation.

A photograph of Ghanaian Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa shaking hands with a female official from the Philippines. The official is dressed in a red ensemble and wears a scarf featuring the colors of the Ghana flag and the text 'Greetings from Ghana', symbolizing diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
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President Mahama and Minister Ablakwa Secure Strategic Diplomatic Gains at 81st UN General Assembly

President John Dramani Mahama and Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa have concluded a series of high-level diplomatic engagements at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, marking a significant expansion of Ghana’s global influence. Central to these efforts were talks between President Mahama and Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, aimed at deepening bilateral ties and securing international partnerships for Ghana’s economic development. Simultaneously, the President met with outgoing UN Secretary-General Ant3nio Guterres, who commended Mahama’s leadership on international finance reforms and reparative justice. These discussions underscored Ghana’s commitment to the UN’s themes of trust and transformation while addressing critical peace and security issues in West Africa and the Sahel. On the sidelines of the assembly, Minister Ablakwa finalized several landmark bilateral agreements that promise direct benefits for Ghanaian citizens. A historic deal was reached with the Philippines to establish its first-ever embassy in Accra later this year, a move expected to bolster trade through a new joint chamber of commerce and enhanced labor mobility. Furthermore, Ghana and Saint Kitts and Nevis signed a bilateral labor agreement specifically designed to protect Ghanaian health professionals. Under this pact, nurses working in the Caribbean nation will receive enhanced salaries, comprehensive health insurance, rent allowances, and end-of-service benefits. Minister Ablakwa also announced significant progress in negotiations with the U.S. Department of State to lift immigrant visa restrictions, signaling a potential reprieve from a years-long ban. In a robust defense of international law, Minister Ablakwa told the General Assembly that Ghana firmly opposes attempts to abolish the International Criminal Court (ICC). He instead called for strengthening the court to better address historical injustices and crimes against humanity, while reiterating the demand for a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council. This stance on global justice was mirrored by international concerns regarding regional stability, as King Mohammed VI of Morocco issued a strong condemnation of Houthi militia attacks on Saudi Arabia, framing such aggression as a threat to global maritime trade and the wider Muslim community. Meanwhile, Danish Ambassador Jakob Linulf urged Ghana to sustain its recent gains in maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, emphasizing that continued vigilance is required to combat piracy and pollution. Closer to home, the call for improved governance and political maturity resonated at the African Political Parties Summit in Accra. NDC General Secretary Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey urged continental leaders to cease the victimization of political opponents, arguing that the suppression of dissent is a primary barrier to Africa’s economic progress. These domestic and international developments highlight a period of proactive diplomacy for the Mahama administration, as the government seeks to balance strategic global partnerships with a firm commitment to human rights and regional stability. The successful negotiation of labor protections and the expansion of diplomatic missions suggest a shift toward a more impactful, citizen-centered foreign policy.

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin
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Speaker Bagbin Backs President Mahama’s Call for National Dialogue on Social Media Abuse and Political Decorum

In a significant push for civil discourse, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has expressed strong support for President John Dramani Mahama’s initiative to launch a national dialogue on hate speech and abusive online content. The move comes as both leaders raise alarms over the deteriorating quality of public conversation in Ghana, fueled by the rapid spread of misinformation and personal attacks on digital platforms like TikTok. During a recent emergency parliamentary sitting, Speaker Bagbin emphasized that while freedom of expression is a constitutional pillar, it must not be used as a shield for threats, falsehoods, or the degradation of the nation’s democratic culture. President Mahama initially proposed the dialogue during a town hall meeting in New York, tasking the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) to lead a stakeholder forum to address these challenges. Speaker Bagbin has specifically challenged Ghana’s political leadership to take responsibility for the hostile climate, urging party leaders to stop rewarding members who gain prominence through "bitter tongues" and inflammatory rhetoric. He warned that the prevalence of insults in political discourse undermines public trust and threatens the country's democratic stability. Bagbin argued that elected representatives must model the high standards of discipline and respectful disagreement they expect from the citizenry, asserting that strong political criticism does not require personal degradation. He called for a culture of substantive debate where arguments are won on merit rather than through provocations and abuse. The necessity for improved decorum was highlighted during the emergency session when Dr. Kabiru Tiah Mahama, the Member of Parliament for Walewale, was forced to retract a comment labeling the Speaker’s decision to recall Parliament as "rude." Following a rebuke from the Speaker, Dr. Mahama offered an unreserved apology, admitting he had misunderstood the term. This incident served as a practical example of the Speaker's broader call for parliamentary discipline and the need to maintain the dignity of state institutions. The recall itself had been triggered by a request from President Mahama under Order 58(4) of the Standing Orders to address urgent government business, further underscoring the active coordination between the executive and legislative branches. Adding to the conversation, prominent dancehall artiste Shatta Wale addressed an open letter to President Mahama, advocating for a balanced legal framework that tackles online defamation without infringing on constitutional freedoms. Shatta Wale suggested that the government should collaborate with the judiciary, media, and technology companies to establish clear protocols for online conduct, including enhanced account verification linked to national identity systems. He cautioned against any move that might reintroduce criminal libel laws, instead proposing public education on responsible digital citizenship and proportional penalties for online misconduct. Shatta Wale expressed his readiness to participate in the upcoming national dialogue to represent the interests of the creative community and digital users. The proposed national engagement is expected to develop a comprehensive roadmap for managing digital content while safeguarding civil liberties. By involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders—including civil society, technology firms, and the media—the initiative aims to create a sustainable environment for free expression that is grounded in accountability. As Ghana moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring that the democratized nature of social media continues to foster participation without eroding the foundational values of respect and truth that sustain the nation's democracy.

President John Dramani Mahama speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York
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President Mahama Rejects "Humiliating" US Health Compact Amid Push for African Health Sovereignty

President John Dramani Mahama has defended the Ghanaian Cabinet's decision to swiftly reject a proposed health compact from the United States, describing its conditions as "humiliating" and a threat to national sovereignty. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, President Mahama revealed that the proposal was dismissed almost immediately after a review by the Ministry of Health. The rejection comes at a critical juncture for Ghana’s healthcare sector, following the abrupt withdrawal of approximately $174 million in US development support, which has left a $74 million deficit in health financing and prompted the administration to seek alternative paths to self-reliance through the newly established "Accra Reset" initiative. The core of the dispute centers on what the President characterized as intrusive demands regarding national data and regulatory autonomy. According to Mahama, the US compact required Ghana to provide its pathogen profile and citizens' medical records, while also mandating that Ghana make financial contributions to the program. Furthermore, the agreement sought to limit the regulatory authority of Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) by restricting its ability to inspect imported medical products. The President emphasized that such provisions were unacceptable, asserting that the Cabinet instructed the Health Minister to formally notify the US Ambassador of the rejection to protect the nation's integrity. In response to the administration's stance, the United States Embassy in Ghana issued a statement defending the proposal. The Embassy argued that the request for access to health data was intended to align with international best practices and would have included strict measures to ensure patient confidentiality. Despite these assurances, the rejection has garnered significant domestic support, notably from high-profile figures like the rapper Sarkodie. In a public message, Sarkodie praised President Mahama for "fortifying Ghana’s dignity" and standing firm against Western demands that he deemed disrespectful to the nation. Moving forward, President Mahama is utilizing this diplomatic friction to advocate for broader health sovereignty across the continent. He emphasized that the vulnerabilities exposed by the withdrawal of foreign aid necessitate the development of local capacity for producing medicines and vaccines. As Ghana prepares to assume the chairmanship of the African Union in 2027, the President highlighted that regional integration and self-sufficiency will be central to his agenda, alongside addressing security challenges in the Sahel to ensure long-term stability and peace across the region.

Bright Solomon Kumordzie
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NDC Sets Timeline for Regional and Constituency Elections as Aspirants Champion Grassroots Empowerment

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially announced the opening of nominations for its 2026 Regional Executive Elections, marking a pivotal step in the party's internal reorganization. Deputy General Secretary Barbara Serwaa Asamoah confirmed that nominations will open on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. This announcement comes as the party gears up for its constituency-level elections, scheduled for October 24 and 25, though localized adjustments have been made in areas like Ketu South, where voting is set for October 23 due to traditional funeral rites. The party leadership has emphasized that all aspirants must be members in good standing and has modernized its administrative processes by requiring all nomination and filing fees to be paid exclusively through an online portal via Mobile Money, Visa, or MasterCard. As the electoral cycle intensifies, several high-profile aspirants have unveiled strategic visions aimed at strengthening the party's foundation. Dr. Akwasi Opong-Fosu, a contender for the National Chairmanship, recently introduced a grassroots empowerment blueprint anchored on the "3Vs": Votes, Voice, and Viability. His proposal includes the establishment of a Business Development Directorate at the NDC Headquarters to support local businesses and ensure the financial sustainability of constituency activities beyond election seasons. Similarly, in the Ho Central Constituency, Vice-Chairperson aspirant Sena Setordzi has called for increased female representation in leadership, citing the election of Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as a catalyst for women’s growing influence in Ghanaian politics. At the constituency level, participation is surging, particularly among the youth. In Sunyani West, 77 aspirants have picked up nomination forms, while in Ketu South, 73 candidates have been cleared to contest various roles. Deputy National Youth Organiser Osman Ayariga noted that the high volume of young people seeking office reflects the party's growing appeal to the next generation of leaders. In the Bongo Constituency, Deputy Youth Organiser aspirant Adongo Richmond Nsopika has pledged to focus on empowering polling station organisers, whom he identifies as the essential link for effective grassroots mobilization. These localized campaigns are being closely monitored to ensure they remain focused on development rather than personal attacks. Party elders and regional executives are maintaining a strong call for decorum and unity throughout the vetting and campaigning phases. Bright Solomon Kumordzie, Ghana’s Deputy High Commissioner to Togo and outgoing constituency chairman, has urged all candidates to avoid hate speech and prioritize the party's collective interests over personal ambitions. This sentiment was echoed by Sulemana Mumuni, a regional organiser, who stressed that the NDC’s commitment to democratic principles requires a transparent vetting process and clean, issue-based campaigns. In a separate development regarding leadership standards, Central Regional Chairman Richard Kofi Asiedu recently announced he would cease using the title "Professor" following a directive from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), affirming his commitment to regulatory compliance. The current internal electoral roadmap is designed to culminate in the National Congress scheduled for December 19, 2026. This process is seen as critical for the NDC as it seeks to consolidate its structure under the current administration of President John Mahama. By integrating digital payment systems, promoting inclusive leadership, and focusing on grassroots economic viability, the party aims to emerge from these elections as a more modern and unified political force ready to address national challenges.

Kwame Pianim
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NPP Prepares for Crucial National Delegates Conference as John Boadu Leads Race for National Chairmanship

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is set to convene in Kumasi on October 3, 2026, for its National Delegates Conference, a pivotal event as the party seeks to restructure and regain power for the 2028 general elections. Following the inauguration of President John Mahama in early 2025, the NPP is focused on selecting a leadership team capable of navigating the challenges of opposition. Anthony Karbo, Chairperson of the NPP’s Organisation Committee, has emphasized that the selection of the 47 candidates vying for nine national positions must be based on competence and organizational skill rather than proximity to the party’s current flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. This focus on merit is intended to ensure the party is battle-ready for the next electoral cycle. In the high-stakes race for National Chairman, former General Secretary John Boadu has emerged as the clear frontrunner. According to a political environment assessment survey conducted by Prof. Smart Sarpong, Boadu holds a commanding lead with 46.5% support among respondents, significantly ahead of his closest rival, Boakye Agyarko, who polled at 24.8%. Boadu, who has been endorsed by groups such as the Takoradi Technical University chapter of Patriotic Intellectuals, is campaigning on his experience leading the party to victory in 2016 and 2020. He has urged delegates to prioritize “winning ways” and immediate party rebuilding over long-term personal agendas. Meanwhile, the National Officers Elections Committee (NOEC) has moved to assure all aspirants of a transparent process, specifically addressing concerns from the Agyarko campaign regarding the TESCON delegates list. The broader executive lineup also shows clear preferences among delegates, with Lawyer Justin Frimpong Kodua (JFK) leading the General Secretary race with 60% support. Other prominent figures in the lead include Henry Nana Boakye for Vice Chairman, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover for National Organizer, and Mavis Hawa Koomson for National Women Organizer. These internal elections are viewed as the necessary foundation for the party’s upcoming presidential primary. High-profile members, including former MP Kennedy Agyapong and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, have already signaled their intent to lead the party in 2028, with Agyapong’s supporters recently picking up his nomination forms to champion a message of discipline, patriotism, and economic transformation. Despite the focus on upcoming votes, senior party figures have issued stern warnings about internal cohesion. Elders such as Kwame Pianim and Hackman Owusu-Agyemang have cautioned that the NPP risks a political decline similar to that of the Convention People’s Party (CPP) if it fails to address grassroots dissatisfaction and internal fractures. Reconciliation efforts are already underway in constituencies such as Sunyani East, where leaders are working to unite members after divisive local executive polls. As the party moves toward its October conference and subsequent 2026 presidential primary, the emphasis remains on introspection, renewal, and the restoration of a unified front to challenge the current administration.

Narcotics seizures: Speaker Bagbin dismisses Private Members’ motion calling for parliamentary probe
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Speaker Alban Bagbin Adjourns Parliament Indefinitely After Dismissing Minority Motion for Narcotics Probe

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has adjourned the House indefinitely following his dismissal of a Minority-sponsored motion for a bipartisan inquiry into major international narcotics seizures linked to Ghana. The emergency sitting, convened on September 29, 2025, was triggered by reports of a massive 3.9-metric-tonne cocaine haul in Dunkirk, France, and a 320-kilogramme methamphetamine seizure in Australia—both involving shipments purportedly originating from Ghana. Speaker Bagbin ruled the motion inadmissible, arguing that a parliamentary investigation would overlap with ongoing criminal proceedings and could potentially prejudice the outcomes of pending judicial cases. He emphasized that while Parliament retains oversight responsibilities, procedural rules prevent interference with matters currently before the courts. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has vehemently rejected the Speaker’s ruling, describing it as a "setback for democracy" and an attempt to weaken the legislature's constitutional oversight. Afenyo-Markin accused the Majority and the Speaker of using the sub judice rule to shield state institutions from accountability. The Minority argued that the proposed Ad Hoc Committee was not intended to determine individual criminal liability but to evaluate the effectiveness of public institutions and cargo inspection systems. The Minority Caucus maintained that the relationship between court proceedings and parliamentary oversight should allow for institutional inquiries that do not infringe upon specific legal trials. The demand for a probe stems from growing concerns over Ghana’s reputation, with the Minority noting that drug consignments worth over $1 billion have been intercepted internationally in the past 18 months. Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, highlighted that these significant busts are often only reported by foreign authorities, suggesting a failure in local profiling and scanning. The Minority is now demanding full transparency and the release of data on all narcotics seizures, arrests, and prosecutions since January 2025, alleging that weak enforcement systems and possible collusion within state agencies are fueling trafficking. With Parliament now adjourned until further notice, the standoff has left the country’s legislative business in a state of uncertainty. Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin has pledged to explore other constitutional options and Standing Orders to ensure the inquiry proceeds, asserting that the caucus will not let the matter rest. While the Speaker clarified that the rejection was procedural and not a judgment on the allegations themselves, the impasse underscores the deepening tension between the executive's security apparatus and the legislature's mandate to hold state institutions accountable for national security lapses.