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.

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Sammy Gyamfi answers Public Accounts Committee over 2025 Gold Board audit

Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), appeared before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on October 13, 2026. The CEO was summoned to respond to inquiries regarding the board's operations and specific findings contained in the Auditor-General’s report for the 2025 financial year. The proceeding forms part of Parliament's mandatory oversight of state-owned enterprises and their management of public funds. During the session, which was livestreamed to the public, Gyamfi addressed questions from committee members concerning the activities and financial conduct of GoldBod. The interrogation focused on the findings presented in the 2025 audit, providing an opportunity for the board’s leadership to clarify various operational matters and administrative decisions made during that fiscal period. The committee sought to establish whether the board’s activities aligned with established financial regulations and procurement laws following the audit's observations. The appearance of the GoldBod leadership before the PAC is a routine yet critical component of Ghana’s governance framework, ensuring that heads of public institutions remain accountable to the legislature. By scrutinizing the 2025 audit report, the committee aims to identify any irregularities and recommend corrective measures to improve the efficiency and transparency of the gold sector's regulatory body. The outcome of this inquiry will likely influence the committee’s subsequent report to the plenary of Parliament.

John Darko granted enquiry bail in GH₵27m SIC investigation
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John Darko granted enquiry bail in GH₵27m SIC investigation

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has granted enquiry bail to the Member of Parliament for Suame, John Darko, following his cooperation with an ongoing investigation. The probe focuses on an alleged criminal conspiracy involving SIC Savings and Loans Company Limited, which resulted in an estimated financial loss of GH₵27 million. Darko reported to the EOCO headquarters on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at approximately noon to assist investigators with their inquiries into unauthorized financial transactions. According to EOCO officials, the investigation centres on the activities of SIC Savings and Loans and the circumstances surrounding the significant financial shortfall. Darko’s involvement in the case surfaced earlier this month when he noted on October 3 that his name had been linked to a similar investigation involving the Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah. At that time, Darko expressed his readiness to cooperate fully with the authorities if invited for questioning. During the proceedings, EOCO noted that the Suame legislator was respectful and cooperative throughout the questioning session. While he has been granted bail to facilitate further inquiries, the investigative body clarified that the process is still in its early stages. At this point, the ongoing investigations have yet to determine any definitive culpability regarding the involved parties in the alleged conspiracy. The GH₵27 million case has drawn significant public attention due to the high profile of the individuals mentioned in the probe. As the investigation continues, EOCO is expected to examine further documentation and financial records related to the unauthorized transactions at SIC Savings and Loans. The outcome of this inquiry remains a matter of significant interest as the state seeks to establish accountability for the financial loss.

GH¢49.7million South Africa evacuation bill: Majority MPs defend spending and welcomes audit
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Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije defends GH 49.7m South Africa evacuation bill

The Majority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has dismissed allegations of financial irregularities regarding the GH 49,721,786 spent to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa. Committee Chairman Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije addressed the media on October 13, 2026, asserting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has provided comprehensive documentation to account for every cedi spent. He described the operation, which responded to xenophobic attacks, as a success under the leadership of President John Mahama and noted that no complaints had been received from evacuees regarding their allowances. The defense comes in response to claims from the Minority Caucus and NPP representatives regarding a GH 16.4 million discrepancy in the expenditure. Minority Ranking Member Samuel Abu Jinapor and NPP advisor Akosua Manu have raised concerns over payment registers and flight records, alleging that only 824 evacuees could be reconciled with reported payments. They have called for a forensic examination of the records, citing potential gaps in documentation and the suspected presence of "ghost names" on the list of beneficiaries who received reintegration grants. The dispute has also sparked a row over parliamentary oversight and personal conduct. The Majority Caucus accused NPP Second Vice-Chairman Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) and MP Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh of launching a "personal vendetta" against Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. They alleged the attacks began after the Minister refused a request for Nana B to retain a service passport he was no longer entitled to hold. While the Minority dismissed these passport claims as diversionary tactics intended to shield the government from scrutiny, the Majority maintained that the Minister was strictly following presidential directives regarding diplomatic and service passports. To ensure full transparency, Chairman Vanderpuije announced that the Majority welcomes an independent audit of all evacuation exercises conducted since 2017. This proposed audit would encompass the current repatriation efforts as well as GH 44.46 million spent on COVID-19 quarantine measures under the previous administration. The Majority Caucus emphasized that their commitment to accountability is absolute and challenged the Minority to move beyond "politically contrived" allegations to support a consistent standard of financial oversight across different administrations.

President Mahama inaugurates Christian Tetteh Yohuno Ward Complex at Police Hospital
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John Mahama commissions 85-bed ward complex at Police Hospital

President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated the 85-bed Christian Tetteh Yohuno Ward Complex at the Ghana Police Hospital in Accra, significantly increasing the facility's total capacity to over 300 beds. The new complex, which commemorates the hospital’s 50th anniversary, is equipped with modern diagnostic and monitoring devices, a pharmacy, an in-house laboratory, and administrative offices. The facility is primarily dedicated to paediatric care, featuring separate wards for male and female children, alongside executive wards for senior officials. During the commissioning ceremony, the President also donated two new ambulances to enhance the hospital’s emergency response capabilities. Beyond health infrastructure, President Mahama announced a comprehensive support package to bolster the operational capacity and welfare of the Ghana Police Service. He confirmed the upcoming delivery of 40 additional armoured vehicles, following a previous delivery of 50 units, and revealed plans to procure body armour for officers. To address accommodation challenges within the service, the President announced that GH 300 million has been earmarked in the 2027 budget for the construction of 250 new police apartments. This initiative aims to alleviate the chronic congestion often seen in police barracks and improve the living conditions of personnel. In his address, President Mahama commended the police for their dedication to public safety, noting a visible decline in unresolved murder cases and highway robberies. He emphasized that the physical and psychological demands of policing require specialized healthcare, making the expansion of the hospital a priority for his administration. The President further highlighted that such investments are necessary to maintain Ghana's reputation as one of the safest countries in the West African sub-region. Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno, after whom the new ward is named, expressed gratitude for the government's continued investment in the security services. He noted that the new facility would ensure that officers injured in the line of duty receive timely, high-quality care on-site. Interior Minister Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak also praised the initiative, urging the hospital management to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and clinical excellence to ensure the facility's long-term effectiveness.

NPP should shut up about Affi Agbenyo’s Deputy EC Chair appointment – Guan MP
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John Mahama swears in two new Electoral Commission Deputy Chairpersons

President John Dramani Mahama swore in Emelia Afi Agbenyo and Dr. Joseph Kwaku Asamoah as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission (EC) on October 12, 2026. During the ceremony at Jubilee House, the President emphasized that the appointments were made in accordance with the 1992 Constitution to fill vacancies created by the resignation of Dr. Bossman Asare and the retirement of Samuel Tettey. President Mahama charged the new officials to uphold the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, stressing that the commission’s independence is vital for maintaining public trust in Ghana’s democratic processes and ensuring that every valid vote is accurately counted. The backgrounds of the two appointees provide a mixture of internal expertise and external administrative experience. Dr. Asamoah is a veteran of electoral administration, having previously served as the EC’s Director of Finance. Ms. Agbenyo brings a background in public administration, technical education, and gender advocacy. However, her appointment has immediately drawn intense scrutiny from the opposition and civil society. Critics point to her past involvement as a spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 campaign as evidence of potential partisan bias that could compromise her neutrality in the role. The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally rejected Agbenyo’s appointment, with Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye labeling it "shameful" and a threat to the integrity of the 2028 general elections. The party has called for an immediate withdrawal of her nomination, citing a conflict of interest. In defense of the move, government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu argued that the appointment was intended to "tilt the balance" and correct perceived partisan imbalances within the commission. Meanwhile, Minister of Education Haruna Iddrisu maintained that while the appointment is constitutionally appropriate, there is a legitimate public right to question the political backgrounds of such appointees. Amid the political friction, the new Deputy Chairpersons have pledged to focus on restoring public confidence in the electoral body. Dr. Asamoah acknowledged the importance of combating misinformation and ensuring transparent proceedings to strengthen the electoral system. As the Commission prepares for upcoming district assembly elections and a national referendum, the appointments have reignited calls for legislative reforms to establish more rigid qualification criteria for EC members. The focus now shifts to whether the new leadership can demonstrate the strict neutrality demanded by the President during their tenure.

Kobina Arthur Kennedy attributes NPP 2024 loss to bad governance
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Kobina Arthur Kennedy attributes NPP 2024 loss to bad governance

Dr. Kobina Arthur Kennedy, a former presidential aspirant of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has rejected internal claims that the party’s defeat in the December 2024 general elections was a result of inadequate security or failure to protect votes. Instead, the medical practitioner and political analyst attributed the party's loss to poor governance during its eight years in power. He argued that the electorate's decision was a direct response to dissatisfaction with the NPP's performance rather than technical lapses on election day. The comments respond to a narrative within some NPP circles suggesting that the party was out-manoeuvred at polling stations or failed to safeguard its ballots effectively. Kennedy dismissed these notions, suggesting they serve as a distraction from the reality of public sentiment. He emphasized that after two terms under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, the Ghanaian people were largely unhappy with the direction of the country, leading to a significant shift in support toward the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its leader, President John Mahama. Kennedy’s assessment underscores a call for introspection within the NPP as it settles into its new role as the primary opposition party. By focusing on governance rather than security, he suggests that the path to political recovery lies in acknowledging where the previous administration fell short of public expectations. This critique comes at a time when the party is beginning to evaluate its electoral strategy and leadership direction for the 2028 cycle.

Prosper Hoetu schedules 2027 start for social housing construction
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Prosper Hoetu schedules 2027 start for social housing construction

Prosper Hoetu, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Housing Fund (NHF), has announced that the government will commence the construction of social housing projects in 2027. This initiative is designed to broaden access to affordable housing for Ghanaians who find it difficult to navigate the current conventional housing market. The announcement marks a strategic shift toward state-led interventions in the housing sector aimed at providing relief for low-to-middle-income earners. According to Mr. Hoetu, significant preparatory work is currently underway to ensure the project’s success. The NHF is actively engaged in stakeholder discussions and the identification of suitable sites for these developments across the country. By the end of this year, the Fund expects to finalize specific architectural designs and determine the exact number of housing units to be constructed in the initial phase. This planning phase is considered critical for establishing a sustainable and transparent framework for the social housing rollout. A key feature of the upcoming projects is the integration of climate-resilient and innovative building technologies. Mr. Hoetu highlighted the potential use of compressed earth bricks and other sustainable local materials to reduce construction costs and environmental impact. These technologies are intended to make the homes both affordable and durable, ensuring they remain viable in the face of changing climate conditions and economic pressures. The move toward social housing addresses a long-standing deficit in the Ghanaian market, where high costs often exclude essential workers and young professionals from homeownership. By targeting those who struggle in the private real estate market, the National Housing Fund aims to bridge the persistent affordability gap. The 2027 timeline provides a clear roadmap for infrastructure development that aligns with broader national goals for urban planning and social equity.

Julius Neequaye Kotey extends DVLA regional office hours to 10pm
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Julius Neequaye Kotey extends DVLA regional office hours to 10pm

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has officially extended its regional operating hours to 10:00 p.m. as a key component of the government's 24-hour economy initiative. Chief Executive Officer Julius Neequaye Kotey announced that regional offices across the country have shifted their schedules to operate from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily. This strategic move is designed to improve customer access and provide much-needed flexibility for citizens whose work schedules prevent them from visiting licensing centers during traditional business hours. According to the CEO, the nationwide expansion follows the successful implementation of a pilot phase at the Adentan office, which began offering extended services in April 2025. The DVLA was one of the early adopters of the 24-hour service model, with the broader regional rollout commencing in August 2026. The initiative aims to eliminate long queues and reduce the pressure on staff during peak morning periods by spreading the service demand across a sixteen-hour window. To support the extended operating hours and ensure the quality of service remains high, the Authority has recruited additional personnel to manage the new shifts. Kotey emphasized that this staffing increase is vital for maintaining the efficiency of vehicle registration, driver licensing, and other essential services. The expansion not only benefits individual motorists but also supports the logistics and transport sectors by providing more opportunities for administrative compliance outside of standard daytime hours. This development aligns with the broader policy objectives of President John Mahama's administration to transition Ghana toward a 24-hour economy. By increasing the availability of public services, the DVLA sets a precedent for other state agencies to follow in enhancing productivity and service delivery. The Authority expects that the new hours will lead to significantly higher customer satisfaction levels and a more modernized approach to public administration in the transport sector.

Samuel Bryan Buabeng petitions Supreme Court over Council of State vacancy
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Samuel Bryan Buabeng petitions Supreme Court over Council of State vacancy

Lawyers representing Samuel Bryan Buabeng, a Ghanaian citizen, have filed a petition at the Supreme Court seeking to compel President John Mahama to appoint a former chief justice to the Council of State. The legal action aims to address a vacancy on the council that has reportedly persisted for over a year. The petitioner is requesting that the court mandate the president to make the required appointment within a strict 48-hour window following the court's decision. This move underscores a growing demand for adherence to constitutional timelines regarding executive appointments to key advisory bodies. The legal arguments, which were officially filed on September 22, 2026, contend that the continued vacancy undermines the constitutional composition and effective functioning of the Council of State. Under the provisions of the 1992 Constitution, the council is designed to include specific representatives, such as a former chief justice, to provide expert counsel and institutional memory to the president. The petitioner argues that the executive's failure to fill this role in a timely manner constitutes a breach of constitutional duty, necessitating judicial intervention to ensure the advisory body is fully and legally constituted as mandated by law. This case highlights significant legal questions regarding the timeline for executive appointments and the role of the judiciary in overseeing constitutional mandates. The Council of State plays a critical role in advising the president on national policy and the appointment of various public officials, making its full composition essential for governance. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the petitioner, it could establish a major legal precedent concerning the timeframe within which the president must fill mandatory vacancies on state councils. The legal community is closely monitoring the case to see how the court balances executive discretion with constitutional requirements.

PAC orders police to evict Dr. Benedict Aligebam from official residence
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PAC orders police to evict Dr. Benedict Aligebam from official residence

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to involve the Ghana Police Service in the eviction of Dr. Benedict Bonaventure Aligebam from an official government residence. The directive comes after Dr. Aligebam, the former Managing Director of a state irrigation company, allegedly refused to vacate the premises following the expiration of his tenure. PAC Chairman James Klutse Avedzi issued the order during a committee session to ensure that the company's current management can utilize the facility and resume normal operations without further interference. The current Managing Director, Dr. Dominic Anarigide, informed the committee that the continued occupancy of the residence by his predecessor has significantly disrupted the company's administrative functions. Dr. Anarigide noted that despite several prior interventions and formal requests for the property to be surrendered, the situation remained unresolved. This impasse has reportedly created logistical challenges for the current leadership, hampering their ability to execute their duties effectively within the organization. The dispute over the residence is linked to a controversial decision by the company’s former board to extend Dr. Aligebam's contract beyond its original term. This extension led to a legal battle, but a recent court decision dismissed an injunction application filed by the former Managing Director. With the legal hurdles cleared, the PAC moved to enforce accountability. The committee’s action also addresses broader concerns raised in the Auditor-General's Report, which identified various financial irregularities and management failures within the company during the period under review. Moving forward, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture is expected to coordinate with law enforcement to ensure the eviction is carried out if the residence is not vacated voluntarily. The PAC emphasized that such measures are necessary to protect state assets and uphold the rule of law within public institutions. This intervention serves as a warning to other public officials regarding the importance of adhering to tenure limits and the proper handover of government properties upon the conclusion of their service.

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour accepts Mahama's proposal for hate speech forum
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Albert Kwabena Dwumfour accepts Mahama's proposal for hate speech forum

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), led by its president Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has officially accepted a proposal from President John Dramani Mahama to organise a national forum aimed at addressing the rise of hate speech in the country. This initiative, which includes a strategic collaboration with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), seeks to create a structured platform to tackle the growing challenges posed by inflammatory rhetoric and misinformation within the Ghanaian media landscape and across social platforms. In a demonstration of commitment to the project, the GJA and MFWA have already established a technical committee tasked with developing a comprehensive framework for the upcoming event. A joint letter confirming their acceptance and readiness to move forward with the initiative has been dispatched to the Presidency. This committee is expected to outline the specific objectives, participation criteria, and key thematic areas that the national forum will cover to ensure it achieves its goal of promoting responsible communication. The initiative follows concerns raised by President Mahama regarding the increasing frequency of hate speech and its potential to undermine national stability. Public discourse in Ghana has recently been shaped by growing worries over how misinformation and unregulated digital communication are impacting traditional cultural values. By hosting this forum, the GJA and its partners intend to mitigate these negative effects and reinforce the professional standards of journalism and public engagement in the digital age. A meeting is currently scheduled between the GJA leadership and President Mahama to discuss the progress made by the technical committee and finalize the logistics of the forum. This collaboration marks a significant step in the administration’s efforts to work with media stakeholders to sanitise the public information space. Moving forward, the framework produced by the committee will serve as the blueprint for what is expected to be a wide-ranging dialogue involving various national stakeholders.

Khadija Iddrisu inaugurates ECOWAS National Office in Accra
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Khadija Iddrisu inaugurates ECOWAS National Office in Accra

Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu has officially inaugurated the re-established ECOWAS National Office in Accra, marking a significant step in enhancing Ghana’s coordination and implementation of regional programmes. The move is designed to streamline the country's engagement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and ensure that regional protocols are more effectively integrated into national frameworks. By restoring this office, the government aims to provide a dedicated institutional space to manage the complex requirements of regional integration and cooperation. The inauguration took place during the launch of the ECOWAS Community Levy and Finance Committee in the capital. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Iddrisu highlighted the office's dual role as a primary coordinator and a secretariat for the newly launched Finance Committee. This structure is intended to improve the collection and management of the community levy, which is a critical funding mechanism for the regional bloc. The ambassador emphasized that the office will be pivotal in supporting various regional initiatives and ensuring that Ghana fulfills its institutional commitments to the community. Further strengthening the framework for regional engagement, plans are underway to establish two additional committees that will operate under the auspices of the National Office. These committees are expected to focus on specific sectors of integration, providing technical expertise and oversight for ECOWAS-driven projects. This expansion reflects a broader strategy to create a more robust and responsive administrative system that can handle the evolving demands of West African economic and political cooperation. The re-establishment of the ECOWAS National Office is viewed as a vital move to bolster Ghana’s leadership role within the sub-region. By creating a centralized hub for regional affairs, the government expects to see improved communication between national ministries and the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to make the benefits of regional integration more tangible for Ghanaian citizens by ensuring that regional policies in trade, security, and infrastructure are successfully executed on the ground.