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.

The clean-up exercise is to rid the city of debris left after the flooding
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President Mahama Proposes Monthly National Sanitation Day as Ghana Launches Post-Flood Clean-Up Exercise

President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang have spearheaded a massive two-day National General Cleaning Exercise across seven regions of Ghana, following the devastating floods of June 29 that resulted in numerous fatalities and significant property damage. The initiative, themed "Our Actions, Our Future: Cleaning Ghana after the Floods," involves a coordinated effort between the Ghana Armed Forces, local assemblies, and the public to desilt clogged drains and clear debris. To facilitate the exercise, the government mandated the closure of all shops and commercial establishments from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm on July 10 and 11, with security agencies enforcing compliance across the Greater Accra, Volta, Central, Western, Ashanti, and Eastern regions. The government has reportedly allocated approximately GH"150 million for immediate flood mitigation and emergency relief operations. During an inspection of the Alajo and Tse Addo drainage systems, President Mahama expressed concern over the discovery of inappropriate waste, including paving blocks and furniture, inside the city's drains. He emphasized that "drains are not garbage instruments" and urged a fundamental shift in public attitudes toward waste disposal to prevent future disasters. Following the successful turnout on the first day, the President proposed institutionalizing a monthly national clean-up day, arguing that the current two-day exercise is insufficient to address the country's deep-seated sanitation challenges. This proposal has gained traction among local leaders, with Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi and Pig Farm Assembly Member Mohammed Awal advocating for legislation to make these monthly exercises compulsory for all citizens and institutions. Supporting the technical response, the Ministry of Defence has announced that military and other security services will continue dredging major waterways even after the cleaning exercise concludes to ensure rainwater can flow effectively into wetlands. Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi noted that while the initial clean-up is a vital first step, the volume of waste generated by recent flooding requires a sustained, long-term commitment. In the political sphere, the exercise has sparked debate over infrastructure investment; while the current administration focuses on immediate recovery, NPP hopeful Eugene Boakye Antwi defended successive government efforts, highlighting previous allocations of hundreds of millions of cedis toward drainage projects and calling for a non-partisan approach to long-term flood management. As the exercise concludes, the Post-Flood Coordinating Team will assess the results and advise the presidency on further mitigation strategies. Public officials, including the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, and various Members of Parliament, have stressed that the success of these initiatives depends on collective responsibility and the strict enforcement of sanitation laws. Moving forward, the government intends to utilize newly acquired specialized equipment for drainage maintenance, while emphasizing that infrastructure improvements must be matched by responsible community behavior to build a more resilient nation against the impacts of climate change and urbanization.

Council of State petitioned against Gold Fields lease denial
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President Mnangagwa Extends Zimbabwe Term as Senegal Political Rift Deepens and Ghana Petitions Council Over Gold Fields Lease

President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has signed controversial constitutional amendments extending his term until 2030, a move critics have labeled a "constitutional coup." By eliminating direct presidential elections and prolonging terms from five to seven years, the legislation strengthens Zanu-PF's decades-long grip on power. This development coincides with significant political shifts across West Africa, notably in Senegal, where President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is preparing to launch a new political party. This move marks a definitive split from his former ally, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, ahead of crucial local elections. Similarly, in Guinea-Bissau, a military-backed junta has scheduled a referendum to expand presidential powers, signaling a broader trend of executive consolidation in the region. In Ghana, the Council of State has been petitioned by public financial management expert Derrick Opare Asamoah regarding the proposed non-renewal of Gold Fields Ghana Limited's Tarkwa mining lease. Following calls from the Institute of Economic Affairs for a transition to local ownership, Asamoah warned that denying the lease could devastate local businesses and deter foreign investment. He argued that the state currently lacks the technical and financial capacity to manage a mine producing 500,000 ounces of gold annually. This debate over resource management is occurring alongside calls for greater domestic accountability, as the Africa Centre for Security and Counter-Terrorism urges an independent probe into allegations of extrajudicial killings by the Ghana Police Service's 'Black Maria' unit in the Upper East Region. Technological and corporate governance issues have also surfaced as major political battlegrounds. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has instructed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate global tech giants, including Meta and Alphabet, over anti-competitive practices and the unauthorized use of news content. This regulatory pressure is mirrored in the United States, where Meta Platforms faces potential penalties of up to $1.4 trillion in a trial involving claims that Facebook and Instagram were designed to be addictive for young users. In India, the government has further ordered Meta to immediately remove content promoting child sexual abuse, following an investigation into the platform's advertising algorithms. On the international diplomatic stage, French President Emmanuel Macron faced a security crisis during a visit to Damascus when two explosive devices detonated near his meeting location, injuring 18 people. Despite the violence, Macron continued his diplomatic engagements with the Syrian government. Meanwhile, in France, the political future of Marine Le Pen remains uncertain after an appeals court upheld her conviction for misusing EU funds; however, the ruling modified her penalties to still allow a potential presidential run in 2027. These events, ranging from border reopenings between Sierra Leone and Guinea to high-stakes legal battles in Europe and the US, reflect a period of intense institutional transition and heightened scrutiny of leadership across the globe.

Barima Dr Addofo Kissi I, Akyempimhene of Kwahu Obo speaking at the launch
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National Justice Conference 2026: Survivor Godson Glawu and IJM Lead Calls for Urgent Funding for Child Protection and Judicial Reform

At the National Justice Conference 2026 in Accra, Godson Glawu, a survivor of child trafficking, joined the International Justice Mission (IJM) in a powerful appeal to the Ghanaian government for sustained funding of the Human Trafficking Fund. Glawu, who was trafficked to Lake Volta at age seven and endured a decade of forced labor before his rescue in 2015, emphasized that effective protection systems require consistent investment in rescue and aftercare services rather than reactive measures. Andy Griffiths, President of IJM for Africa and Europe, supported this plea, noting that the fund is essential for supporting survivors and holding traffickers accountable under the Human Trafficking Act. Glawu, now a trained electrician and advocate, stressed that turning legal commitments into fully resourced systems is the only way to safeguard vulnerable children. Beyond child protection, traditional leaders and administrators have raised alarms over Ghana's environmental and social stability. Barimah Dr Addofo Kissi I, the Akyempimhene of Kwahu Obo, warned of profound consequences including national water shortages and health crises if illegal mining, known as galamsey, continues unchecked. He emphasized that the fight must target not just laborers but also the financiers and corrupt officials enabling the trade. This call for discipline extends to the streets, where the Ghana Police Service has begun a crackdown on the unauthorized use of sirens and strobe lights, citing a rise in traffic indiscipline and public safety risks. Similarly, Abdul-Hafiz Adam, MCE for Gushegu, urged religious leaders to use their platforms to address youth moral decline and drug abuse, framing these as essential for social cohesion. Regionally, governance challenges remain at the forefront as the Gambian Supreme Court weighs a historic ruling on the ban of female genital mutilation (FGM), a decision that survivors say will define the rights and safety of future generations. In South Africa, the National Treasury has taken the drastic step of withholding funding from 69 municipalities, including Johannesburg, due to financial mismanagement and poor service delivery. These fiscal measures are intended to enforce discipline ahead of local elections, requiring a minimum 25 percent reduction in wasteful expenditure before funds are released. Meanwhile, political tensions have flared across East Africa and in the international sphere. In Kenya and Tanzania, heavy police presence was deployed to thwart Saba Saba protest anniversaries amid concerns over human rights and economic hardship. Further abroad, legal proceedings continue for high-profile figures, including a preliminary hearing in Utah for the alleged killer of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and Prince Harry’s return to the UK for legal battles against unlawful information gathering. Collectively, these developments, alongside local friction such as the recent public confrontation between media personality Ola Michael and MP A-Plus, underscore a period of heightened global scrutiny regarding judicial systems, executive accountability, and the protection of the vulnerable.

Francis Akumatey Addo — Yilo Krobo Municipal Chief Executive
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Council of State Rejects Dual Citizenship Bill as Ghana Navigates Major Democratic and Economic Reforms

Ghana’s legislative landscape faces a significant turning point as the Council of State has formally advised Parliament against the passage of the Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill, which sought to amend Article 8(2) of the 1992 Constitution, aimed to allow dual citizens to hold sensitive public offices, including roles as Members of Parliament and military service chiefs. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin announced the Council’s non-binding advisory, noting a shift from the Council’s previous support during the Eighth Parliament. While proponents like President John Mahama argue the bill recognizes the modern economic contributions of the diaspora, the recommendation highlights ongoing legal sensitivities following a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that struck down similar provisions in the Citizenship Act. In tandem with these legislative debates, prominent political figures are pushing for deeper structural reforms to Ghana’s internal democracy. Dr. Arthur Kobina Kennedy, a leading member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has urged the Supreme Court to utilize an ongoing constitutional case to reform the political party delegates system. The lawsuit, backed by figures such as Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, challenges the practice of limiting party primary participation to a small group of delegates. Kennedy argues that the current system is opaque and susceptible to the influence of money, violating Article 55(5) of the Constitution which mandates that political parties be democratic and transparent in their internal organization. On the economic front, the government is pivoting toward a production-driven model to address stagnation and unemployment. Senior Presidential Advisor Augustus Goosie Tanoh recently detailed the "24-Hour Economy" strategy, which focuses on industrialization, renewable energy, and value addition to reduce reliance on raw material exports. This vision, however, faces scrutiny regarding its implementation and impact on the average worker. Former Education Minister Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum has warned that the economy cannot transform without addressing livable wages, noting that paying workers insufficient salaries cripples the domestic market and productivity. He emphasized that Ghana requires a growth rate of 10-12% for meaningful change, rather than the current 4%. These domestic efforts toward reform and growth are occurring against a backdrop of complex international relations and fiscal management. While Professor Godfred Bokpin of the University of Ghana praised the government's early settlement of a US$700 million Eurobond obligation as a boost for investor confidence, he cautioned that immediate relief for citizens remains unlikely due to heavy fiscal constraints. Simultaneously, Ghana has expressed reluctance toward new, conditional US healthcare aid that prioritizes American pharmaceutical interests and requires extensive data sharing. As Municipal Chief Executive Francis Akumatey Addo recently emphasized during a National Day of Prayer, the success of these various national initiatives ultimately hinges on a collective shift toward integrity, accountability, and civic responsibility.

Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, the Okyenhene
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Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s Legacy Under Scrutiny: Legal Disputes Erupt Over Kristo Asafo Succession as Political Figures Weigh In on Faith and Leadership

The leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission remains in a state of legal and familial flux following the reading of the late Apostle Emeritus Professor Ing. Kwadwo Safo's will. While initial reports suggested that Israel Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena had been confirmed as the successor to the Kantanka empire, prominent legal voices have since contested this interpretation. Lawyer Kwame Akuffo, representing six of the founder's children, and Nana Kofi Safo Kantanka, lawyer for the mission, have both clarified that the will designates Akofena only as the head of the Safo family, not as the leader of the church. They argue that church leadership is governed by the Kristo Asafo constitution rather than a personal will, leading to plans for a judicial interpretation to resolve the burgeoning dispute. The tension has already seen tragic consequences, including a shooting incident at Akofena’s residence that left former MP Sarah Adwoa Safo in critical condition. Adding to the discourse on religious influence, Prophet Kumchacha, founder of Heaven’s Gate Ministries, has publicly praised President John Dramani Mahama’s administration for significant economic improvements. During an interview on Hitz FM, Kumchacha asserted that religious leaders in Ghana wield more power than politicians to influence electoral outcomes, claiming that church members follow their pastors' directives closely. This sentiment was echoed in his account of rallying support for President Mahama during the 2024 campaign, highlighting the potent intersection of faith and political mobilization in the country. Meanwhile, fashion entrepreneur Osebo the Zaraman has retracted previous statements regarding the succession, admitting he misunderstood the will's contents. In a concurrent address at the Assemblies of God Church Faith Conference, President Mahama emphasized the importance of character and integrity over titles or wealth. He urged Ghanaians to demonstrate their faith through accountable leadership and family values, addressing challenges such as moral confusion in modern society. This call for moral steadfastness was mirrored by the Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, who during the 2026 Kyebi Ohum Festival urged citizens to change their environmental attitudes to curb devastating flooding. The Okyenhene also raised concerns about drug abuse among the youth and called for stricter law enforcement, while the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, proposed agricultural collaborations to boost the local economy. On the traditional front, the Gonja and Asante kingdoms demonstrated a unified front as Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I joined the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to celebrate the fifth Awukudae of the year. The ceremony, attended by hundreds of representatives, focused on preserving cultural heritage and enhancing socio-economic development through tourism. As the Kristo Asafo Mission navigates its leadership crisis, these broader calls for unity and ethical leadership from both political and traditional figures provide a complex backdrop to the internal struggle for the future of one of Ghana’s most prominent indigenous religious and industrial institutions.

Planners accuse MMDAs of accepting fines instead of demolishing illegal structures
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Ghana Intensifies Urban Regulation and Infrastructure Projects Amidst Governance Controversies

The Government of Ghana and various state agencies have launched a series of aggressive infrastructure and regulatory measures aimed at urban renewal and economic revitalization. In a significant move toward flood mitigation, the Presidency and the Flood Mitigation Task Force, led by Brigadier General Forster Okae Yeboah, have announced the imminent demolition of illegal structures around the Tesa Dam and Kpeshie Lagoon in the Greater Accra Region. This initiative is mirrored in the Kpone Katamanso Municipality, where Municipal Chief Executive Samuel T. K. Morton has identified 14 structures on waterways for removal. However, these enforcement efforts face internal criticism; the Local Government Service Association of Physical Planners (LoGSAPP) has accused some Assemblies of undermining national planning laws by collecting penalty fees from wetland encroachers instead of enforcing mandatory demolition orders, a practice LoGSAPP claims encourages unplanned development and worsens flooding. In the transport sector, a controversy has erupted over the government's efforts to revitalize the railway industry. While Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe announced the acquisition of two new locomotives and 20 wagons to enhance freight efficiency, a public dispute has emerged regarding the quality of these assets. Former MP Samuel Ayeh-Paye criticized the Tema–Mpakadan locomotives as "outdated" and predicted they would be obsolete within three years. These claims were sharply refuted by Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) CEO Dr. Frederick Appoh, who maintained that the equipment meets international standards with a 15-year lifespan. Amidst this technical debate, the GRDA confirmed a $21 million EU grant to support ongoing railway development, highlighting the sector's central role in the national economic strategy. Local infrastructure projects across the Volta Region present a mixed landscape of progress and public frustration. In Hohoe, Member of Parliament Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo has officially cut sod for the construction of the Wegbe-Akplamafu and Segbedeme bridges, projects funded by the Ghana Road Fund to improve safety and market access. Conversely, residents in the North Dayi District have expressed profound anger over abandoned road projects under the "Big Push Infrastructure Programme." Locals report that stalled construction on the Anfoega-Wodamaxe Aveti and Vakpo-Wusuta roads has caused severe flooding, displacing families and destroying livelihoods. Similarly, in Ho West, District Chief Executive Francis Profer Dusey has had to appeal for calm and patience from Akome residents planning to demonstrate over the slow reconstruction of the collapsed Dzolokpuita–Akome Bridge. Adding to the landscape of political scrutiny, the Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) has been forced to defend its reputation against allegations of an inflated property acquisition in Airport West, Accra. Current management clarified that the purchase of the Osibisa Close property occurred under a previous administration and is currently the subject of an investigation by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). As the government balances these transparency concerns with its ambitious infrastructure agenda, the coming months will be critical for demonstrating that both the demolition of illegal structures and the completion of stalled regional projects can be executed with the accountability and speed demanded by the Ghanaian public.

Police probe viral video of officer's confrontation with complainant at Akomadan
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GRA and Ghana Police Interdict 12 Officers Amid Cargo Fraud and Fatal Shooting Inquiries as EC Staff Union Challenges Recruitment Procedures

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Ghana Police Service have initiated significant disciplinary actions following separate incidents of alleged professional misconduct and operational failures. GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong announced the interdiction of four Customs officers linked to a sophisticated transit fraud scheme involving 18 trucks. The vehicles, intercepted in February 2026, were carrying 44,055 packages of food items—including cooking oil and tomato paste—declared as transit cargo for Niger but suspected of being diverted into the Ghanaian market. To mitigate the loss of state revenue and support national welfare, the Ministry of Finance has directed that the seized consignments be allocated to the National School Feeding Programme while internal disciplinary procedures continue. Simultaneously, the Ghana Police Service has interdicted eight officers following a fatal shooting incident in Sefwi Sayerano, located in the Juaboso District. The confrontation, which occurred during an operation to arrest a suspected drug dealer, resulted in two deaths and three injuries. In the aftermath of the violence, unidentified individuals set fire to a police post in the Asempaneye Forest, heightening regional security tensions. Inspector-General of Police George Akuffo Dampare has ordered a full-scale inquiry by the Police Professional Standards Bureau. This development coincides with another investigation by the Ashanti North Regional Police Command into a viral video showing an officer at the Akomadan Afrancho Police Station allegedly assaulting a complainant and damaging his mobile phone. Governance concerns have also surfaced within the Electoral Commission (EC), where the Staff Union has petitioned Chairperson Jean Mensa to halt the recruitment of a new Director of Finance. Union Chairman Richard Agorkor alleged that the process lacked transparency and bypassed the full Commission's approval, noting that no formal Commission meetings have been held in nearly three years. The union further expressed concern that a maximum age limit of 55 years was designed to favor a specific candidate, potentially undermining collective decision-making and institutional integrity. Meanwhile, the National African Peer Review Mechanism Governing Council (NAPRM-GC) is seeking to formalize a partnership with the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) through a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance governance assessments and data management frameworks. Amidst these administrative and disciplinary challenges, Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has called for a renewed focus on professional excellence within the nation’s security architecture. Addressing the inaugural Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) Regional Commanders Conference in Accra, the Minister emphasized the need for sustainable solutions to border security and service delivery. Under the theme "Strengthening Command Synergy for Sustainable Growth," the conference highlighted new initiatives such as the Secure Our Borders Project (SECOBOR) and the establishment of an Agriculture Department to improve staff welfare. These collective developments underscore a period of intense internal scrutiny and reform as Ghanaian state institutions strive to balance enforcement, transparency, and public accountability.

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak Outlines National Security Strategy Amid Major Drug Seizures and Border Vulnerability
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Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak Outlines National Security Strategy Amid Major Drug Seizures and Border Vulnerability

Interior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka has provided a comprehensive update to Parliament’s Assurances Committee regarding Ghana’s security landscape, highlighting major narcotics operations and the identification of significant vulnerabilities at the nation’s borders. Central to his report was the confirmed destruction of cocaine valued at over $350 million, which was intercepted at Pedu Junction in March 2025. This action, supported by video evidence and court orders, underscores the government’s commitment to transparency in the disposal of seized illicit substances. However, the Minister also revealed a troubling investigation into a 320-kilogram methamphetamine shipment intercepted in Australia, which has implicated several Ghanaian government officials. Preliminary inquiries suggest potential insider collusion within the security frameworks, prompting an overhaul of personnel deployment to prevent the exploitation of border systems. Beyond high-profile seizures, the Minister addressed the structural and regulatory challenges facing the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC). Currently, NACOC operates in only 66 of Ghana’s 261 districts due to severe resource constraints, although the government aims for full nationwide coverage within six years. To bolster oversight, NACOC has mandated that all pharmacies, laboratories, and businesses handling precursor chemicals and controlled equipment register by July 31, 2026. Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of NACOC, further highlighted the difficulty of intelligence gathering, noting a worrying trend where informants demand material rewards, such as houses, in exchange for tips. Additionally, the Minister clarified the legal landscape regarding cannabis, urging citizens to distinguish between regulated industrial production and illegal cultivation, which remains a criminal offense. On the front of territorial integrity, the Interior Ministry identified 102 unauthorized entry points in the Volta Region alone, far outnumbering the region's official crossings. This porosity poses a significant risk for transnational crime, prompting the establishment of 63 inland checkpoints and plans for state-of-the-art scanning technology at Kotoka International Airport and major ports, supported by the Singaporean government. The Minister also updated Parliament on the Sapeiman case involving intercepted gold bars and counterfeit currency. While several individuals are being prosecuted and the fake notes have been destroyed, the mastermind remains at large. To prevent further escapes, key figures linked to the case have been placed on a national stoplist. Finally, the government has revised its stance on firearm regulations following pressure from civil society and the impact of recent flooding. A previous directive to revoke civilian firearm licenses has been replaced with a moratorium lasting until December 2026. During this period, current license holders are permitted to retain their permits until expiration, after which they must undergo mandatory mental health assessments, drug tests, and firearms training for renewal. This phased approach aligns with recommendations from civil society coalitions which had advocated for a more coordinated revalidation process to maintain public trust. These measures collectively signal a shift toward a more intelligence-led and technologically advanced security strategy intended to secure Ghana’s borders and public safety.

Auditor-General Flags GH¢5.26bn in Financial Irregularities as Public Sector Losses Hit Record High
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Auditor-General Flags GH¢5.26bn in Financial Irregularities as Public Sector Losses Hit Record High

The Auditor-General of Ghana has uncovered a staggering GH¢5.266 billion in financial irregularities across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for the 2025 financial year. This figure represents a massive 156% increase compared to the previous year, marking the highest level of financial mismanagement recorded in the last five years. The report, which provides a damning assessment of the nation’s public financial management, highlights a growing trend of systemic leaks and accountability failures that threaten the country's fiscal health. Tax-related irregularities dominate the findings, accounting for over 91% of the flagged amount, totaling approximately GH¢4.8 billion. These issues primarily stem from uncollected tax revenues, unremitted withholding taxes, and a general failure by authorities to enforce existing tax laws. Beyond tax issues, the Auditor-General identified GH¢410.7 million in cash irregularities and nearly GH¢20 million in payroll anomalies. One specific instance of systemic failure involves the improper payment of approximately GH¢7.5 million to four deceased pensioners over a seven-year period, a direct violation of the Public Financial Management Regulations of 2019 caused by poor inter-agency data sharing. The report's release coincides with ongoing legal scrutiny of high-profile corruption cases, such as the GH¢49.1 million National Signals Bureau (NSB) trial. In court, investigators from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) have defended the independence of their probe into former NSB Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene, who is accused of diverting public funds for personal gain. These combined incidents have fueled calls from Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) for more aggressive recovery efforts, noting that less than one-third of funds flagged in previous audits were successfully recovered between 2020 and 2023, contributing to a staggering cumulative loss of nearly GH¢100 billion over the past six years. In response to the 2025 findings, the Auditor-General has directed the Controller and Accountant-General to recover lost funds, including interest, from negligent officials and the next-of-kin of deceased beneficiaries where applicable. Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is scheduled to begin public hearings soon to interrogate the heads of MDAs cited in the report. Meanwhile, anti-corruption advocates are urging the Auditor-General to exercise his constitutional powers of disallowance and surcharging more strictly to ensure that those responsible for the GH¢61 billion currently unaccounted for since 2020 are held personally liable.

former Chief Executive Officer of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba
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Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba Arrest and Chairman Wontumi’s GH¢30m Case Lead Major Legal Developments in Ghana

Ghana’s legal landscape is currently dominated by high-profile cases involving former state officials and political figures, headlined by the arrest of Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, the former CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO). Mr. Aludiba was apprehended by authorities at the Kotoka International Airport while attempting to depart for a court-sanctioned medical trip to the United Kingdom. The Attorney-General has since moved to revoke Aludiba’s travel permit, alleging that the former CEO attempted to unlawfully access frozen bank accounts in violation of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) Act. In response, Aludiba’s legal team has filed a habeas corpus application, set for hearing on July 10, to compel the Bureau of National Intelligence to justify his detention and produce him in court. Simultaneously, the High Court in Accra has granted an extension for plea negotiations in the case against Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party faces charges of defrauding the state and causing a financial loss of GH¢30 million to the Ghana Exim Bank. Prosecutors allege that Wontumi and his accomplice, Thomas Antwi-Boasiako, used forged documents to secure loans for a farming project that never materialized, purportedly redirecting the funds for personal use. The case has been adjourned to late July to allow for ongoing settlement discussions between the defense and the state. In the realm of media and free expression, Larry Dogbey, the Managing Editor of The Herald newspaper, is challenging a seven-day custodial sentence for contempt of court. Dogbey has appealed the conviction, arguing that the High Court injunction he allegedly breached—restraining him from publishing defamatory content about businessman Kevin Okyere—was fundamentally vague. He asserts that his reporting was based on official documents and that the conviction represents a threat to media freedom under the 1992 Constitution. Meanwhile, Prophet Nigel Gaisie of the Prophetic Hill Chapel has also initiated legal action, suing media personality Kwaku Atta Boadu for defamation following remarks labeling the clergyman as "corrupt" and a "fake pastor." The Ghanaian authorities have also made significant strides in international and financial crime enforcement. Police recently arrested Eric Afoakwa, a fugitive known as "Chad" who had been on the run for five years after being convicted in absentia for money laundering and tax evasion. Additionally, the court is navigating the fallout of the extradition of Frederick Kumi (alias Abu Trica) to the United States for an alleged $8 million romance scam. Kumi’s legal representative, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has petitioned the court for access to his client, whose exact whereabouts remain unknown following the extradition order. These developments, alongside the remand of Vincent Apetor for allegedly gambling away GH¢114,000 of his partner’s travel funds, underscore a period of intense activity within the nation's judicial and law enforcement systems.

No visit for Ramaphosa – Ghana rejects South African President's request over xenophobic attacks
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Ghana Defers South African President’s Visit Amid Xenophobic Tensions and Citizen Safety Concerns

Diplomatic relations between Ghana and South Africa have reached a point of friction following the Government of Ghana’s decision to decline or postpone a planned state visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The tension stems from a recent wave of xenophobic violence in South Africa, which reportedly led to the death of Bashiru Isak, a 40-year-old Ghanaian national shot during anti-immigrant demonstrations in Cape Town on June 30. While Ghanaian authorities have lodged a formal protest and emphasized the need for stronger protective measures for its citizens, the South African Presidency has disputed the account of the killing and clarified that the diplomatic discussions were primarily focused on scheduling a Bi-National Commission session rather than a formal state visit. Inside Ghana, the situation has sparked significant political debate. The Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Deputy Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has demanded greater clarity on the status of bilateral ties, arguing that the government must provide more information to allow for a proper assessment of the crisis. Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu has sought to de-escalate the situation, asserting that despite the repatriation of approximately 1,000 Ghanaians and the suspension of high-level visits, the fundamental relationship between the two nations remains cordial. Diplomatic experts have urged both countries to move their grievances away from social media and back into established official channels to prevent further escalation of the rift. In tandem with these regional challenges, President John Dramani Mahama has been active in broader international engagements, hosting farewell meetings for outgoing Swiss Ambassador Simone Giger and Australian High Commissioner Berenice Owen-Jones. During these sessions, the President highlighted ongoing collaborations in the cocoa, mining, and agricultural sectors, while also noting Switzerland's critical support for Ghana’s Constitutional Review Process. Additionally, the President extended congratulations to the United States on its 250th Independence Anniversary and received credentials from the Chinese Ambassador, Cong Song, who reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s socio-economic transformation through enhanced trade and cultural exchanges. Addressing the broader continent at the Third African Union Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government, President Mahama emphasized that sustaining democracy in Africa requires more than the condemnation of coups. He called for African leaders to address underlying issues such as corruption, electoral mistrust, and the exclusion of the youth—who make up over 60% of the population. By fostering institutional trust and providing economic opportunities for the younger generation, Mahama argued that African nations can better insulate themselves against political instability. These diplomatic maneuvers and governance reflections underscore a period of complex foreign policy for Ghana as it balances citizen protection with historical international partnerships.

Some Guan constituency branch executives of the party being sworn into office
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NPP and NDC Launch Major 2028 Grassroots Mobilization Amid Regional Injunctions and Internal Leadership Bids

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have significantly ramped up their internal organizational efforts as they prepare for the 2028 General Election. In a massive display of grassroots engagement, over 33,000 delegates across 33 constituencies in the Eastern Region are set to elect new constituency executives on July 11. Similar momentum is building in the Oti Region, where 253 aspirants have been cleared to contest positions, overseen by more than 8,000 delegates. These internal polls are designed to strengthen party structures following the 2024 elections, though the process has not been without friction. In the Ashanti Region, the NPP National Steering Committee was forced to suspend elections in the Afigya Sekyere East and Asante Akyem Central constituencies following court-ordered interim injunctions. Beyond the ballot box, the NPP is addressing internal security and leadership dynamics. In the Upper East Region, the party inaugurated the 'Lions of NPP,' a dedicated security group led by Adure Anthony, intended to protect party interests and bolster safety during political engagements. Simultaneously, the race for national leadership is heating up, with Michael Osei Boateng, popularly known as 'POPE,' officially launching his campaign for National Youth Organiser. Boateng has pledged to focus on youth empowerment and grassroots mobilization to support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. This push for unity is echoed by party stalwarts like Richard Kwadwo Adu, who warned that dropping Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh as a future running mate would be 'politically suicidal' given his rising popularity despite the party's recent electoral losses. The NDC is also intensifying its presence at the branch level, particularly in the Guan Constituency. Mathias Amuzu, the NDC Vice-Chairman for Guan, recently urged newly elected executives across 50 branches to champion the 'Big Push' infrastructure program. This initiative, which focuses on roads, water, and digital networks, is being framed as a primary vehicle for job creation and economic growth. However, the NDC faces its own internal hurdles; in the North East Region, Treasurer Ibrahim Rashed has formally challenged the suspension of Walewale Zongo caucus coordinator Alhaji Osman Hafiz, arguing the move was unconstitutional and procedurally flawed amid rising local tensions. As both major parties reorganize, third-party movements are attempting to capitalize on any perceived instability. The United Party (UP), formed by supporters of Alan Kyerematen, has cited recent disciplinary rows within the NPP—specifically petitions against Kennedy Agyapong—as vindication for Kyerematen’s earlier resignation. The UP is actively positioning itself as a transformational alternative for voters dissatisfied with the traditional duopoly. As the NPP and NDC continue their respective restructuring phases, the focus remains on building resilient grassroots networks capable of navigating the complex political landscape leading toward 2028.