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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.

Baba Jamal Takes Leave to Contest NDC Primary for Ayawaso East
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Baba Jamal Takes Leave to Contest NDC Primary for Ayawaso East

Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, has confirmed he is taking a 10-day leave to participate in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primary for the Ayawaso East constituency. This primary, set for February 7, is necessitated by the recent passing of MP Mahama Naser Toure. Jamal is one of six candidates vying for the position. Despite facing calls for his resignation during this period, he has stated that he will only resign if he secures the parliamentary seat. He has urged party delegates to consider his extensive experience and credentials when making their decision. The NDC's Deputy Director of Elections has indicated that the primary is expected to be highly competitive, with nominations closing on January 27.

NPP Chairman Urges Peace and Unity Ahead of Presidential Primaries
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NPP Chairman Urges Peace and Unity Ahead of Presidential Primaries

Hackman Owusu-Agyeman, Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Council of Elders, has issued a strong warning to presidential flagbearer hopefuls against the use of private security groups during the party's upcoming primary elections. He emphasized that the Ghana Police Service will be responsible for security at polling stations and urged candidates to disband any private security arrangements they may have made. This admonition was part of a peace pact signing ceremony aimed at fostering a harmonious electoral process. Owusu-Agyeman highlighted the importance of maintaining peace, unity, and trust in established institutions, cautioning candidates against making post-election allegations that could undermine party integrity. Prominent figures in the party, including aspirants like Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Kennedy Agyapong, attended the ceremony, which underscored the party's commitment to a stable electoral environment.

Concerns Over Political Financing and Research-Driven Policymaking in Ghana
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Concerns Over Political Financing and Research-Driven Policymaking in Ghana

In recent discussions surrounding Ghana's political landscape, significant concerns have emerged regarding both political financing and the lack of research-driven policymaking. Martin Kpebu, a private legal practitioner, has alleged that some former appointees of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) may have financially supported the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to avoid prosecution for corruption. During a TV3 interview, Kpebu emphasized that such pre-election negotiations have allowed individuals who should face legal consequences to remain unpunished, suggesting a troubling trend of political compromises across successive administrations. Simultaneously, Dr. Stephen Amoah, former Deputy Finance Minister and MP for Nhyiaeso, has criticized both the NPP and NDC for their failure to invest in research and data collection, which he argues is crucial for effective policymaking. In an interview on Channel One TV, he pointed out that the absence of research leads to unrealistic campaign promises that lack evidence-based strategies, ultimately resulting in ineffective governance. Amoah's remarks highlight a broader issue within Ghanaian politics, where populist promises often overshadow informed decision-making. Both Kpebu and Amoah's statements underscore a pressing need for accountability and a shift towards evidence-based governance in the country.

Electoral Commission Confirms Readiness for NPP Presidential Primary on January 31
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Electoral Commission Confirms Readiness for NPP Presidential Primary on January 31

The Electoral Commission (EC) has officially confirmed its preparedness for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential primary scheduled for January 31. According to Fred Tetteh, the Deputy Director of Research at the EC, all necessary logistical and administrative arrangements have been finalized to ensure a smooth electoral process. Key preparations include the completion of ballot paper printing, which was conducted under strict supervision to maintain integrity. Distribution of election materials is set to commence on January 27, with materials being sent to regional capitals before reaching constituency centers. The EC has also secured custody of the ballots and the voter album for delegates, reinforcing its commitment to a credible election.

Ghana Urged to Accelerate Decarbonisation of Transport Sector for Health and Economic Benefits
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Ghana Urged to Accelerate Decarbonisation of Transport Sector for Health and Economic Benefits

On January 26, 2023, the UK-Ghana Jobs and Economic Transformation (JET) Programme called for urgent action to accelerate the decarbonisation of Ghana's transport sector. This initiative, coinciding with the International Day of Clean Energy, aims to unlock the benefits of clean energy, reduce emissions, and bolster the automotive industry. Transportation is a significant contributor to Ghana's greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for nearly half of energy-related emissions, with a reported 15% increase in emissions from 2015 to 2023 due to reliance on fossil fuels and an ageing vehicle fleet. The JET Programme highlighted the severe public health implications of transport emissions, which incur costs estimated at $3 billion annually. It urged government leaders, including Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, to support coordinated efforts in revising the Ghana Automotive Development Policy to include electric vehicles and enhance financing options for cleaner mobility. Key recommendations include fast-tracking the approval of policies that facilitate electric vehicle adoption and improving accessibility to vehicle financing for low-income households. By implementing these measures, Ghana could significantly improve air quality, create jobs, and position itself as a leader in clean manufacturing and sustainable transport. The JET Programme emphasizes that decisive action is necessary for both environmental sustainability and economic growth, making a compelling case for the government to prioritize the transition to cleaner transport solutions.

Ivory Coast President Appoints Brother as Vice Prime Minister in Cabinet Reshuffle
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Ivory Coast President Appoints Brother as Vice Prime Minister in Cabinet Reshuffle

In a significant cabinet reshuffle, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara has appointed his brother, Tene Birahima Ouattara, who also serves as Defence Minister, to the position of vice prime minister. This decision comes in the wake of Ouattara's recent re-election and his party's legislative success, emphasizing a strategy of continuity in leadership. Most senior ministerial roles remain unchanged, reflecting Ouattara's commitment to stability as he prepares for a new generation of political leaders. Since taking office in 2011, Ouattara has focused on fostering economic growth in Ivory Coast, which is recognized as the world's largest cocoa producer. The reshuffle is part of his broader vision to mentor emerging leaders while ensuring the country's ongoing development amidst its economic achievements.

Laundry Attendant Remanded for Allegedly Spreading False News of Assassination Plot Against President Mahama
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Laundry Attendant Remanded for Allegedly Spreading False News of Assassination Plot Against President Mahama

Ahmed Hassan Abdul Razzaq, a 30-year-old laundry attendant, has been remanded in police custody by the Adenta Circuit Court for allegedly publishing false news that could incite fear. Razzaq is accused of posting a TikTok video claiming that two military officers were plotting to assassinate former President John Dramani Mahama. The court did not accept his plea and has scheduled his next appearance for February 9, 2026. The prosecution, led by Chief Inspector Maxwell Lanyo, brought the case forward following Razzaq's arrest the day after the video was published. During questioning, Razzaq admitted to creating the video but stated that he did not personally know the officers mentioned and could not provide a source for his claims, which he attributed to a post he found on social media. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the spread of misinformation and its potential implications for national security in Ghana.

NPP Primaries: Candidates Sign Peace Pact Amidst Intensifying Rivalry for 2028 Elections
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NPP Primaries: Candidates Sign Peace Pact Amidst Intensifying Rivalry for 2028 Elections

As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for its candidate selection ahead of the 2028 elections, the competition among aspirants is heating up. With a deadline approaching on January 31, 2026, tensions are palpable, prompting all presidential candidates to sign a peace pact on January 22. This pact aims to foster accountability and promote a spirit of unity among supporters, in an effort to mitigate potential conflicts reminiscent of previous electoral contests. Dr. Bryan Acheampong, one of the leading candidates, has positioned himself as the unifier who can bridge gaps within the party, emphasizing his capability to reclaim power for the NPP. Despite facing strong competition from Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Acheampong is gaining traction, particularly in the Eastern and Ashanti Regions. In a related development, Kwabena Agyapong, another aspirant, has defended the accuracy of the peace pact against claims of errors made by fellow candidate Kennedy Agyapong. He reaffirmed that all candidates had access to the document for review prior to its public signing, which was intended to enhance transparency and unity within the party. The NPP leadership is tasked with ensuring that the terms of the peace pact are upheld, fostering a fair electoral process. The overarching hope is for a peaceful environment leading to the selection of the party's representative, allowing the focus to shift from rivalry to the electoral outcome itself.

Eduwatch Urges Ghana's Chief of Staff to Freeze GH¢600m Foreign Scholarship Debts
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Eduwatch Urges Ghana's Chief of Staff to Freeze GH¢600m Foreign Scholarship Debts

Africa Education Watch (Eduwatch) has formally petitioned Chief of Staff Julius Debrah to freeze what it describes as "unsustainable" foreign scholarship debts exceeding GH¢600 million owed to universities in the UK and US. This financial burden has left numerous Ghanaian PhD and Master’s students at risk of homelessness and deportation due to unpaid stipends, with institutions reportedly moving towards active debt collection. Kofi Asare, the Executive Director of Eduwatch, highlighted the pressing need for a "Recall and Transition" strategy, advocating for a shift in funding from foreign scholarships to local educational programs. He emphasized that the costs associated with studying abroad significantly surpass those of local education, suggesting that the government should prioritize domestic educational investments. Eduwatch has also warned of potential legal action against the government if it fails to terminate non-bilateral scholarship agreements that may have been signed without proper financial clearance. This petition comes in the wake of student unrest over the unpaid stipends, which had previously led to protests, now temporarily halted as students await government action.

John Dumelo Commits to Enhancing Pedestrian Safety After UniMAC Student's Tragic Death
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John Dumelo Commits to Enhancing Pedestrian Safety After UniMAC Student's Tragic Death

John Setor Dumelo, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, has pledged to improve pedestrian safety in his constituency following the tragic death of Nelson Blay Nokotey, a journalism student at UniMAC-IJ. Nokotey was fatally struck by a vehicle while crossing the N1 highway near the Dzorwulu traffic light, an incident that has raised serious concerns about the dangerous conditions of the roadway, particularly high vehicular speeds and inadequate pedestrian crossings. In response to this incident, Dumelo described the situation as a significant infrastructure failure and emphasized the urgent need for immediate safety measures. He plans to advocate for the construction of a dedicated footbridge to facilitate safer crossing for students, who often jaywalk due to the lack of proper crossings. Additionally, Dumelo intends to collaborate with the National Road Safety Authority and the Ghana Highway Authority to implement necessary improvements in the area. The tragic death of Nokotey has deeply affected the UniMAC community, prompting students to hold vigils and call for action to prevent future tragedies. Dumelo's commitment to addressing these safety concerns reflects a broader need for infrastructure enhancements to protect pedestrians in high-traffic areas.

Government Boosts Allowances for Traditional Authorities Amid NPP Leadership Critique
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Government Boosts Allowances for Traditional Authorities Amid NPP Leadership Critique

The Ghanaian government has announced a significant increase in the quarterly adjudication allowance for traditional authorities, raising it from GH¢30,000 to GH¢50,000, effective April 1, 2026. This 66.7% increase was revealed by Minister Ahmed Ibrahim during a visit to the Volta Regional House of Chiefs. The initiative is part of President Mahama's 'Reset Agenda' aimed at enhancing conflict resolution within communities and empowering traditional leaders to take on more judicial and developmental roles. In addition to the increased adjudication allowance, monthly allowances for Paramount Chiefs and Queen Mothers will also see substantial hikes, reflecting the government's commitment to strengthening traditional institutions. This move coincides with the government's introduction of the 24-Hour Model Market initiative, designed to promote modern commercial hubs and boost local economies and youth employment. In a related political context, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has criticized the party's leadership for its top-down approach to internal reorganization, especially following their defeat in the 2024 elections. Speaking on *Eyewitness News*, he emphasized the need for a grassroots, bottom-up strategy to rebuild the party's structure as it prepares for the upcoming presidential primary on January 31, where Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is currently the frontrunner according to recent polls. Dr. Nyaho-Tamakloe's comments highlight ongoing concerns about unity and effective leadership within the NPP as it navigates its future.

Legal Challenges Emerge in Ghana: DVLA's Exclusive Contract and Ghana Law Society's Accreditation Under Fire
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Legal Challenges Emerge in Ghana: DVLA's Exclusive Contract and Ghana Law Society's Accreditation Under Fire

Ghana's legal landscape is currently facing significant challenges as two major lawsuits unfold. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is embroiled in a legal battle initiated by the Vehicle Embossment Manufacturers Association of Ghana (VEMAG). VEMAG is contesting the DVLA's decision to award an exclusive contract to Original Manufacturers and Embossment Company Limited for the production of new digital number plates, claiming this move harms licensed embossers and is unprecedented. The High Court has included the contracted company as a defendant in the case, which is set to resume on February 6, 2026. The DVLA defends its actions as being within its statutory authority to enhance vehicle registration processes. In a parallel development, a lawsuit has been filed against the Ghana Law Society (GLS) by Yaw Aning Boadu, seeking to halt its operations following its recent accreditation by the General Legal Council (GLC). The plaintiff argues that the GLS's authority to issue legal practicing licenses is "ultra vires" and could lead to confusion within the legal profession, as these functions have traditionally been held by the Ghana Bar Association (GBA). This legal challenge comes shortly after the GLS's announcement of its new role, setting the stage for a contentious transition towards a multi-bar system in Ghana's legal fraternity.