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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.

NPP Presidential Primaries: Bawumia Proposes Ten Appointments per Constituency Amidst Strong Campaign Support
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NPP Presidential Primaries: Bawumia Proposes Ten Appointments per Constituency Amidst Strong Campaign Support

In the lead-up to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026, former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has unveiled an ambitious initiative promising ten national-level appointments for each constituency if he is elected. This proposal, termed "one constituency, ten appointments," aims to enhance grassroots participation and strengthen local party structures, allowing constituencies to recommend candidates for approximately 3,000 of the 7,000 national roles available, including ministers and ambassadors. Bawumia emphasized performance as a key criterion for appointees, pledging to replace those who underperform. Bawumia's campaign is gaining momentum, with Professor Bruce Amartey, a member of his regional campaign team, endorsing him as the most prepared candidate for the NPP primaries. Amartey highlighted Bawumia's extensive political experience and cautioned against changing candidates, advocating for continuity in leadership ahead of the 2028 elections. Meanwhile, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, another presidential aspirant, claims a competitive edge due to his extensive nationwide campaigning, asserting that he has visited every part of Ghana, unlike some of his rivals. This assertion underscores the importance of grassroots engagement in the party's leadership selection process. Recent polling data from Global InfoAnalytics indicates that Bawumia is currently leading the race, projected to secure 57% of the votes, followed by Kennedy Agyapong at 28% and Acheampong at 13%. The primaries will see participation from over 8,500 delegates across 15 designated centers in the Upper East Region, with a focus on ensuring a transparent voting process supported by police security. As the primaries approach, the dynamics within the NPP continue to evolve, with candidates positioning themselves for the party's nomination amid a backdrop of strategic proposals and campaign efforts.

Kpandai MP Matthew Nyindam Reflects on Supreme Court Victory Amid Legal Struggles
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Kpandai MP Matthew Nyindam Reflects on Supreme Court Victory Amid Legal Struggles

Kpandai MP Matthew Nyindam has expressed profound relief and vindication following a Supreme Court ruling that reinstated him as a member of Parliament. The court's 4-1 decision overturned a previous High Court ruling that had annulled his election victory, which was marred by allegations of irregularities. Nyindam, who described the past year as one of the most challenging periods of his political career, revealed that he faced significant emotional strain and uncertainty during the legal battle. He turned to faith for support, stating, "I had nobody to speak for me, but God," and emphasized his belief in the legitimacy of his election despite the challenges posed by state-backed candidates. In interviews following the ruling, Nyindam reflected on the emotional toll of the legal proceedings, admitting he "almost lost hope along the way" but remained confident in the electoral process. He acknowledged the possibility of a fresh election but expressed readiness to accept any outcome, trusting that the people of Kpandai would ultimately determine his political fate. Nyindam also highlighted the financial strain he experienced due to the resources expended during the legal battle, stating, "I am broke after winning my election with every resource I had." The ruling has drawn mixed reactions, with members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) urging calm among supporters while asserting that the legal battle is not over. Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, an NDC MP, indicated that the party would explore further legal options following the ruling. Nyindam's reinstatement maintains the New Patriotic Party's hold on all 87 parliamentary seats, marking a significant moment in the political landscape of Kpandai, where he first won the seat in 2013, ending two decades of NDC dominance.

Gbeniyiri Holds Purification Rites to End Violence After Deadly Conflict
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Gbeniyiri Holds Purification Rites to End Violence After Deadly Conflict

Six months after the Gbeniyiri conflict that resulted in 38 fatalities, traditional priests conducted purification rites to cleanse the area and signify the end of hostilities. The rituals, led by Chief Priest Mwiri Kipo Huenhen, aimed to appease the spirits of the deceased and discourage any future violence. The rites included sacrificial offerings and were attended by local stakeholders, including representatives from the Savannah Regional Peace Council, who praised the initiative as a vital step towards achieving sustainable peace in the region. The conflict, which stemmed from a land dispute in August 2025, escalated despite previous attempts at resolution. As part of the reconciliation efforts, a new chief's palace has been constructed to replace the one destroyed during the violence. The chief priest warned against any attempts to rekindle conflict, emphasizing the community's commitment to peace and harmony moving forward.

Political Developments: Ilhan Omar's Attack, Ghana's Land Review, and NPP Leadership Dynamics
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Political Developments: Ilhan Omar's Attack, Ghana's Land Review, and NPP Leadership Dynamics

Recent political events have highlighted significant issues both in the United States and Ghana. In Minnesota, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was attacked during a town hall meeting when an audience member sprayed her with an unknown liquid from a syringe. Fortunately, Omar was unharmed and continued the event, asserting her commitment to community engagement despite the incident. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack, emphasizing that violence and intimidation have no place in the city. Meanwhile, in Ghana, the Cabinet has approved a review of public lands acquisition to address illegal land grabs. Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah announced plans to cancel incomplete land acquisitions and digitize land records to enhance transparency. The initiative aims to combat illegal mining activities while ensuring sustainable management of natural resources. Vice-President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang stressed the need for collaboration among agencies to protect the environment and promote national development. In the political arena, discussions are heating up within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as they prepare for the 2026 presidential primaries. Barima Sarpong Kumankuma has advocated for Dr. Bryan Acheampong as a unifying candidate capable of restoring trust among party members and appealing to the electorate. The call for unity within the party is seen as crucial for their success in upcoming elections, highlighting the importance of choosing a leader who can bridge divides and inspire confidence among Ghanaians.

Political Developments in Ghana: NPP Primaries, NDC Aspirants, and Joe Wise's Decision
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Political Developments in Ghana: NPP Primaries, NDC Aspirants, and Joe Wise's Decision

In recent political developments in Ghana, former Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei Owusu, popularly known as Joe Wise, has publicly declined an offer to serve as a running mate in the upcoming 2024 elections. Citing health concerns and a desire to step away from public service, he emphasized the importance of loyalty to the state over political ambitions, stating he would refuse any similar offers in the future. Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is gearing up for its presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026. This election is crucial as delegates will choose a flagbearer for the 2028 general elections. The NPP, recognized for its commitment to internal democracy and ethical leadership, faces a significant test in maintaining party cohesion and public confidence amid a complex political landscape. In another significant political event, five candidates from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are set to be vetted for the parliamentary ticket in Ayawaso East on January 28, 2026. The candidates include Hajia Amina Adam and Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, with a primary election slated for February 7, 2026, ahead of a by-election on March 3, 2026. These developments reflect the dynamic political climate in Ghana as parties prepare for upcoming elections, highlighting the importance of leadership and accountability in the nation's governance.

Ilhan Omar Attacked with Unknown Liquid During Town Hall Meeting
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Ilhan Omar Attacked with Unknown Liquid During Town Hall Meeting

During a town hall meeting in Minneapolis on October 3, 2023, Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar was attacked when an audience member sprayed her with an unknown liquid from a syringe. Despite the alarming incident, Omar was unharmed and continued her address, asserting her resilience by stating, "I'm a survivor... this small agitator isn't going to intimidate me." The assailant was promptly arrested, and an investigation is underway. The town hall, which drew around 100 attendees, focused on federal immigration issues, particularly in light of recent fatal shootings involving immigration officials. Omar, who has been vocal about her stance on immigration, called for the abolition of ICE during the event. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey condemned the attack, emphasizing that such acts of violence and intimidation have no place in the community. Omar reaffirmed her commitment to addressing the concerns of her constituents, insisting that she would not be deterred from her work by this incident.

Ghana's Small Arms Commission Urges Parents to Avoid Toy Guns Amid Violence Concerns
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Ghana's Small Arms Commission Urges Parents to Avoid Toy Guns Amid Violence Concerns

The Ghana National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons has issued a strong warning to parents against purchasing toy guns for their children, particularly during the festive season. This advisory follows a troubling incident in the Amansie Central District, where police confiscated a real firearm from a 15-year-old boy, resulting in a fatal clash. Mr. Gyebi Asante, Deputy Director of the Commission, expressed concerns that toy guns could normalize violence among children, potentially leading them to mistake real firearms for toys. He emphasized the importance of fostering a safe environment for children by opting for non-violent toys and promoting responsible gun ownership practices. Additionally, he called on licensed gun dealers to strictly adhere to regulations to prevent children from accessing firearms. The Commission's message highlights the urgent need to prioritize child safety and mitigate risks associated with gun violence in society.

Ghana's Finance Ministry Launches AI Customs System Amid Corruption Concerns
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Ghana's Finance Ministry Launches AI Customs System Amid Corruption Concerns

The Ministry of Finance in Ghana is set to launch a new AI-driven customs system next month, aimed at improving revenue collection and compliance at ports. Deputy Minister Thomas Apem Nyarko emphasized the importance of this initiative during the 2026 International Customs Day celebration, warning against any attempts to sabotage the rollout. He stressed that the new system is crucial for domestic revenue generation and better decision-making within customs operations. Nyarko highlighted the significant connection between effective customs operations and national development, noting that corruption and fraud within the customs sector have detrimental effects on the country's growth. He pointed out that every cedi lost to corruption translates into missed opportunities in vital sectors such as education and healthcare. The Deputy Minister called for a commitment to transparency and accountability among customs officials, reinforcing the government's dedication to reforming customs practices through technology and strict adherence to ethical standards. The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Anthony Sarpong, echoed these sentiments, framing the customs work as essential for Ghana's economic advancement and urging all stakeholders to support the initiative.

NPP Primaries Heat Up: Kwabena Agyepong Calls for Unity Against Kennedy Agyapong's Rhetoric
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NPP Primaries Heat Up: Kwabena Agyepong Calls for Unity Against Kennedy Agyapong's Rhetoric

As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for its presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026, internal tensions have surfaced among candidates. Ing Kwabena Agyepong, a presidential aspirant, has urged party members to unite against divisive rhetoric from fellow aspirant Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. Agyepong criticized Agyapong's comments regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and past elections, labeling them as misleading and damaging to party unity. He emphasized that misinformation could jeopardize the party's chances in the upcoming elections. Despite facing financial challenges and stiff competition, Kwabena Agyepong remains optimistic about his campaign, stating that the true verdict will come on voting day. He believes that opinion polls are not reliable indicators of election outcomes but rather reflect the government's policy impact. In support of Kennedy Agyapong, Kwaku Kwarteng, MP for Obuasi West, has voiced confidence in Agyapong's ability to tackle Ghana's unemployment crisis if elected. Kwarteng acknowledged the shared responsibility of political leaders for the nation's economic difficulties and urged delegates to back Agyapong, warning against the continuation of past policies that have led to high youth unemployment. As the primaries approach, the NPP faces a critical moment that could shape its future direction and electoral success.

Nigerian Military to Arraign 16 Officers for Alleged Coup Plot Amid Health Concerns
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Nigerian Military to Arraign 16 Officers for Alleged Coup Plot Amid Health Concerns

The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria has announced that 16 military personnel implicated in an alleged coup plot will face trial before a military judicial panel. This decision follows a thorough investigation that concluded in October 2025, revealing serious breaches of military conduct among the officers, some of whom reportedly compromised security at the Presidential Villa. Major General Samaila Uba confirmed the completion of the investigation and expressed confidence in the military's handling of the proceedings, which align with established military regulations. President Bola Tinubu has also voiced his support for the military's actions. However, a pro-democracy group has raised concerns regarding the health and welfare of the detained officers, some of whom are reportedly ill. They are advocating for medical care and access to family members, emphasizing the need for fairness and accountability in the government's approach to this serious matter. The group condemned any coup attempt while calling for humane treatment of the accused officers as the military prepares to uphold professionalism throughout the judicial process.

Ghana's Data Protection Commission Drafts New Regulations to Combat AI Misinformation
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Ghana's Data Protection Commission Drafts New Regulations to Combat AI Misinformation

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) of Ghana is in the process of drafting new regulations aimed at addressing the growing concerns surrounding misinformation and the misuse of AI-generated content. Dr. Arnold Kavaarpuo, the Executive Director of the DPC, highlighted that the current legal framework, particularly the 2012 Data Protection Act, does not adequately address the complexities of digital content manipulation prevalent today. Deputy Minister for Communications, Mohammed Adam Sukparu, underscored the importance of fostering public trust in data management, which is crucial for the success of digital initiatives in the country. This initiative follows a public campaign launched in September 2022, aimed at educating Ghanaians about data privacy and the responsible use of technology. The DPC's efforts reflect a proactive approach to safeguarding citizens against the potential harms of misinformation in the digital age.