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.

Justin Kodua Frimpong — NPP General Secretary
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NPP orders parliamentary aspirants to halt early campaigning

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a directive to all prospective parliamentary aspirants, their agents, and supporters to immediately cease all campaign activities. The order comes amid reports that some members have already begun campaigning for seats ahead of the party's official schedule. General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong announced the measure, stating it is necessary to preserve unity and ensure a fair playing field for all potential candidates. The directive specifically targets various forms of promotion, including social media activities and public events. Frimpong emphasized that the current wave of early campaigning is premature and risks creating internal divisions within the party. The leadership has clarified that strict prohibitions apply to any activity intended to solicit support or market individuals for parliamentary positions before the official opening of nominations. Party officials at various levels have been tasked with ensuring compliance with these rules within their respective jurisdictions. Failure to adhere to the directive could have serious repercussions for those seeking to represent the party in the next elections. The NPP warned that violations may lead to disciplinary actions that could ultimately affect a candidate's eligibility to contest in the official primaries. By enforcing this freeze, the party leadership aims to maintain discipline and prevent the depletion of resources and focus before the formal internal electoral cycle begins. While the ban is effective immediately, the party noted that timelines for official campaign activities and the opening of nominations will be announced in due course. The General Secretary called on all members to focus on party-building efforts rather than individual aspirations for the time being. This move aligns with the party's broader strategy to consolidate its internal structures and prepare for future national electoral challenges.

President John Dramani Mahama stands at the center of a group photograph with executives from the Assemblies of God church. The group is gathered in a modern, brightly lit reception hall with polished stone floors, following a meeting ahead of the World Congress in Accra.
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John Mahama welcomes Assemblies of God leaders ahead of World Congress

President John Mahama hosted the Executive Committee of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship at Jubilee House in Accra, as the church prepares to hold its 10th Triennial World Congress. The delegation, led by Global Chairman Reverend Dominic Yeo and General Superintendent Reverend Stephen Wengam, visited to brief the President on preparations for the historic gathering. This marks the first time in the fellowship's 115-year history that the World Congress is being hosted on African soil. During the meeting, the leadership provided updates on logistical arrangements for the event, which is scheduled to take place from October 14 to 16. Reverend Wengam noted that while evening gospel revival rallies will be held at the Accra Sports Stadium, the morning conference sessions have been moved to the Grand Arena at the Accra International Conference Centre due to technical and logistical considerations. Reverend Yeo commended Ghana for its pioneering role in hosting the event, drawing parallels between the congress and Ghana’s historical significance as a leader in African independence. President Mahama, a member of the Assemblies of God, expressed his pride in the denomination and affirmed the government’s support for the upcoming congress. He remarked that he has no regrets about his membership in the church, describing it as a vital community that has provided him with significant support. To facilitate the arrival of international delegates, the President assured the delegation that the government has implemented measures to assist with visa processes and other entry requirements, expressing confidence that Ghana will deliver a successful event. The visiting executives praised the President’s leadership and encouraged him to continue reflecting his Christian values in his governance. Reverend Yeo specifically highlighted the government's initiatives aimed at maintaining economic stability. The courtesy call concluded with the presentation of official congress souvenirs to the President and a session of prayers offered for the President's leadership and the continued peace and prosperity of the nation.

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Ken Kuranchie confirms Bernard Antwi-Boasiako is well in custody

Private legal practitioner Ken Kuranchie has confirmed that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, remains in good health and high spirits while in custody. Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, is currently facing legal proceedings regarding an alleged fraud case involving GH‵14.3 million from the Ghana Export-Import (Exim) Bank. Kuranchie, a longtime friend of the regional chairman, shared these details following a recent court appearance. He noted that he had a lengthy discussion with Wontumi prior to the proceedings and was satisfied with his condition. Despite the ongoing legal battle and his time in detention, Kuranchie described the politician as appearing cheerful, strong, and in high spirits. The case revolves around a GH‵14.3 million transaction with the Exim Bank, for which Antwi-Boasiako has entered a plea of not guilty. The regional chairman has maintained his innocence since the charges were first brought against him. His legal team continues to represent him as the case moves through the judicial system and more evidence is examined. The update from Kuranchie provides a glimpse into the welfare of the prominent political figure, whose detention has sparked significant interest within the Ashanti Region and across the country. As the case continues, supporters and observers are closely monitoring the legal developments and the status of the NPP chairman while he remains in state custody.

Abubakar Yakubu files police complaint over death threats in Bono Region
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Abubakar Yakubu files police complaint over death threats in Bono Region

Abubakar Yakubu, the former Communications Officer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Sunyani East, has officially lodged a complaint with the Bono Regional Police Command. The complaint follows alleged death threats directed at him due to his vocal advocacy against illegal mining activities in the Berekum West District. Yakubu, popularly known as Baba Amando, reported the matter on October 9, 2026, seeking immediate police intervention to ensure his safety and secure justice. According to Yakubu, the threats were delivered via a video message sent by a prominent supporter of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). He linked the intimidation directly to his recent efforts to expose and combat illegal mining operations that are currently ravaging local resources in the Berekum West District. The former party official emphasized that the nature of the threats contained in the video was severe enough to warrant formal legal action and state protection. While Yakubu has been a visible figure in political discourse within the region and was previously involved in various political controversies, he stressed that his current focus on environmental preservation transcends partisan lines. He highlighted the significant threat that illegal mining poses to the environment and the long-term livelihoods of people in the Bono Region. In his statement to the police, he urged the authorities to act swiftly to identify and apprehend the individual behind the video, arguing that such threats should not be allowed to silence citizens who speak out against environmental destruction. The Bono Regional Police Command is expected to investigate the claims and verify the source of the recorded threats. As the debate over illegal mining remains a volatile issue in Ghana, this incident underscores the personal risks faced by activists and political figures who oppose the practice. Yakubu has also called on the local community to join him in protecting natural resources and to resist those who use intimidation to shield illegal mining operations from public scrutiny.

John Mahama asks Western North chiefs to help combat illegal mining
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John Mahama asks Western North chiefs to help combat illegal mining

President John Dramani Mahama has called on traditional leaders in the Western North Region to partner with the government in its intensified campaign against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. Addressing the Western North Regional House of Chiefs, the President emphasized that the destruction of forest reserves and water bodies has reached a critical stage that requires a unified national response. This engagement follows the President's recent electoral victory and serves as a key pillar in his administration’s strategy to restore the environment while addressing the root causes of illegal mining. To deter the youth from engaging in hazardous and illegal mining activities, President Mahama announced an ambitious plan to invest over $10 billion in job-rich sectors, specifically highlighting tourism as a viable alternative. He explained that economic hardship often drives young people into galamsey, and providing sustainable livelihood options is essential for a long-term solution. The President noted that while law enforcement is necessary, it must be coupled with economic opportunities that offer a better future for those currently dependent on the illegal trade. The government’s strategy also involves a more rigorous enforcement of existing mining laws and a comprehensive program for land reclamation. President Mahama urged the chiefs, as custodians of the land, to take an active role in monitoring mining activities within their jurisdictions and preventing the encroachment of miners into protected areas. He stressed that the preservation of Ghana's natural heritage is a collective responsibility that transcends political or local interests. In response, the traditional rulers of the Western North Regional House of Chiefs expressed their readiness to support the government's initiatives. They committed to working closely with state agencies to ensure national development and maintain peace. The chiefs acknowledged the devastating impact of galamsey on their communities and welcomed the government’s focus on alternative livelihoods as a constructive approach to a complex problem.

National Service Authority saves GH‵34m monthly by removing ghost names
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National Service Authority saves GH‵34m monthly by removing ghost names

Emmanuel Okai Mintah, the Board Chairman of the National Service Authority (NSA), has announced that the agency is now saving the Ghanaian government over GH‵34 million every month. This significant fiscal recovery was achieved by identifying and eliminating more than 50,000 "ghost names" from the authority's payroll system. Speaking in an interview on Accra100.5FM, Mr. Mintah explained that the purge of non-existent personnel was a critical step in addressing financial leakages that had long plagued the institution. The Board Chairman revealed that upon assuming his role, he was confronted with significant administrative challenges inherited from the previous administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. Mintah admitted that the scale of the issues initially caused him concern regarding the feasibility of reform. However, he noted that extensive discussions with President John Mahama provided the necessary encouragement and political backing to carry out the rigorous cleanup exercise. Mr. Mintah highlighted that the current administration's focus on empowering youth in leadership positions played a vital role in this success. He praised President Mahama's commitment to limiting political appointments in certain sectors, which allowed for a more technical and efficiency-driven approach to managing the National Service Scheme. According to the chairman, the removal of the 50,000 ghost names not only saves the state money but also restores integrity to the national service process. In his concluding remarks, Mintah encouraged young Ghanaians to take a more proactive interest in national development, citing the NSA's recent achievements as evidence of the impact young leaders can make. The monthly savings of GH‵34 million represent a major contribution to the government’s efforts to optimize public spending. The NSA intends to maintain strict oversight of its payroll to prevent the recurrence of such leakages in the future.

Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka plans mandatory drug tests for public service
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Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka plans mandatory drug tests for public service

Interior Minister Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka has announced that the government is preparing a Cabinet memorandum to introduce mandatory drug testing for all applicants seeking employment within the public service. This policy is designed to combat the growing challenge of substance abuse and ensure that those entering the state workforce meet high standards of personal conduct and health. The Minister emphasized that the initiative is a proactive step toward maintaining the integrity of public institutions. The decision to formalize drug testing follows a recent recruitment drive for the nation's security services, which revealed a troubling trend. During the screening process, over 6,000 applicants were disqualified after testing positive for various substances. This high failure rate has sparked significant concern within the government regarding the potential for drug use to compromise the effectiveness and discipline of security personnel, leading to the decision to enhance screening protocols across the board. While the immediate focus remains on the public sector, Minister Muntaka indicated that the government is exploring the possibility of extending mandatory drug testing to the private sector in the future. To support these enforcement measures, the Ministry of the Interior is also planning to establish a state-owned narcotics rehabilitation center. This facility is intended to provide necessary support for individuals struggling with addiction, complementing the government’s efforts to intensify public education and enforcement against drug trafficking, particularly among students. In addition to these restrictive measures, the government is looking at the legal and economic landscape of cannabis. Plans are underway to promote regulated industrial cannabis farming within existing legal frameworks, aiming to leverage the crop for industrial purposes while maintaining strict oversight. By combining rigorous testing, rehabilitation, and regulated industrial opportunities, the administration seeks to address the socio-economic impact of drug use while fostering a disciplined and productive national environment.

Ghana deploys 61 health workers to Grenada under labour export scheme
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Ghana deploys 61 health workers to Grenada under labour export scheme

Sixty-one Ghanaian healthcare professionals have officially been deployed to Grenada as part of the government’s Labour Export Programme. This initiative is designed to address the critical shortage of skilled healthcare personnel in the Caribbean nation while providing international experience for Ghanaian medical staff. The group, consisting of various specialists, will be stationed at several health facilities across Grenada to bolster local healthcare delivery systems. Under the terms of the bilateral arrangement, the healthcare workers will operate on two-year renewable contracts. This deployment is part of a broader strategic effort by the government to manage the supply of trained professionals by matching them with international demand. The selection process was designed to ensure that the personnel sent abroad meet the rigorous professional requirements of the host nation's medical authorities. During a send-off briefing, Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah underscored the significance of the mission, urging the workers to maintain exemplary professional and ethical standards. He noted that their performance and conduct would directly influence how Ghanaians are perceived in Grenada and could pave the way for future collaborative opportunities. The Minister of Labour, Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, echoed these sentiments, charging the professionals to honor the terms of their contracts and act as worthy ambassadors of the Republic. This mission to Grenada marks a key milestone in the expansion of the Labour Export Programme. Government officials indicated that preparations are already advanced to send additional healthcare professionals to other destinations, including Germany and various other Caribbean nations. This policy is intended to foster stronger bilateral relations while creating structured, regulated pathways for Ghanaian expertise to contribute to global health systems.

Alban Bagbin urges independence for parliamentary legal counsels
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Alban Bagbin urges independence for parliamentary legal counsels

Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has called for the absolute independence of parliamentary legal advice, describing it as a fundamental pillar for sustaining democracy across Africa. Speaking at the 8th Africa Colloquium of Legal Counsel to Parliaments in Accra on October 13, 2026, Bagbin emphasized that legal professionals serving legislatures must remain impartial and prioritize the institution over individual political parties or partisan interests. He noted that the primary client of a legal counsel is the legislature itself, necessitating honesty and professional integrity even when such advice is politically unwelcome. To support this mandate, the Speaker advocated for the adoption of rigorous standards regarding conflict of interest, the responsible use of artificial intelligence, and continuous professional development for legal staff. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin echoed these sentiments, specifically warning against the legislature's over-reliance on the Executive branch for legal guidance. He argued that autonomous legal offices within parliaments are vital for effective oversight, particularly when scrutinizing contentious bills and international agreements that affect the rights of citizens. Afenyo-Markin noted that without independent legal counsel, Parliament’s ability to check government actions is significantly compromised. The colloquium brought together legal experts and stakeholders from across the continent to discuss the autonomy and resources available to legal counsels in African legislatures. Speakers, including the Attorney-General, reinforced the necessity of rigorous legal scrutiny to safeguard the public interest. The consensus among the leadership was that African citizens look to their parliaments as a bulwark against governance failures, a role that can only be fulfilled if the legal frameworks supporting these institutions are robust, independent, and resistant to external political pressure.

Alexander Afenyo Markins, Minority Leader
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Alexander Afenyo-Markin urges media scrutiny of $1.7bn narcotics busts

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has called on Ghanaian journalists to intensify their investigative efforts into the country's narcotics enforcement systems. Speaking at the launch of the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, he highlighted the urgent need for media oversight following reports of 28 drug busts since March 2025, with an estimated street value of $1.7 billion. He emphasized that the media must exercise its constitutional mandate to hold public institutions accountable, particularly in the face of what he described as gaps in official oversight and institutional failures. The Minority Leader’s appeal follows the Speaker of Parliament's refusal to admit a motion for a formal parliamentary inquiry into recent major narcotics cases. Afenyo-Markin noted that the 28 recorded incidents include 11 significant cocaine seizures, raising serious alarms regarding Ghana's border security and international trade reputation. He criticized the lack of governmental accountability and expressed concern that without a parliamentary probe, the full extent of lapses in narcotics enforcement might remain hidden from the public. Addressing the GJA leadership and journalists, Afenyo-Markin praised the association for three decades of promoting excellence but urged that future awards prioritize reporting that demonstrates courage and public impact. He reaffirmed the Minority Caucus's commitment to defending press freedom, describing it as an essential pillar for a functioning democratic society. He argued that when state institutions like Parliament are unable to conduct inquiries, the responsibility falls squarely on the fourth estate to safeguard the national interest. The call for heightened scrutiny comes at a time when Ghana faces increasing pressure to secure its ports and borders against illicit trafficking. Afenyo-Markin concluded by urging the GJA Awards Committee to recognize works that tackle complex issues such as drug trafficking and institutional corruption. By focusing on these critical areas, he suggested that the media can provide the necessary checks and balances to restore confidence in Ghana's security apparatus and overall governance.

Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang launches six-volume NDC historiography series
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Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang launches six-volume NDC historiography series

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has officially launched a series of six historiographies documenting the history and evolution of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The event, which highlights the party’s journey through Ghana’s Fourth Republic, was described as a critical step in preserving institutional memory and ensuring that the country’s political narrative is accessible to all citizens. During the ceremony, the Vice President praised NDC Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia for initiating the documentation project to capture the party’s contributions to national development. Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that understanding political history is essential for effective civic participation. She argued that knowledge of the party’s past should not be reserved for those who lived through the events but should be shared with younger generations to foster a deeper understanding of governance and constitutional frameworks. The Vice President expressed her hope that these volumes would be widely distributed to libraries, academic institutions, and party offices nationwide to serve as a resource for education and research. Several prominent figures and commentators contributed to the discourse during the ceremony. Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr urged the NDC to be honest in its historical account, documenting both its struggles and its successes, as well as the contributions of ordinary members. Member of Parliament Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings reflected on the legacy of her father, referencing his commitment to putting national interests ahead of partisan loyalty. Former Attorney General Betty Mould-Iddrisu also spoke, focusing on the importance of ethical leadership and responsible followership. The six-volume series aims to serve as a comprehensive record of the NDC’s philosophy and its role in shaping Ghana’s democratic landscape. By documenting its evolution, the party seeks to provide a roadmap for future leadership and promote democratic accountability. The launch concludes a significant effort to consolidate the party's heritage, with speakers calling for greater unity and a continued focus on nation-building as the NDC looks toward its future role in Ghanaian politics.

Justice Angela Aseye Attachie elected to Council of Europe cybercrime bureau
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Justice Angela Aseye Attachie elected to Council of Europe cybercrime bureau

Justice Angela Aseye Attachie, a judge at the Adenta Circuit Court 1, has been elected to the Bureau of the Council of Europe’s Cybercrime Convention Committee (T-CY). This election signifies a major achievement for the Ghanaian legal profession, as it places a domestic judge at the heart of an international body dedicated to the governance and implementation of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime. Her selection is seen as a direct reflection of her professional reputation and her history of delivering impactful judgments within the Ghanaian court system. The T-CY committee represents the State Parties to the Budapest Convention, which is the seminal international treaty addressing crimes committed through computer networks and the internet. In her new role within the Bureau, Justice Attachie will be part of the executive arm that prepares the committee's work and facilitates the effective implementation of the convention's provisions. This includes coordinating international efforts to tackle computer-related fraud, copyright infringements, and other digital offenses that require cross-border legal cooperation. This international recognition highlights Justice Attachie’s specialized expertise in the legal field and emphasizes Ghana's active participation in the global fight against digital crimes. The Budapest Convention serves as a framework for international cooperation between nations, allowing for the sharing of information and best practices. By securing a seat on the Bureau, Justice Attachie will help shape the global legal response to these emerging threats and ensure that diverse judicial perspectives are integrated into international standards. The election of a Ghanaian judge to such a high-profile international position underscores the increasing importance of judicial excellence in the digital age. As cybercrime continues to transcend national borders, the inclusion of experienced legal minds like Justice Attachie on the T-CY Bureau ensures that the implementation of international law remains robust. This development is expected to enhance Ghana's standing within the international legal community and provide a platform for sharing West African legal insights on a global stage.