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Ghana Politics News

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

Frank Afriyie — NDC Member of Parliament for Afadzato South
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President Mahama Advances Ministerial Vetting and Strategic Appointments Amidst Growing Sanitation Crisis and Heightened Party Reorganization

Ghana’s political landscape is currently defined by a surge of executive activity as President John Dramani Mahama’s administration accelerates the vetting of ministerial nominees and makes key institutional appointments. The Appointments Committee of Parliament has commenced public hearings for 13 deputy ministerial nominees, including John Dumelo for Food and Agriculture and Dr. Clement Apaak for Education, as well as Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba for Public Sector Reforms. Simultaneously, the President has confirmed substantive roles for three Deputy Comptrollers-General of the Ghana Immigration Service and declared Friday, July 3, 2026, a public holiday to observe Republic Day. This governance push coincides with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission's announcement of a new public sector pay policy, expected by October 2026, which aims to standardize emoluments through an independent commission. However, the administration faces mounting pressure over a severe sanitation and flooding crisis in Accra. Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim and environmental leaders like Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye have highlighted that the termination of waste management contracts with Zoomlion has led to 45,000 job losses and exacerbated drainage issues, turning several city suburbs into disaster zones. While the Bosome Freho District Assembly has attempted to mitigate local sanitation challenges by inaugurating 100 street sweepers with increased allowances, broader infrastructure concerns persist. Afadzato South MP Frank Afriyie has warned of a looming water crisis by 2025 due to illegal mining, while John Dumelo argued during his vetting that improved cocoa pricing is essential to prevent farmers from leasing lands to illegal miners. On the partisan front, both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are undergoing significant internal reorganizations. The NPP is currently conducting constituency executive elections across the country, with intense activity reported in Akan, Nkwanta South, and Ho Central. Notably, Bekwai MP Ralph Poku-Adusei has sponsored nomination forms for all local aspirants to eliminate financial barriers to leadership. Meanwhile, the NDC has focused on the legacy of its founder, Jerry John Rawlings. During commemorations of what would have been Rawlings’ 79th birthday, legal expert Tsatsu Tsikata and other party stalwarts urged the NDC to uphold the principles of probity and accountability, warning against using the party for personal aggrandizement. Legal and security issues have also taken center stage, most notably the shooting incident involving former MP Sarah Adwoa Safo during a leadership dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission. While Safo recovers from gunshot wounds, her family has called for the re-arrest of those involved, citing inadequate charges. In Parliament, Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson is advocating for the swift passage of the Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill to allow the diaspora to hold political office, while Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi has appealed to the Supreme Court to quash a contempt ruling against him. These developments, ranging from legislative reforms to internal party dynamics, underscore a pivotal period of transition and accountability in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

Johnson Asiedu Nketiah — NDC National Chairman
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Ghana Intensifies Galamsey Crackdown as Calls for Legal Reforms and Environmental Vigilance Grow

Ghana’s battle against environmental degradation has reached a critical juncture, marked by a wave of enforcement actions, legislative proposals, and high-level political rhetoric. In the Savannah Region, authorities have seized at least 18 excavators from illegal mining sites, signaling a renewed commitment to halting the destruction of water bodies and farmlands. This physical crackdown is being mirrored in the halls of Parliament and on the political campaign trail, where leaders are advocating for more robust institutional frameworks and community-led resistance to safeguard the nation’s natural resources for future generations. Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Be-Awuribe confirmed the confiscation of the machinery during recent operations, emphasizing that while mining remains a vital pillar of the Ghanaian economy, it must be conducted within the strict confines of the law. The minister noted that many operators continue to work without necessary permits, leading to irreparable ecological damage. Supporting a more structured approach to this crisis, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the Member of Parliament for Mampong, has called for the formalization of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) through a Legislative Instrument (L.I.). Ampratwum-Sarpong argues that a clear legal mandate is essential to insulate anti-galamsey efforts from political interference and ensure a sustainable, cross-administration response to the menace. The discourse on environmental protection has also taken a grassroots turn, with Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging communities to exercise "positive defiance." Addressing a gathering in Kumasi, Nketiah described local residents as the primary custodians of their land and encouraged them to resist any influences—political or foreign—that contribute to environmental ruin. Meanwhile, on the international stage, Ghana is making significant strides in climate finance. The government is nearing the issuance of forest carbon credits under the J-REDD+ programme. According to Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Yusif Sulemana, this initiative seeks to link global climate finance with sustainable agriculture, positioning Ghana as a leader in forest conservation ahead of the COP30 and COP31 summits. Beyond environmental issues, the Ghanaian political and legal system is grappling with significant questions of accountability within state institutions. In a notable legal proceeding, the trial of former National Service Authority (NSA) Deputy Executive Director Gifty Oware-Aboagye continues. Eric Nyarko, the former Head of Accounts, recently testified regarding a controversial hire purchase scheme with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB). Nyarko distanced himself from the data used in the scheme, revealing that investigators had raised alarms about payments allegedly being made to non-existent service personnel. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring transparency and integrity within government partnerships and social intervention programs. Together, these developments underscore a period of heightened scrutiny over how Ghana manages its resources and public institutions. Whether through the seizure of mining equipment, the pursuit of international carbon markets, or the prosecution of alleged administrative misconduct, the common thread is a demand for stronger governance and institutional independence. As the nation moves toward upcoming elections and global climate milestones, the effectiveness of these legislative and judicial actions will be pivotal in determining Ghana’s environmental and socio-political stability.

Clement Apaak — Deputy Minister of Education
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Parliament and Gender Ministry Drive Major Social Reforms for Disability Rights, Gender Equity, and Vulnerable Groups

The Parliament of Ghana and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection have announced a series of legislative and policy reforms aimed at strengthening social justice and human rights. Central to these efforts is a comprehensive review of the Persons with Disabilities Act (2006), with lawmakers and advocates pushing to align national laws with international standards. Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, a leading voice in the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability, emphasized that the reform is a matter of fundamental human rights rather than charity. During the National Day of Persons with Disabilities, themed "From Act to Action," stakeholders called for the swift passage of a revised bill to eliminate persistent barriers in education, employment, and healthcare for over two million Ghanaians living with disabilities. Supporting these legislative goals, the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), led by President Joseph Atsu Homadzi, has urged policymakers to move beyond rhetoric toward enforcement. Notable progress has already been recorded, including the provision of free tertiary education for 1,500 students with disabilities and the proposed establishment of a five percent employment quota across both the public and private sectors. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Gender and the Finance Ministry are developing a robust incentive package to ensure compliance with the Affirmative Action Act, 2024 (Act 1121). These incentives, which include tax benefits and preferential access to government contracts, are designed to encourage the private sector to revise human resource policies and enhance gender equity in the workplace. In addition to gender and disability reforms, the government is addressing operational challenges within the Ghana School Feeding Programme. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has formally requested the removal of taxes on payments made to caterers. This proposal follows a recent increase in the feeding grant from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2 per child per meal, with the tax exemption intended to ensure that the full value of the grant translates into improved meal quality for students. The Ministry argues that relieving the tax burden on caterers is essential for the sustainability and nutritional impact of the social intervention program. Furthermore, the government is expanding its social protection agenda to include the protection of individuals accused of witchcraft, a practice that predominantly targets elderly women and children. Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, announced a community-led strategy to combat the stigma and violence associated with these accusations. By involving traditional and religious leaders in educational dialogues and revising existing laws to meet international human rights standards, the ministry aims to provide better support services for victims while addressing the root causes of such discrimination. Collectively, these initiatives represent a significant push by the Ghanaian government to foster a more inclusive and equitable society for all vulnerable populations.

Dr Richard Fiadamo — Local governance expert
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Ghana Strengthens Local Governance Framework Amid MMDCE Appointment Delays and Rising Constituency Tensions

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has submitted a landmark report to President John Dramani Mahama recommending the upgrade of 20 districts to municipal status and 12 municipalities to metropolitan status, including Techiman. This administrative expansion is coupled with the enforcement of stricter protocols under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936). The new measures mandate regular engagement between Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding planning, budgeting, and development oversight. Minister Ibrahim emphasized that the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) will be utilized to ensure equitable resource distribution based on service pressure and community need, fostering a more collaborative approach to local development. Despite these structural advancements, local governance experts like Dr. Richard Fiadamor have warned of a 'governance paralysis' caused by delays in official MMDCE appointments following the revocation of previous appointments on January 8, 2025. This uncertainty is reportedly hindering the ability of General Assemblies to meet, initiate capital projects, or coordinate regional security. Amidst these challenges, the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly achieved a significant milestone by electing Lambert Akunzebe as its Presiding Member. This election follows a period of persistent deadlocks and is viewed as a critical step toward restoring functional governance and unity within the Upper East Region's administrative hub. However, the sector has also been marred by reports of executive high-handedness and political interference. In Awutu Senya East, MCE Seth Sabah Serwonoo Banini and NDC Regional Chairman Dr. Richard Kofi Asiedu allegedly led a group to storm Obaatanpa Radio, assaulting staff and locking the premises following a broadcast regarding internal NDC disputes. The station has since filed a formal complaint with the police, citing a grave threat to media freedom. Similarly, the MCE of La Nkwantanang-Madina, Ibrahim Fuseini Faila, alleged that officials from Jubilee House attempted to halt essential demolition exercises aimed at clearing waterways, highlighting the friction between local enforcement and national political interests. On the social and urban front, the government is navigating complex redevelopment projects in the Greater Accra Region. In Maamobi, residents and traders are protesting a six-week relocation deadline from the Kaasuankuda market site, citing lack of essential services at the proposed new location. Simultaneously, traders at the 31st December Makola Market are being urged to move to temporary spaces to facilitate the modernization of the market structures. Complementing these urban changes, the Rent Control Department has announced a nationwide crackdown on landlords demanding more than six months' rent advance, while religious leaders, including Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye, have called for tougher sanitation laws to address the country's recurring flooding crisis. These combined efforts reflect a broader, albeit contested, push toward modernizing Ghana’s local governance and infrastructure.

Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior
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Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak Revokes All Gun Permits Amid Sweeping National Security Reforms

In a major move to overhaul public safety, Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced the revocation of all existing firearm permits across the country. This directive requires every licensed gun owner to undergo a fresh registration process under a significantly stricter safety regime. The decision comes in response to a concerning rise in firearm-related suicides and criminal activities involving legally registered weapons. Under the new framework, applicants must successfully complete mandatory mental health assessments, drug screenings, and firearms competency training—measures designed to close long-standing gaps in the national arms registry and ensure that only fit individuals possess lethal weapons. The Ministry's crackdown extends specifically to the private security sector, where firms have been found exploiting legal loopholes to arm their personnel. Minister Muntaka reaffirmed that under the Police Act of 1970 and 1992 regulations, private security companies are strictly prohibited from using firearms, being limited instead to non-lethal equipment like tasers or pepper spray. The Minister warned that firms using guards with personal firearm permits for business operations face severe penalties, including the potential loss of their operating licenses. This effort to disarm private guards is part of a broader strategy to ensure that only the state's security forces bear lethal arms, following the recent surrender of 4,038 unregistered firearms during a national gun amnesty program. However, the blanket nature of the license revocation has sparked significant debate among security experts and advocacy groups. The Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA), led by Madam Theodora Williams Anti, criticized the move as overly broad, arguing it penalizes responsible gun owners rather than targeting the roots of gun violence. Similarly, security consultant Richard Kumadoe likened the mass revocation to canceling all driver’s licenses to stop bad driving, warning that the lack of clear transitional guidelines could create legal uncertainty for both citizens and law enforcement. These critics are calling for a more evidence-based approach and the strengthening of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons Act to prevent illicit arms proliferation. These legislative and regulatory shifts occur against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny regarding Ghana’s security apparatus and port controls. While the Interior Ministry is currently training regional ministers on the new National Security and Intelligence Agencies Act 2026 (ACT 1168) to prevent the partisan use of security forces, other agencies are facing transparency challenges. The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) recently admitted to procedural failures at the port that allowed a 320kg shipment of methamphetamine, valued at $208 million, to reach Australia undetected. Together, these developments signal a period of intensive reform as the government seeks to bolster domestic stability and international security standards.

Ras Mubarak
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Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Fight Intensifies Amid National Cathedral Probe and Declining Transparency Rankings

Ghana is facing a critical juncture in its governance and accountability landscape, highlighted by a series of high-profile corruption investigations and a sharp decline in international transparency scores. Central to this crisis is the National Cathedral project, which has seen its estimated cost balloon from $100 million to $400 million. President John Mahama’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee is currently investigating allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption involving key figures, including former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. The project, once intended as a national monument, now serves as a symbol of unfulfilled promises and fiscal opacity, with the government hinting at a potential abandonment of the site due to insufficient private funding and mounting public outcry. Institutional and legal experts are calling for a radical overhaul of Ghana’s anti-corruption framework to address these systemic failures. Private legal practitioner Andrew Appiah Danquah and former Auditor General Daniel Yaw Domelevo have both advocated for stronger enforcement mechanisms, such as mandatory lifestyle audits and the consolidation of fragmented anti-corruption laws. Domelevo specifically criticized the current practice of submitting asset declarations in sealed envelopes without verification, calling instead for a transparent system that tracks wealth accumulation in real-time. Similarly, former MP Ras Mubarak has proposed an "Unexplained Wealth Law," modeled after UK legislation, to empower authorities to seize assets that cannot be justified by an official's known income. The urgency of these reforms is underscored by a significant decline in Ghana’s global standing regarding fiscal transparency. The latest Open Budget Survey (OBS) scored Ghana a mere 22 out of 100 on its transparency index, placing the country among the lowest-performing nations globally. Harriet Nuamah Agyemang, Country Director of SEND Ghana, noted that the delayed publication of budget documents has severely restricted public engagement and oversight. This decline correlates with data from CIVICUS, which has downgraded Ghana’s civic space from "Narrowed" to "Obstructed" since 2022, suggesting that a shrinking environment for civil society is directly hampering the fight against corruption. Public sentiment reflects these institutional challenges, with the percentage of Ghanaians believing corruption has "increased a lot" rising from 20% in 2017 to 69% in 2022. In response, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng is scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture on February 28, 2025, focused on suppressing state capture and reforming democratic structures to foster accountability. As the government faces pressure from both domestic advocates and international monitors, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether the state can implement the necessary legal restructurings—including ensuring the independence of the Office of the Special Prosecutor—to restore public trust and stabilize the nation's fiscal governance.

Kenyan Protests and Zimbabwean Constitutional Changes Signal Deepening Political Tensions Across Africa
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Kenyan Protests and Zimbabwean Constitutional Changes Signal Deepening Political Tensions Across Africa

A wave of political volatility is sweeping across Africa as governments grapple with civil unrest and legislative maneuvers to consolidate power. In Kenya, a massive security operation was launched this week to suppress demonstrations marking the anniversary of the 'Gen Z' uprising against economic hardship and corruption. Police in Nairobi blocked major routes, deployed tear gas, and made hundreds of arrests to prevent activists from memorializing the more than 127 people killed during two years of periodic unrest. While President William Ruto has acknowledged the right to protest and announced a $15 million compensation fund for victims of human rights abuses, critics and organizations like Amnesty International have condemned the heavy-handed police presence as an affront to democratic freedoms. The tension is compounded by the looming 2027 elections and public frustration over unfulfilled economic promises. Simultaneously, Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved controversial constitutional amendments that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030. The changes, which increase presidential terms from five to seven years and shift the selection process to parliament rather than a popular vote, have been labeled a 'constitutional coup' by the opposition. Supporters argue the move will ensure national stability, but activists fear it entrenches the dominance of the ruling Zanu-PF party, which has held power since 1980. This legislative shift occurs amidst reports of intimidation and violence against dissenters, raising significant concerns about the future of electoral integrity in the country. In a landmark legal development, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, was acquitted of all bribery charges by a London court after a 13-year investigation led by the UK’s National Crime Agency. Alison-Madueke, who served from 2010 to 2015, consistently denied allegations that she accepted kickbacks to fund a luxurious lifestyle. Following the jury's verdict, she described the ordeal as traumatic, while legal experts suggest the acquittal highlights the immense challenges of prosecuting high-profile international corruption cases. The ruling has reignited debates across the continent regarding the accountability of public officials and the effectiveness of international judicial processes. Regional stability faces further tests in South Africa and North Africa. South African authorities are coordinating with private security firms to manage planned anti-immigration protests, known as the 'Great Liberation March,' set for late June. President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to tackle xenophobic violence as the country faces rising resentment over undocumented migration and high unemployment. Meanwhile, Tunisia’s judiciary has upheld an eight-year prison sentence for anti-racism activist Saadia Mosbah, a move seen as part of a broader crackdown on NGOs. In a rare moment of consensus, Libyan factions have agreed on a presidential election law through UN-brokered dialogue, aiming for a transition by February 2027. On the global stage, the United States remains embroiled in political and economic conflict as President Donald Trump seeks $87.6 billion from Congress for military operations in Iran despite significant domestic opposition. Trump has also ordered investigations into major energy companies for alleged price gouging and received Supreme Court backing to reinstate strict asylum restrictions at the border. These international shifts, ranging from legal battles in London to security crackdowns in Nairobi, underscore a period of intense institutional pressure as leaders worldwide face growing demands for accountability and economic relief.

Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu’s Incarceration Sparks Dispute Between Minority and Government Over Alleged 15-Day Delay
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Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu’s Incarceration Sparks Dispute Between Minority and Government Over Alleged 15-Day Delay

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has ignited a political controversy by challenging the government’s timeline regarding the incarceration of former MASLOC Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu. While the government maintains that Tamakloe-Attionu has been in lawful custody since her extradition from the United States on June 9, 2026, the Minority alleges she was not admitted to a prison facility until June 24, 2026. The 15-day discrepancy has led to accusations from opposition lawmakers that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration attempted to shield the former official from serving her 10-year prison sentence. Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, has been at the forefront of these allegations, accusing the government of contempt of court for delaying the enforcement of a lawful judgment. According to the Minority, Tamakloe-Attionu remained free for over two weeks following her return to Ghana, and was only committed to a medium-security prison after significant public and political pressure. Awuah further alleged that the former MASLOC head had been led to believe that efforts were underway to overturn her conviction, suggesting that the delay in her imprisonment was an act of favoritism intended to bypass accountability for her crimes. In a swift rebuttal, the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, dismissed these claims as rumors, asserting that Tamakloe-Attionu is being held under standard prison conditions without any special treatment. The Minister emphasized that she is under the custody of the Ghana Prisons Service rather than a private facility, as some critics had suggested. Addressing the public demand for transparency regarding her location, Muntaka explained that the specific prison facility is being withheld for the security and safety of high-profile inmates, though he noted that visitations could still be arranged through official prison protocols. Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu was convicted in absentia in April 2024 on multiple counts, including stealing, money laundering, and causing financial loss to the state during her tenure at the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC). Her sentence of 10 years with hard labor followed a lengthy trial and a subsequent extradition process that lasted until mid-2026. The ongoing dispute over her custody highlights deep-seated political tensions regarding the fight against corruption and the perception of selective justice in Ghana. The Minority has vowed to keep the public updated on the situation, insisting that transparency is essential to ensure that justice is truly served.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin
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Minority Caucus Challenges Mahama Administration Over Mass Dismissals and Rising Utility Tariffs

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Caucus has launched a scathing critique of the President John Dramani Mahama-led administration, following a series of directives that have sparked national debate over governance and economic stability. At the center of the controversy is a directive from the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, revoking all public sector appointments made after the December 7, 2024, elections. Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin have described these dismissals as "arbitrary," "unfair," and a breach of constitutional job security. Afenyo-Markin further warned that such politically motivated removals contradict the President’s pledge for inclusivity and disregard established merit-based recruitment processes. Adding to the political tension, the Minority Energy Committee has condemned the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) for its decision to implement a 3.49% increase in electricity tariffs and a 0.85% rise in water tariffs, effective July 1, 2026. Deputy Ranking Member Collins Adomako-Mensah labeled the hikes a "grave betrayal" of campaign promises made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The Minority argues that these adjustments—which contribute to a cumulative electricity tariff rise of 26.82% since January 2025—will severely undermine the government’s own 24-hour economy agenda by burdening manufacturers and eroding consumer purchasing power. The Institute for Energy and Policy Research (INSTEPR) has joined calls for a suspension of these hikes, citing a lack of transparency and data to justify the increases during a period where the Ghana Cedi has shown relative stability. Institutional friction has further intensified with the Minority accusing state agencies of selective justice and political harassment. The NPP has decried the Office of the Special Prosecutor’s (OSP) declaration of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta as a fugitive, calling the move legally flawed given Ofori-Atta’s ongoing communication with the office. Simultaneously, the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) faced criticism for summoning Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh over alleged inciteful remarks, with Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei highlighting a perceived double standard in how the bureau treats officials from the governing NDC versus the opposition. These developments come as Afrobarometer (Round 10) data reveals that 61% of Ghanaians support periodic party turnover to ensure democratic health. However, governance experts, including Dr. Samuel Kofi Darkwa, warn that the current cycle of mass dismissals and institutional shifts underscores a desperate need for clear, merit-based guidelines for public sector appointments. Without explicit rules governing transitions, experts fear that political nepotism will continue to erode public trust. As the government navigates these early administrative challenges, the Minority has signaled its intent to use both parliamentary and legal avenues to challenge directives they believe threaten the nation’s democratic and economic foundations.

GJA reacts to Larry Dogbey's 7-day jail sentence, vows to defend press freedom
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Larry Dogbey Jailed for Contempt as ECOWAS Court Dismisses Former Chief Justice Torkornoo’s Human Rights Claims

In a significant week for Ghana’s judicial and media landscape, the Accra High Court has sentenced Larry Alans Dogbey, the Managing Editor of The Herald newspaper, to seven days in prison for contempt of court. Presiding judge Justice Isaac Addo delivered the ruling following Dogbey’s violation of a court injunction that prohibited the publication of defamatory material against businessman Kevin Okyere. The legal dispute centered on reporting by The Herald regarding a petition filed by multinational energy firm Petraco SA involving Mr. Okyere. While Dogbey defended his actions as informational reporting based on public petitions, the court found his non-compliance with judicial orders to be a willful act that undermined the integrity of the judiciary. The sentencing has triggered a wave of concern from media advocacy groups across the country. The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) described the conviction as “unfortunate” and announced it is seeking legal guidance to protect press freedom. Similarly, the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) condemned the sentence as harsh and disproportionate, warning that such punitive measures could stifle public accountability. Legal expert and journalist Samson Lardi Anyenini added to the discourse by calling for the implementation of a Defamation Act with anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) provisions, arguing that the rising trend of lawsuits against journalists serves to suppress reporting of public interest. Parallel to the Dogbey case, the Community Court of Justice of ECOWAS has dismissed a high-profile human rights suit filed by former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo against the Republic of Ghana. The court rejected Torkornoo’s claims that her suspension and removal from office violated the African Charter, subsequently denying her request for reinstatement and $10 million in compensation. Despite this regional setback, the former Chief Justice has filed a new motion at the Supreme Court of Ghana seeking a review of a previous May 28 ruling. Meanwhile, Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has publicly critiqued the circumstances of her removal, describing it as an injustice that threatens the broader principle of judicial independence in Ghana. These domestic legal battles coincide with a broader regional push for judicial accountability. Justice Ricardo Cláudio Monteiro Gonçalves, President of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, has urged Member States to move beyond rhetorical commitments and actively enforce the court’s judgments. Speaking at a collaborative framework meeting, Justice Gonçalves emphasized that unenforced rulings delay justice for citizens and erode public trust in regional institutions. As Larry Dogbey prepares a potential appeal and the Supreme Court weighs the Torkornoo review, these developments highlight the ongoing tension between media freedom, judicial authority, and the enforcement of human rights at both the national and regional levels.

Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
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NPP Initiates Probe into Kennedy Agyapong Amidst Rising Internal Tensions and Calls for Radical Electoral Reform

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially referred former presidential aspirant Kennedy Ohene Agyapong to its National Disciplinary Committee, marking a significant escalation in internal friction following the party's 2024 election defeat. The committee, led by Kwasi Amoako-Atta, has been given a strict two-week mandate to investigate multiple petitions regarding Agyapong’s public criticisms of party leadership, specifically concerning the operational management of the Afari Military Hospital. This disciplinary move follows chaotic scenes at a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Accra, where rival factions clashed and demonstrators chanted “Ken Must Go.” Tensions reached a breaking point as aggrieved supporters reportedly attempted to block the vehicle of Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, necessitating security intervention to maintain order at the Alisa Hotel venue. In parallel with these disciplinary actions, a growing movement within the party is advocating for sweeping structural reforms to restore the NPP's electoral strength. Former Subin MP Eugene Boakye Antwi and prominent legal practitioner Nana Obiri Boahen are leading the push for a "one member, one vote" system, arguing that expanding voting rights to all card-bearing members is the only way to diminish the influence of money in internal politics and re-engage the grassroots. Obiri Boahen further proposed the adoption of electronic voting systems to allow participation regardless of a member's location. He issued a stern warning to the newly formed Mike Oquaye review committee, urging them to ensure their findings are implemented immediately to avoid the mistakes of the past, where similar recommendations from previous committees were ignored. The party’s internal landscape is further complicated by high-profile leadership shifts and strategic debates regarding the 2028 elections. Former National Chairman Paul Afoko has re-emerged on the political scene, campaigning on a "Three Rs" agenda—reunifying, restructuring, and restrengthening the party. During a tour of the Upper East Region, Afoko forcefully denied any family involvement in the 2015 murder of Adams Mahama, seeking to repair his reputation for a return to leadership. Meanwhile, political analysts like Mussa Dankwah of Global InfoAnalytics have suggested that the party’s path to recovery may require Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to step aside in 2028 to facilitate a complete rebuilding process. Amidst these debates, Kennedy Agyapong has continued to engage the party's youth wing, TESCON, advocating for their empowerment and increased voting rights as a vital strategy for the party’s future survival.

President John Dramani Mahama
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President Mahama Unveils Governance Reform Agenda and New Bill to Protect State Assets

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to accountability and institutional reform during the 4th Annual Convening of the Ghana Civil Society Forum in Accra. Central to his address was the announcement of the "Resetting Ghana" agenda, which seeks to bridge the gap between policy formulation and execution. To ensure transparency, the President revealed that the Cabinet has directed Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine to draft a State Assets Protection Bill. This legislation is designed to establish strict guidelines for the management and disposal of public properties—including lands, buildings, and industries—to prevent the arbitrary sale of national assets that has historically sparked public concern. In tandem with the new bill, the President announced the approval of the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Plan (NACAP) for 2026–2030. This strategic framework aims to restore public trust by fostering integrity across all levels of public service. Mahama emphasized that governance must extend beyond the electoral cycle, focusing instead on inclusive development and local solutions to global economic challenges. To support this, a new Presidency Delivery Unit has been established to track government commitments in real-time, ensuring that evidence-based decision-making remains at the core of the administration's operations. The President also provided updates on long-anticipated constitutional reforms, stating that the process will be guided by national interest rather than political expediency. Key proposals stemming from the Constitutional Review Committee include the establishment of an independent Emoluments Commission and a significant shift in the structure of government, such as reforming ministerial appointments. Notably, the President discussed recommendations to extend the tenure of elected officials from four to five years to allow for more stable long-term planning. Mahama urged all stakeholders, including the Ninth Parliament, to view these amendments as a necessary "national renewal" to strengthen decentralization and accountability. Addressing the relationship between the state and non-state actors, President Mahama characterized civil society organizations (CSOs) as strategic partners rather than adversaries. He welcomed public scrutiny and dialogue, asserting that a resilient democracy requires active citizen participation and a supportive environment for advocacy. This collaborative spirit was echoed by the Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL), which recently called for the opposition to avoid "sabotage" and instead offer constructive debate on major initiatives like the 24-Hour Economy Policy, which the federation views as a critical long-term industrial strategy. As part of the broader "Resetting Ghana" campaign, the President is scheduled to embark on a two-day tour of the Central Region on June 26-27, 2026. The itinerary includes inspecting health facilities, road projects, and the GNAT Hostel Project, as well as a sod-cutting ceremony at Assin Breku. This field-based approach, combined with the proposed legislative reforms, signals an administration focused on both tangible infrastructure delivery and systemic governance improvements as it navigates the challenges of its current mandate.