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.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye — Picked up by EOCO
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NPP Aide Dennis Miracles Aboagye Released on GH¢50m Bail Amidst GH¢55m Corruption Investigation

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, a prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) communicator and aide to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has been released from custody after meeting a GH¢50 million bail. His release followed a three-day detention by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) after he was arrested at the Kotoka International Airport upon his return to Ghana. The investigation stems from his tenure as the Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD), where he is alleged to have been involved in financial and procurement irregularities totaling approximately GH¢55 million. The probe, which includes charges of conspiracy to steal and money laundering, was initiated following a forensic audit requested by the current IMCCoD leadership. The arrest has sparked significant political and legal backlash from the NPP and Aboagye's legal team. His lead counsel, Samuel Atta Akyea, described the bail conditions—which required GH¢50 million and three sureties, two of whom had to be justified with properties—as "cruel and oppressive." NPP General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua and other party officials condemned the detention as a "Rambo-style" arrest intended to intimidate political opponents. The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has also urged the Attorney General to brief the house on the arrest, questioning the necessity of such high-profile tactics against an individual who had previously cooperated with investigators. EOCO has maintained that its actions are professional and based on a forensic audit covering the period between August 2022 and February 2025. The office clarified that the investigation is ongoing and involves multiple individuals, including former IMCCoD accountant Gerald Appiah, who has reportedly begun refunding some of the misappropriated funds. During the investigation, EOCO officials escorted Aboagye to his residence in Larteh Akuapem for a search as part of the evidence-gathering process. While some parliamentary figures, like James Enu of the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee, defended the high bail amount as reflective of the case's financial magnitude, critics argue that the conditions were punitively high and designed to keep Aboagye in custody. The case has heightened political tensions in Ghana, with NPP supporters protesting outside the EOCO headquarters during Aboagye's detention. Party leadership has warned that the perceived use of state security agencies for political purposes sets a dangerous precedent for democratic governance. As EOCO continues its probe into the alleged misappropriation of public funds, the outcome of this case is expected to have significant implications for both the upcoming elections and the ongoing national discourse on public accountability and judicial fairness.

Chairman Wontumi's lawyer seeks Supreme Court interpretation of Minerals and Mining Act
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Supreme Court Halts GN Savings License Restoration as Lawyers for Ashanti NPP Chairman Wontumi Challenge Mining Act Constitutionality

Ghana’s legal and political landscape is currently dominated by high-profile cases at the Supreme Court and significant pushes for legislative reform. The Supreme Court has stayed the execution of a Court of Appeal judgment that ordered the restoration of GN Savings and Loans Limited’s operating license. This decision maintains the Bank of Ghana’s previous revocation of the license during the financial sector cleanup, pending a final verdict from the apex court. Simultaneously, lawyers for Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, are seeking a Supreme Court interpretation of the Minerals and Mining Act. Wontumi, who faces charges for facilitating unauthorized mining, argues that certain sections of the Act are unconstitutional and legally vague. A ruling on the referral is expected on July 20, 2026. In the realm of local governance and fiscal policy, the Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA) is intensifying its advocacy for a significant increase in the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). While the Cabinet recently approved a new National Decentralization Policy proposing an increase to 7.5%, the GDCA argues that the allocation should be at least 10% of national revenue to meet local development needs. The association also called for a prohibition on central government pre-commitments of these funds and expressed support for the non-partisan election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). This push for transparency is mirrored in Parliament, where Public Accounts Committee Vice Chairman Davis Ansah Opoku has urged the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to publish a comprehensive register of all mining leases to improve oversight and public confidence. Government accountability and resource management remain at the forefront of the national agenda. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, is scheduled to appear in the Government Accountability Series on July 15, 2026, to provide updates on land administration and environmental protection. In a related environmental initiative, Sammy Gyamfi, CEO of the Ghana Gold Board (GOLDBOD), announced an GHS 8.4 million investment for rehabilitating water systems in the Western and Central Regions affected by illegal mining. Meanwhile, the Ministry of the Interior has revised curfew hours in the Nkwanta South Municipality to 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. following advice from the National Security Council regarding local tensions. Public service delivery is seeing modernization through the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), which recently commissioned a new office in Salaga to decentralize services in the East Gonja Municipality. The DVLA has also announced a two-year target to transition all vehicle number plates in Ghana to a digital system starting January 1, 2027. Additionally, the Ghana Armed Forces have launched major redevelopment projects at Burma Camp to modernize military housing. On the international front, the government has introduced a Diaspora National Service program to reconnect young Ghanaians abroad with their homeland, and has facilitated the voluntary return of over 8,000 irregular migrants, primarily from Libya, with support from the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

Eric Opoku (3rd from left), Minister of Food and Agriculture, being conducted round one of the construction sites
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Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku Touts Record Low Inflation Amid Parliamentary Calls for EOCO Probe into Poultry Program

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) has announced a historic milestone in Ghana's economy, with Minister Eric Opoku reporting that food inflation has dropped below four percent. This decline is attributed to deliberate government investments and strategic policy implementation rather than mere chance. To sustain this momentum and protect domestic food security against rising global costs, the government has distributed nearly 500,000 bags of free fertilizer to peasant farmers, who constitute 80% of the farming community. These interventions come at a time when the ministry is also overseeing the near-completion of major irrigation projects in the Kwahu Afram Plains, including the Ekyeamamfrom and Konadu sites, which are intended to year-round farming and reduce the nation's $3 billion food import bill. Despite these reported successes, the ministry faces intense scrutiny over the management of the state-funded 'Nkoko Nkitinkiti' poultry program. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has officially urged the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) to investigate beneficiaries who allegedly consumed the birds provided for rearing instead of using them to enhance local production. The call for an investigation follows remarks by Minister Opoku himself regarding the misuse of the program's resources. Afenyo-Markin emphasized that such misuse of public funds demands strict accountability to ensure that initiatives aimed at boosting livelihoods are not undermined by lack of oversight. In tandem with these developments, MoFA is undergoing a significant physical transformation through a GH¢1.068 million corporate sponsorship from 3TREES Ghana Painting Ltd. Part of the 'Brighten Ghana Initiative,' this partnership will see the complete exterior renovation of the ministry's national headquarters at no cost to the taxpayer. The Minister has used this collaboration as a call to action for other corporate entities to support the upcoming 42nd National Farmers’ Day. He highlighted that fostering strong private-sector partnerships is essential for infrastructure development and sustainable growth within the agricultural sector. Looking toward long-term stability, a recent study titled 'Youth in Just Food Systems Transitions' has recommended the establishment of a bipartisan food systems policy to ensure continuity across different political administrations. The study, presented at a forum in Tamale, revealed that while 40% of Ghana's youth are active in the food value chain, they continue to face significant income disparities and barriers to resource access. The findings advocate for agroecological farming, climate-resilient infrastructure, and a reduction in political interference to empower young agricultural entrepreneurs and secure the future of Ghana's food systems.

Reuters Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Oman's coast. Photo: 12 July 2026
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U.S. and Iran Escalate Hostilities in Strait of Hormuz Following Tanker Attacks and Airstrikes

A major regional security crisis has erupted in the Middle East following three consecutive nights of U.S. airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure and a retaliatory missile attack on commercial shipping. The U.S. military operations, which targeted coastal defense sites and drone facilities in Bushehr, Chabahar, and Bandar Abbas, were launched to degrade Iran's ability to threaten international shipping lanes. The escalation reached a critical point after Iranian cruise missiles struck two United Arab Emirates (UAE) oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in at least two fatalities and several injuries among seafarers. The UAE government has condemned the "brazen" attack, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reportedly claimed responsibility for the hits. In response to the maritime aggression, U.S. President Donald Trump initially announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports and proposed a controversial 20% toll on all cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. While the proposed toll faced immediate rejection from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Iranian officials, President Trump later reversed the fee threat, opting instead to seek "trade and investment deals" with Gulf allies. Despite this shift in economic tactics, the U.S. remains committed to the naval blockade, and the collapse of a previous interim ceasefire agreement has left both nations in a state of direct military confrontation. Regional tensions have further intensified with missile alerts being reported in neighboring Bahrain. The conflict has sent shockwaves through the global economy, causing a significant spike in international oil prices as analysts warn of prolonged volatility. Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most vital energy corridors, has plummeted as shipping companies face increased "war risk premiums" and heightened security threats. With both Washington and Tehran prioritizing military posturing over diplomatic engagement, the prospects for a peaceful resolution appear increasingly grim. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as the disruption of the Strait threatens the stability of global energy markets and the enforcement of international maritime law.

European Union Restricts Sudanese Gold Trade Amidst Broader African Political Shifts and Regional Security Operations
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European Union Restricts Sudanese Gold Trade Amidst Broader African Political Shifts and Regional Security Operations

The European Union has implemented a significant ban on the purchase, import, and transfer of gold from Sudan, a move designed to dismantle the economic infrastructure fueling the country's devastating civil war. Since the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted in April 2023, over 14 million people have been displaced, and 28 million are currently facing acute hunger. In addition to the gold embargo, the EU has prohibited the export of mining chemicals like mercury and cyanide to Sudan, though exemptions remain for humanitarian aid. Despite these measures, experts remain cautious, noting that between 50% and 80% of Sudan's gold is smuggled out annually, suggesting that the success of these sanctions will depend heavily on international enforcement and the parties' commitment to peace negotiations. Parallel to these economic measures, high-level diplomatic maneuvers are unfolding across the continent. In Senegal, former President Macky Sall has returned to Dakar to seek the support of his successor, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, for his candidacy as United Nations Secretary-General, marking a rare moment of engagement between the two rival political camps. Simultaneously, in Libya, top military leaders from opposing factions, including Eastern forces Chief of Staff Khaled Haftar and Western counterpart Salah al-Din al-Namroush, convened in Sirte under United Nations supervision. Their meeting represents a critical attempt to discuss the reunification of the nation's armed forces, a cornerstone for lasting stability in the region. However, legal and political tensions continue to simmer in several nations. In Guinea-Bissau, opposition leader and former Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira was recently returned to prison following a military court ruling, further straining the domestic political climate. In South Africa, a major corruption inquiry faced a setback as key suspect Vusimusi "Cat" Matlala withdrew from a plea deal after a magistrate recommended a 12-year sentence rather than the proposed eight years. This withdrawal complicates the prosecution's case against several high-ranking officials, including police chief General Fannie Masemola. Meanwhile, Botswana's High Court is hearing a landmark challenge to same-sex marriage laws, with influential church and cultural groups such as the Dingwetsi Association and the Evangelical Fellowship of Botswana mounting strong opposition to the legalization bid. Regional security remains a primary concern as authorities crack down on both militant activity and financial crimes. Kenyan security forces recently neutralized 11 al-Shabaab militants during a specialized ground and aerial operation in Mandera County along the Somalia border. On the legal front, the Kenyan Court of Appeal upheld a freeze on $274,000 belonging to EIS Afrika Group Ltd, a Burundian firm, amid allegations of money laundering. Beyond the continent, tensions in Yemen have escalated following airstrikes on Sana’a International Airport, which the Houthi militia blamed on Saudi Arabia. These diverse developments—ranging from economic sanctions in Sudan to judicial battles in South Africa and Botswana—highlight a period of intense volatility and transition in African political and security landscapes.

Ghana Strengthens Diplomatic Ties with UK and India While Preparing Major Evacuation of Citizens from South Africa
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Ghana Strengthens Diplomatic Ties with UK and India While Preparing Major Evacuation of Citizens from South Africa

Ghana is intensifying its international diplomatic efforts, balancing strategic partnerships in the energy and maritime sectors with the urgent protection of its citizens abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, through its various missions, is coordinating a series of high-level engagements intended to bolster national infrastructure and reaffirm democratic solidarity. Highlighting these efforts is the government’s announcement of a final mass evacuation of nearly 900 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa, scheduled to commence on July 25, 2026. This initiative, led by High Commissioner Benjamin Quashie, follows a period of xenophobic violence that left many Ghanaians stranded. The repatriation process will prioritize registered and screened individuals, with daily flights planned until all participants are returned, marking a transition toward case-by-case consular handling for future needs. On the economic and industrial front, Ghana’s energy and maritime sectors are undergoing significant reviews through international collaboration. Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, recently met with the British High Commissioner, Christian Rogg, to discuss critical reforms in electricity distribution, national grid expansion, and the revival of crude oil production. A key focus of their dialogue was the establishment of a Renewable Energy and Green Transition Fund, supported by British commitment to Ghana’s renewable energy agenda. Simultaneously, the newly appointed Indian High Commissioner, Surinder Bhagat, paid his first official visit to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). In discussions with Director-General Brigadier General Paul Seidu Tanye-Kulono, both parties explored enhancing maritime efficiency through professional exchanges and specialized capacity-building programs. Culturally, the Embassy of France in Ghana recently marked French National Day (Bastille Day) with a celebration that emphasized the shared democratic values between the two nations. Hosted by Ambassador Diarra DIMÉ-LABILLE, the event served as a platform for diplomatic exchange and solidarity, specifically honoring Ghanaian families affected by recent floods. The festivities integrated modern cultural elements, including a live screening of the FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Spain and an exhibition showcasing prominent Ghanaian fashion brands. These activities underscore a growing partnership that extends beyond traditional politics into the creative and cultural industries, fostering mutual respect and a shared vision for the future. These diverse diplomatic maneuvers reflect Ghana’s proactive stance in the global arena, seeking to harmonize domestic needs with international support. Whether through the physical safeguarding of citizens in the diaspora or the technical modernization of the energy and port sectors, the Ghanaian government continues to leverage its bilateral relations to drive national development. As the final mass evacuation from South Africa concludes, the focus is expected to shift toward deepening the technical and cultural pacts established with the UK, India, and France to ensure long-term stability and growth.

Isabel Boaten (3rd from left), President of the Greater Accra Regional Bar, addressing the media. With her are other members of the Bar
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Finance Minister Ato Forson to Unveil Growth-Focused Mid-Year Budget Amidst Performance Critiques and Fiscal Scrutiny

Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is scheduled to present the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review to Parliament on Thursday, July 23, 2026. This significant fiscal update comes at a critical juncture for the administration, as it seeks to transition from a period of macroeconomic stabilization to a growth-oriented agenda. According to Deputy Majority Leader Kweku Ricketts-Hagan, the review will assess economic performance for the first half of the year and propose necessary fiscal adjustments. A key highlight of the presentation will be an update on Ghana’s engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), specifically the transition from the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) to a Policy Coordination Instrument (PCI), alongside progress reports on external debt restructuring. However, the government’s forward-looking economic plans face stiff headwinds from recent performance assessments and mounting fiscal allegations. The Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) recently assigned President John Mahama’s administration a below-average score of 4.9 out of 10 for its 2025 performance. IERPP Executive Director Professor Isaac Boadi highlighted chronic weaknesses in infrastructure, energy, and social service delivery. A particularly alarming statistic noted in the IERPP’s Performance Tracker was a capital expenditure execution rate of only 0.9%, suggesting a significant gap between policy intentions and actual project implementation during the administration's inaugural year. Adding to the political pressure, Sylvester Tetteh, a prominent member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has alleged that the government spent over $12 billion in less than two years in a costly attempt to artificially stabilize the cedi. Tetteh characterized this expenditure as a public relations strategy rather than a sustainable economic plan. These concerns are further compounded by the 2025 Auditor-General’s Report, which revealed that financial irregularities in public institutions have more than doubled, reaching GH¢5.26 billion. Analysts, including Dr. Michael Darko, suggest these recurring failures point to systemic institutional weaknesses that require urgent reform rather than simple accounting corrections. Despite these challenges, the government is moving forward with targeted social-economic interventions. Finance Minister Forson recently announced the release of GH¢400 million for the capitalization of the Women’s Development Bank, an initiative supported by Vice-President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang to foster economic inclusivity. As the nation prepares for the upcoming budget review, the Greater Accra Regional Ghana Bar Association has also called for a fundamental shift in corporate governance, emphasizing accountability and ethical leadership. The upcoming parliamentary session will be a decisive moment for the administration to demonstrate that its shift toward a 'growth-focused' strategy can effectively address the systemic fiscal and governance issues raised by critics and auditors alike.

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie
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Ghana Navigates Major Constitutional and Legislative Reforms Amid Supreme Court Challenges to Presidential Term Limits

The government of Ghana is entering a pivotal phase of governance as the Cabinet nears the finalization of its Position Paper on the review of the 1992 Constitution. Following a brief delay due to a National Clean-Up exercise, Cabinet is set to approve a series of proposed amendments aimed at modernizing the nation's legal framework. Once approved, Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine is expected to harmonize these positions with the Constitutional Review Committee’s report. Significant proposals under consideration include extending presidential terms from four to five years, decoupling the roles of Ministers of State from Members of Parliament, establishing an independent Emoluments Commission, and reforming the appointment process for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). Concurrent with these executive discussions, the judicial branch is facing a high-stakes interpretation of presidential eligibility. Two individuals, Ganiwu Alhassan and Kenneth Kwabena Agyei Kuranchie, have filed separate suits at the Supreme Court seeking clarification on Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution. The plaintiffs are challenging the current two-term limit, specifically questioning whether it applies to non-consecutive terms. Alhassan argues that serving two separate terms should not bar future candidacy, while Kuranchie contends that a break of at least one four-year electoral cycle should reset a candidate's eligibility. The Attorney-General has been given 14 days to respond to these filings, which could have profound implications for the 2024 general elections and beyond. On the legislative front, there is growing pressure from civil society for the Cabinet to expedite the approval of the revised Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2026. Leading advocacy groups, including the Ghana National Association of the Deaf and the Inclusive Family Alliance, have highlighted that more than 2.1 million citizens continue to face systemic barriers in education, healthcare, and employment. The revised bill aims to align national laws with international human rights standards and introduce enforceable accessibility requirements. Activists emphasize that while the 2006 Persons with Disabilities Act was a step forward, it lacks the robust enforcement mechanisms necessary to protect the dignity and rights of individuals living with disabilities in Ghana. In a separate legal development that underscores the complexities of traditional governance, the Sra Langmasi Royals have called for Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie to recuse himself from an ongoing chieftaincy dispute in Yilo Krobo. The appeal, voiced by spokesperson Dawutey Noah Tetteh, stems from concerns over public confidence in the judicial process regarding the legitimacy of the Paramount Chief, Nene Oklepemeh Nuer Anorbah Sasraku II. As Ghana balances these constitutional, legislative, and traditional challenges, the outcomes of the Cabinet's review and the Supreme Court’s interpretation will likely define the country’s political landscape for the coming decade.

Monetisation in politics is threatening democracy - Alban Bagbin
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Speaker Alban Bagbin and Regional Leaders Warn Against Rising Political Monetization and Corruption

Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and senior regional officials have issued a stark warning regarding the escalating influence of money in politics, arguing that the “financialization” of the democratic process is alienating ordinary citizens and undermining the integrity of governance across Africa. Speaking at the High-Level Regional Convening on the Financialization of Politics in Africa held in Accra, Bagbin emphasized that the rising costs of political participation have shifted the focus from ideas and public service to financial power. This trend, he noted, creates a distortion of democracy where only the wealthy can compete, leading to widespread public distrust and civic disengagement. He called for practical reforms in political financing to improve transparency and safeguard democratic integrity globally. Deputy Minister for Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, echoed these concerns, calling for urgent reforms to political financing laws to ensure that capable individuals—particularly women and youth—are not barred from leadership by exorbitant electoral costs. Ampem highlighted that the lack of a comprehensive legal framework for political financing remains a critical gap in Ghana’s governance. While the government is pursuing initiatives like the Conduct of Public Officers Bill and the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Action Plan to enhance transparency, he asserted that reforming how political activities are funded is a developmental necessity. Adding a regional perspective, Kwame Edem Senanu, Chairperson of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption, revealed that the AU is drafting a model law on political finance to assist the 49 member states that have ratified the anti-corruption convention in curbing unregulated financial practices and state capture. Beyond legislative frameworks, Speaker Bagbin underscored the moral dimensions of the crisis during a National Development Conference organized by the Church of Pentecost. He argued that the “greatest infrastructure any nation can build is the character of its people,” asserting that corruption cannot be defeated through legal sanctions alone as it is fundamentally a moral deficiency. Bagbin called for a national renewal centered on integrity, urging Ghanaians to support leaders who prioritize national interest over partisan gain and to nurture a generation of public servants who value truth over self-interest. This sentiment was supported by the Minister of Local Government, Ahmed Ibrahim, who expressed concern over a perceived moral decline within the nation’s education sector and broader society. Complementing these high-level calls for reform, the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has intensified its grassroots efforts, targeting the youth as the vanguard of a corruption-free future. Marking African Union Anti-Corruption Day, GACC Executive Secretary Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh and regional focal person Mr. Emmanuel Anafo engaged with over 23,000 students across multiple districts, including Paga and Cape Coast. They encouraged students to adopt the “three Rs”—Refuse, Reject, and Report—when confronted with corrupt practices. By linking corruption directly to failing public infrastructure and public safety risks, the GACC aims to instill a culture of accountability and transparency. These combined efforts from the legislature, executive, and civil society signal a growing consensus that protecting Africa’s democratic future requires both structural financial reform and a fundamental moral reset.

Dealing with flood waste: President Mahama activates 6 idle Zoomlion stations
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President Mahama Leads Post-Flood Clean-Up as Minority Demands National Mourning and Long-Term Sanitation Policy

Following the devastating floods of June 29 that claimed approximately 30 lives and caused extensive property damage in Accra, President John Dramani Mahama has spearheaded a high-profile two-day National General Cleaning Exercise. The initiative, which saw active participation from the President and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on July 10 and 11, aimed to restore sanitation and clear debris across seven regions. To bolster these efforts, President Mahama ordered the immediate operationalization of six previously idle waste transfer stations managed by Zoomlion Ghana Limited in the Greater Accra Region, located in Achimota, Teshie, Kpone, Ashaiman, Pantang, and Adipa. While advocacy groups like AfriSAFE have praised the leadership shown during the exercise, the government faces mounting political pressure to move beyond temporary measures and address the systemic causes of urban flooding. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has been vocal in his criticism, labeling the two-day clean-up a "short-term fix" that fails to address underlying infrastructure deficits. During parliamentary proceedings on July 14, Afenyo-Markin urged the government to implement a comprehensive national sanitation policy focused on drainage and flood prevention. He also called for a formal period of national mourning to honor the victims of the June 29 disaster, criticizing the lack of an official national address and noting an inconsistency in the government’s response compared to previous tragedies. Complementing this call for accountability, the Minority has demanded separate ministerial briefings on the sustainability of the cleaning initiatives and the performance of the national team in the recent World Cup. On the operational front, the government has mobilized the military to assist in desilting drains and clearing waste to prevent disease outbreaks, with Deputy Minister for Defence Ernest Brogya Genfi emphasizing the necessity of logistical support from the private sector. Simultaneously, a strict enforcement of land-use regulations is underway. TDC Ghana Limited is set to begin demolishing illegal structures on the Sakumono Ramsar Site on July 15 to protect ecologically sensitive wetlands, while Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has ordered similar demolitions in Kumasi, targeting structures obstructing waterways. These actions are supported by environmental specialists like Dr. Kofi Anokye, who advocates for criminalizing the sale of unplanned land to prevent future obstructions of drainage systems. Beyond immediate recovery, national leaders are emphasizing long-term climate resilience and international engagement. Vice President Opoku-Agyemang has called for Ghana to strengthen its role in international climate negotiations to secure global financing, noting Africa's vulnerability despite low emissions. In a similar vein, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has pledged support for climate resilience initiatives aimed at empowering rural women through sustainable shea production. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the floods, the political discourse has shifted toward a dual-track approach: immediate structural enforcement and waste management, paired with a robust national policy framework to mitigate the impacts of the global climate crisis on Ghana’s urban and rural populations.

Ghana Honors Legacy of Late Dagbon Overlord Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II Following His Passing
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Ghana Honors Legacy of Late Dagbon Overlord Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II Following His Passing

The nation of Ghana is in mourning following the transition of Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, the 41st Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, who passed away on July 11, 2026. His death has been described by the Government of Ghana and various state institutions as a significant national loss, marking the end of a transformative era for the Dagbon traditional area. The late Ya-Na, who ascended the throne on January 18, 2019, is widely credited with cementing a historic peace process that ended decades of intra-ethnic conflict and restored traditional authority in Northern Ghana. Tributes have poured in from the highest levels of government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, who praised the late ruler for his tireless efforts in promoting reconciliation and unity. Former President Nana Akufo-Addo and former Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia also expressed their condolences, highlighting the Ya-Na's pivotal role in ending the Dagbon crises and his reputation as a wise, selfless leader. The Presidency emphasized that his legacy of statesmanship and development would continue to inspire future generations, while former leaders reflected on the personal friendships and stable leadership the Overlord provided during his reign. The Parliament of Ghana and the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs have also issued formal statements mourning the monarch. Minister Ahmed Ibrahim recognized the Overlord’s contributions to national unity and cultural preservation, noting that his leadership was essential in fostering socio-economic development within the Gbewaa Palace's jurisdiction. Parliament specifically commended his success in harmonizing the Abudu and Andani royal gates, urging the people of Dagbon to remain united during this difficult period and to honor the King’s memory by avoiding discord during the mourning process. In Yendi, the traditional seat of the Dagbon Kingdom, the Municipal Directorate has announced the temporary closure of all schools as a mark of respect and in accordance with local customary mourning practices. State officials and traditional authorities have called on the youth and the various royal families to uphold the late Ya-Na’s legacy of peace as the kingdom prepares for the succession process. The Ministry of Local Government has pledged full support to the Regent and the Dagbon Traditional Council to ensure a dignified mourning period and a transition that reflects the stability the late Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II worked so hard to achieve.

Justin Kodua Frimpong — NPP General Secretary
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Paul Afoko Launches National Chairmanship Bid as NPP Completes 88% of Constituency Elections for 2028 Reorganization

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has successfully conducted executive elections in 245 out of 276 constituencies, marking an 88.7% success rate in its nationwide effort to rebuild party structures following the 2024 general election defeat. NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong and Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, have characterized the process as largely peaceful and a vital step toward the 2028 elections. However, the reorganization has not been without friction; elections in 31 constituencies remain in dispute, with 23 postponed and others, such as Tema East and Tema Central, halted by court injunctions. Violent disruptions were also recorded in Bantama and Ejura Sekyedumase, where media personality Okatakyie Kwame Afrifa Mensah and six others were arrested for allegedly attacking police and disrupting the polls. Amidst this grassroots restructuring, the race for national leadership has intensified with the formal entry of former National Chairman Paul Awentami Afoko. Launching his campaign in Accra, Afoko introduced a "3Rs" agenda—Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture Power—aimed at healing internal divisions and restoring the party's founding values. Afoko, who was suspended in 2015, publicly expressed forgiveness toward those involved in his past disciplinary issues and emphasized that his neutrality makes him the ideal candidate to bridge factional gaps. Concurrently, supporters of former General Secretary John Boadu are advocating for his leadership, citing his proven track record of stabilizing the party during previous periods of crisis and his ability to collaborate effectively with Flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. At the local level, several incumbents and new faces have emerged to lead their respective constituencies. In Tano North, Kakari Appau was retained as chairman, while Dr. Eugene Danquah Ofori-Appiah secured the chairmanship in Atwima Nwabiagya South with a pledge to create a database for youth job creation. Other notable victories include Muniru Tanko in Techiman South, Majeed Salifu in Sissala East, and Evans Kwame Buami as Second Vice Chairman in Ho Central. These newly elected officials are being urged to operate "open-door" administrations to maximize member participation and grassroots mobilization, particularly in the Ashanti Region, which Chairman Wontumi described as the party's "engine room" where they aim to secure over 85% of the vote. As the NPP prepares for the next phase of its internal elections, the broader political landscape for 2028 is already shifting with the emergence of new voices. For instance, 22-year-old law student Nana Agyeiwaa Baffoe-Bonnie Michaels has declared her candidacy for the Manhyia South parliamentary seat under The Base Movement Ghana, challenging traditional party dominance with a focus on youth unemployment and infrastructure. For the NPP, the coming months will be a test of whether the party can resolve its 31 constituency disputes and transition into a unified national executive body capable of overcoming the factionalism that Paul Afoko and other leaders warn could jeopardize their return to power.