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.

Reuters A police mini van with rubble on top of it, surrounded by several people
politics|

Israeli Air Strikes Kill at Least 32 in Gaza Following Alleged Ceasefire Violations

A series of heavy Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 32 Palestinians, including women and children. These attacks are reportedly the most intense since a recent ceasefire agreement took effect earlier this month. The Israeli military maintains that the strikes were a direct response to violations of the truce by Hamas, while the Palestinian civil defense agency has characterized the bombardment as a severe escalation targeting residential areas and shelters for the displaced. The situation marks a significant setback for the fragile peace process that had briefly lowered the intensity of the conflict. Specific reports from rescue officials highlight the devastating impact of the strikes in Khan Younis and Gaza City. In Khan Younis, a strike targeted a tent sheltering displaced families, resulting in the death of a family of seven. In Gaza City, further casualties included at least five individuals—three children and two women—as residential buildings were hit. The Hamas-run civil defense agency has emphasized that many of those killed were civilians seeking refuge from the ongoing hostilities, further straining the already dire humanitarian situation in the enclave where infrastructure is already severely compromised. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operations targeted Hamas commanders and weapon storage sites used to facilitate attacks against Israel. According to Israeli officials, Hamas's failure to adhere to the terms of the brokered truce necessitated a military response to neutralize ongoing threats. Conversely, Hamas has condemned the air strikes as "genocidal" and "brutal," calling for immediate international intervention, specifically from the United States, to halt the aggression. Both parties have traded accusations over who first breached the ceasefire agreement, creating a deadlock in diplomatic efforts. This latest surge in violence occurs as international mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, renew calls for restraint to prevent a total collapse of the peace process. The escalation comes at a critical moment when the Rafah crossing into Egypt was scheduled to reopen for humanitarian aid and the movement of people following the recovery of the last Israeli hostage. Since the conflict's massive escalation on October 7, 2023, the Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 71,660 Palestinians have been killed, underscoring the high human cost of the protracted warfare that continues to reshape the region's political and humanitarian landscape.

Bawumia Secures Decisive NPP Primary Victory, Uniting Party for 2028 General Elections
politics|

Bawumia Secures Decisive NPP Primary Victory, Uniting Party for 2028 General Elections

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been officially declared the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following a decisive victory in the presidential primary held on January 31, 2026. Securing 110,643 votes, which represents 56.48% of the total valid votes cast, the former Vice President outperformed his closest rivals, including Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who garnered 23.76%, and Dr. Bryan Acheampong, who finished with 18.53%. The election utilized an expanded delegate college involving over 211,000 voters across 275 constituencies, a process praised by international observers and party elders for its transparency and peaceful conduct. This landmark win consolidates Bawumia’s leadership and marks the official start of the NPP’s strategic roadmap toward the 2028 general elections. Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo expressed his full confidence in Bawumia’s competency, urging the party to rally behind the new leader to address Ghana's economic challenges. Adding to the chorus of support, former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye hailed Bawumia as the most impactful Vice President in Ghana’s Fourth Republic, citing his transformative work in digitalization and initiatives like the GhanaCard and Mobile Money Interoperability. Oquaye asserted that Bawumia’s policy-driven approach and intellectual depth make him a formidable opponent for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), as the NPP pivots toward an "Economic Reset" focused on innovation. In a significant display of political maturity, all four defeated candidates—Kennedy Agyapong, Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and Kwabena Agyepong—conceded and pledged their full support to the flagbearer-elect at the party's headquarters. However, the campaign period was not without internal friction. Former MP Kobina Tahiru Hammond clarified his refusal to support Kennedy Agyapong, citing offensive remarks regarding the eligibility of Muslims for the presidency. Additionally, the religious community saw controversy as Prophet Elbernard Nelson-Eshun was forced to apologize for a failed prophecy predicting an Agyapong victory, prompting calls from groups like Election Watch Ghana to prioritize empirical data and science over spiritual predictions in future electoral analysis. Beyond the high-level political maneuvering, the primary featured moving stories of grassroots resilience, notably that of Frank Nti, a 37-year-old physically challenged polling station secretary who crawled 30 meters to cast his vote, symbolizing the deep civic commitment within the party. Moving forward, former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has declared the NPP "solid" and ready for a vigorous three-year campaign. The party leadership has now shifted its focus toward total reconciliation and grassroots mobilization, signaling to the NDC that they intend to approach the 2028 contest with a unified front and a bold, innovative national agenda.

Payroll Integrity Drive Suspends Thousands as Wa West MP Launches 'Water is Wealth' Initiative
politics|

Payroll Integrity Drive Suspends Thousands as Wa West MP Launches 'Water is Wealth' Initiative

The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has taken a decisive step to safeguard the public purse by suspending the salaries of 2,563 public sector workers. This move, announced in a press release on January 30, 2026, follows a comprehensive nationwide headcount exercise conducted throughout 2025. The suspension affects personnel who failed to present themselves for verification during the audit, signaling a renewed commitment to payroll integrity and the elimination of 'ghost names' or irregularities within the government’s wage system. According to Cephas N’Dosoo, the Head of Public Relations at the CAGD, while general salaries for January 2026 have been processed and paid, the specific accounts of the unverified workers have been frozen upon the recommendation of the Auditor-General. The Department emphasized that this measure is crucial for ensuring that public funds are only disbursed to legitimate, active employees. Affected workers have been directed to contact the Ghana Audit Service immediately to undergo the necessary clearance processes required to reinstate their monthly earnings. In a parallel development at the constituency level, Peter Laanchen Toobu, the Member of Parliament for Wa West, has launched a significant agricultural intervention to boost local economic resilience. Titled the 'Water is Wealth' initiative, the project was officially inaugurated at the Siiru Dam Site. The program is designed to transform the agricultural landscape of the district by shifting the focus toward dry-season farming, thereby ensuring year-round productivity and food security for the local population. Central to this initiative was the distribution of 35 irrigation pumping machines and associated accessories to six distinct farming groups. Mr. Toobu highlighted that the project specifically targets women's cooperatives and individual farmers who have historically struggled with water access during the off-season. By providing these tools, the MP aims to empower local producers to increase crop yields and improve their livelihoods. Together, these developments reflect a dual focus in Ghanaian politics: the pursuit of fiscal discipline at the national level through payroll reforms and the targeted empowerment of rural communities through localized development projects. While the CAGD works to streamline public expenditure, initiatives like 'Water is Wealth' demonstrate the ongoing efforts of legislators to address the immediate economic needs of their constituents.

High-Profile Legal Battles: GPHA Staff and Prophet Face Court over Fraud and Defamation
politics|

High-Profile Legal Battles: GPHA Staff and Prophet Face Court over Fraud and Defamation

The Ghanaian judicial system recently processed two significant cases involving institutional fraud and public defamation, highlighting the ongoing push for legal accountability across different sectors of society. In Tema, a staff member of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) faces serious charges related to the theft of a high-value maritime vessel, while in a separate legal battle, a religious leader is embroiled in a dispute with a prominent singer over claims of reputational damage. Both cases reached pivotal milestones this January as the courts determined bail conditions and set dates for future proceedings, reflecting the intersection of corporate governance and personal rights. Prince Edwin Brem, an employee of the GPHA, was granted bail in the sum of GH"500,000 with three sureties by the Tema High Court on January 19, 2026. Brem is at the center of a complex investigation involving the disappearance of a $500,000 tugboat, the MV Ebenezer. He is charged with defrauding by false pretenses and the forgery of stamps, having allegedly misrepresented himself as a company director to charter the vessel from complainant Kofi Kuwada. Investigative reports suggest the tugboat was moved to Guinea-Bissau and later ordered to travel to The Gambia without proper authorization. Despite the gravity of the allegations, Brem has pleaded not guilty, and his case is scheduled to return to court on April 8, 2026, for a Case Management Conference. Parallel to this institutional scandal, the legal landscape was dominated by the defamation lawsuit filed by singer Mzbel against Prophet Fire Oja. Appearing in court on January 30, 2026, Fire Oja maintained a defiant stance, stating he would not apologize to the musician unless legally compelled to do so by a court order. The lawsuit stems from allegations made by the prophet regarding Mzbel's health and alleged hospitalization due to a spiritual experience, claims which she asserts are false and damaging to her public image. While Fire Oja’s legal team has categorized the charges as a misdemeanor and expressed confidence in their defense, the court granted the prophet bail in the sum of GH"50,000. Mzbel continues to emphasize that the legal action is essential for protecting her reputation from the narratives presented by the defendant. These cases underscore a broader trend of utilizing the court system to address grievances ranging from corporate malfeasance to personal character assassination. The resolution of the tugboat theft case will likely hinge on international efforts to retrieve the vessel, while the Mzbel-Fire Oja dispute highlights the legal boundaries governing religious speech and personal privacy in Ghana. As both cases advance toward their next hearings in early 2026, they remain focal points of public interest, testing the robustness of the rule of law in matters of both national commerce and social conduct.

Prince Andrew Faces New Allegations of Sexual Encounter at Royal Residence Facilitated by Jeffrey Epstein
politics|

Prince Andrew Faces New Allegations of Sexual Encounter at Royal Residence Facilitated by Jeffrey Epstein

A second woman has come forward with allegations of a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew, claiming she was sent to the United Kingdom by the late disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2010. The woman, who was in her 20s at the time and is of non-British nationality, alleges that the encounter took place at the Royal Lodge, Prince Andrew’s private residence. According to her legal representative, Brad Edwards, the woman spent the night at the residence and was subsequently provided with a tour of Buckingham Palace the following day. This development marks a significant shift in the ongoing controversies surrounding the Duke of York, as it is the first recorded instance of an Epstein survivor alleging that a sexual encounter occurred within an official royal residence. The woman’s lawyer, Brad Edwards—who also represented Virginia Giuffre and over 200 other Epstein survivors—stated that there were communications between his client and Prince Andrew prior to the alleged meeting. Edwards highlighted that while Andrew has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, the legal team is actively considering filing a civil lawsuit on behalf of the woman. This potential legal action follows the high-profile settlement of a previous lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre, which was resolved in early 2022 for an estimated £12 million. The lawyer suggested that the Duke's current lack of royal titles and formal duties has not yet provided adequate justice for those claiming to be victims of his past associations. In response to the mounting pressure, Buckingham Palace has expressed sympathy for survivors of abuse but has largely refrained from commenting on these specific new allegations. Prince Andrew was stripped of his military affiliations and royal patronages in 2022 and has since lived a life largely removed from public duties. Despite the legal and social fallout, he has maintained a firm stance of innocence regarding all claims linked to the Epstein scandal. As legal teams evaluate the merits of a new civil case, the allegations continue to test the reputation of the British monarchy and highlight the enduring reach of investigations into Epstein’s international network.

Reuters A police mini van with rubble on top of it, surrounded by several people
politics|

Gaza Strikes: 32 Killed as Israeli Military Responds to Alleged Ceasefire Violations

At least 32 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed on Saturday during a series of intensive Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip. The attacks, described by local civil defense officials and international observers as the heaviest since a recent ceasefire agreement was established, targeted multiple locations including Gaza City and Khan Younis. The Israeli military confirmed the strikes, characterizing them as a necessary response to violations of the truce by Hamas. This resurgence of violence marks a significant breakdown in the fragile peace efforts initiated earlier this month, with both sides trading accusations regarding the breach of the ceasefire terms. The bombardment hit various targets, ranging from weapon storage facilities and military infrastructure to residential areas and shelters for the displaced. In one of the most devastating incidents, an air strike hit a tent sheltering displaced individuals in Khan Younis, resulting in the deaths of several members of the same family. Hamas authorities have condemned the strikes as "brutal," calling for immediate international intervention to halt the aggression. Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) maintain that their operations are precisely targeted at dismantling terrorist infrastructure and responding to Hamas's failure to adhere to the established truce. This latest escalation comes against a backdrop of a deepening humanitarian crisis that has persisted since the conflict intensified in October 2023. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, the total death toll in Gaza has exceeded 71,660 people since the start of hostilities. The timing of the strikes is particularly critical, as they occurred just as the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border was reportedly preparing to reopen for humanitarian aid and the movement of people. The destruction of residential buildings and displacement camps further complicates the delivery of essential services to a population already suffering from extreme shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. International reaction has been swift, with mediators from Egypt and Qatar issuing urgent calls for restraint to prevent a total collapse of the diplomatic process. These nations have been instrumental in brokering previous pauses in the fighting and expressed concern that the renewed violence could lead to a wider regional escalation. As the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the global community is facing renewed pressure to secure a more permanent resolution to the conflict and ensure the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Secures Decisive NPP Flagbearer Victory, Vows Unity Ahead of 2028 Elections
politics|

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Secures Decisive NPP Flagbearer Victory, Vows Unity Ahead of 2028 Elections

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been officially declared the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) after securing a decisive victory in the party’s presidential primary. Garnering 110,643 votes, which represents 56.48% of the total valid votes cast, the former Vice President outperformed his closest rivals, including Member of Parliament Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who received 23.76% (46,554 votes), and Dr. Bryan Acheampong, who secured 18.53% (36,303 votes). Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo joined thousands of jubilant supporters at the party headquarters, hailing the results as a testament to Bawumia’s intellectual depth and governmental experience. The election, which involved over 211,000 delegates across 333 polling centers, was widely praised for its transparency and peaceful conduct. Following the declaration, Dr. Bawumia issued a clarion call for unity, urging his fellow contestants and party members to set aside internal factionalism to focus on the 2028 general elections. This sentiment was echoed by high-ranking party elders, including former Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Oquaye, who lauded Bawumia as the most impactful Vice President in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. Oquaye emphasized that Bawumia’s leadership in digitalization and economic reform—citing initiatives like the GhanaCard and Mobile Money Interoperability—positions him as a formidable challenger to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). In a show of political maturity, defeated candidates including Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, and Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum conceded defeat and pledged their full support to the new flagbearer-elect. Despite the atmosphere of celebration, the primary period revealed significant internal dynamics and minor controversies. Kobina Tahiru Hammond, former MP for Adansi Asokwa, detailed his refusal to support Kennedy Agyapong, citing offensive remarks regarding the suitability of Muslims for the presidency as a breaking point in their relationship. Meanwhile, the NPP leadership in the Effutu Constituency was forced to debunk allegations of delegate intimidation, labeling the claims as baseless. The election also sparked a debate regarding the role of religion in politics after Prophet Elbernard Nelson-Eshun apologized for a failed prophecy predicting an Agyapong victory. Critics, including Election Watch Ghana, urged a shift away from "banku-induced prophecies" toward science-based electoral analysis. A standout moment of civic dedication occurred in Assin South, where 37-year-old Frank Nti, a physically challenged delegate, crawled 30 meters over rough terrain to cast his vote, symbolizing the deep-seated commitment of the party's grassroots. Looking ahead, former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam warned the NDC to prepare for a "gallant" and aggressive campaign, asserting that the NPP is now consolidated and ready for a three-year mobilization effort. With the leadership transition complete, the NPP enters the next electoral cycle focused on an "Economic Reset" and strategic continuity, aiming to retain power in the 2028 national polls.

Prophet Fire Oja Defiant in Court Battle with Mzbel Over Alleged Defamatory Health Claims
politics|

Prophet Fire Oja Defiant in Court Battle with Mzbel Over Alleged Defamatory Health Claims

Prophet Fire Oja appeared before a Ghanaian court on January 30, 2026, following a defamation lawsuit filed by popular singer Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah, better known as Mzbel. The case centers on allegedly false and harmful statements the prophet made regarding the singer's personal life and well-being. During the initial hearing, the court granted Fire Oja bail in the sum of GH¢50,000 as the legal proceedings officially commenced to address the conflict between the religious leader and the entertainer. The legal dispute was sparked by remarks Fire Oja reportedly made concerning Mzbel’s health status. Specifically, the prophet is alleged to have claimed that the singer had been hospitalized as a result of a distressing spiritual experience. Mzbel has categorically denied these assertions, describing them as entirely fabricated and damaging to her public image. She emphasized that the lawsuit is a necessary step to protect her reputation and hold the prophet accountable for the emotional and social impact of his public utterances. In a defiant stance following his court appearance, Prophet Fire Oja told members of the press that he has no intention of issuing an apology to the singer unless specifically ordered to do so by a court of law. His legal counsel has characterized the charges as a minor misdemeanor, expressing confidence in their defense strategy. The lawyer asserted that his client has committed no wrongdoing and is prepared to face the full extent of the legal process to vindicate his position. As the case moves forward, the outcome is expected to highlight the legal boundaries surrounding public commentary by religious figures on the personal lives of public figures. Mzbel remains firm in her pursuit of justice, stating that the protection of her name is paramount. With the GH¢50,000 bail secured, the next phase of the trial will determine whether the prophet's statements constitute actionable defamation, a verdict that will undoubtedly be watched closely by both legal experts and the public.

Prince Andrew Faces New Allegations of Sexual Encounter at Royal Residence Facilitated by Jeffrey Epstein
politics|

Prince Andrew Faces New Allegations of Sexual Encounter at Royal Residence Facilitated by Jeffrey Epstein

A second woman has come forward with allegations that Jeffrey Epstein sent her to the United Kingdom in 2010 for a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew at his Royal Lodge residence. This marks a significant development in the ongoing Epstein scandal, as it represents the first time a survivor has alleged a sexual encounter took place within a British royal residence. According to the claimant's attorney, Brad Edwards—who represents more than 200 Epstein survivors—the woman, who was in her 20s and not a British citizen at the time, allegedly spent the night with the Duke of York before being given a private tour of Buckingham Palace the following morning. Edwards suggested that his client and Prince Andrew had established communication prior to her arrival in the UK, implying a degree of coordination. These new claims add a fresh layer of legal pressure on the Prince, who has consistently maintained his innocence and denied all accusations of sexual misconduct. The lawyer noted that he is currently evaluating the possibility of filing a civil lawsuit against the Prince on behalf of the woman. This potential legal action follows the high-profile case of Virginia Giuffre, which concluded in early 2022 with an out-of-court settlement estimated at £12 million, though that agreement did not include an admission of liability from the Prince. The fallout from the Epstein connection has already had profound consequences for Prince Andrew’s standing within the monarchy. Following the initial outcry and Giuffre’s lawsuit, King Charles III stripped his brother of his military titles and royal patronages in late 2022, effectively removing him from public duties and the use of the 'His Royal Highness' style. Attorney Brad Edwards commented that while the removal of these honors was a public acknowledgement of the controversy, it has not provided substantive justice for the survivors. He criticized the lack of a formal response to the new allegations, suggesting the Prince's silence continues to hamper the victims' path to closure. While Buckingham Palace has previously expressed sympathy for victims of abuse in general terms, it has not issued a specific rebuttal to these newest claims. Prince Andrew's legal communications have reportedly diminished since his formal titles were revoked. As the legal team for the survivors considers their next steps, the case continues to raise questions about the historical security and oversight at royal residences during the period Epstein was active. The potential for a new civil trial remains a significant threat to the Prince’s remaining ties to the royal institution and his ability to live a private life away from legal scrutiny.

Ghana Governance Update: CAGD Suspends Thousands of Salaries as Legal and Development Initiatives Take Center Stage
politics|

Ghana Governance Update: CAGD Suspends Thousands of Salaries as Legal and Development Initiatives Take Center Stage

Ghana’s administrative and political landscape has seen a significant push toward accountability and local empowerment this week, marked by a massive cleanup of the public sector payroll and high-profile legal proceedings. In a major move to protect the public purse, the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) announced the suspension of salaries for 2,563 public sector workers effective January 2026. This decision follows a nationwide headcount exercise conducted in 2025 where the affected individuals failed to verify their employment status. According to a statement signed by Cephas N’Dosoo, Head of Public Relations at the CAGD, the action was taken upon the recommendation of the Auditor-General to enhance payroll integrity and eliminate ghost names from the wage system. Affected workers have been directed to contact the Ghana Audit Service for verification to have their salaries reinstated. Simultaneously, the Tema High Court has granted a GHC 500,000 bail to Prince Edwin Brem, a staff member of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), who is embroiled in a complex tugboat theft case. Brem is accused of defrauding by false pretenses and forgery after allegedly misrepresenting himself as a shipping company director to charter the vessel MV Ebenezer, valued at $500,000. Investigations revealed that the tugboat was subsequently moved to Guinea-Bissau and then ordered to The Gambia without authorization. While Brem has pleaded not guilty, the court has ordered him to report to the police weekly until the Case Management Conference resumes on April 8, 2026. On the legislative front, the Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Laanchen Toobu, has launched a vital agricultural intervention titled the 'Water is Wealth' initiative. Aimed at boosting food security and economic independence within his constituency, the project involves the distribution of 35 pumping machines to six farming groups, with a particular focus on empowering women’s cooperatives. By facilitating irrigation at the Siiru Dam Site, the initiative seeks to transition local farmers from subsistence reliance to productive dry-season farming, thereby increasing crop yields and local income. These developments collectively highlight a dual-track approach to national progress: a stringent focus on institutional accountability within the civil service and judiciary, alongside grassroots-level economic interventions by political leaders. As the CAGD works to finalize its payroll verification and the courts prepare for further hearings in the GPHA case, the success of local projects like those in Wa West underscores the ongoing efforts to balance fiscal discipline with community-driven development across the country.

Reuters A police mini van with rubble on top of it, surrounded by several people
politics|

Gaza Death Toll Rises to 32 as Israeli Air Strikes Hit Shelters Amid Ceasefire Violations

At least 32 Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed in a series of Israeli air strikes across the Gaza Strip on Saturday. These attacks represent the heaviest bombardment since a recent ceasefire agreement, reportedly brokered with international involvement, came into effect earlier this month. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the strikes were a direct response to violations of the truce by Hamas, targeting weapon storage sites and commanders. However, local rescue officials and the Hamas-operated civil defense agency reported that the strikes hit various residential areas and shelters for displaced individuals, further complicating the fragile security situation in the region. Among the most devastating incidents was a strike on a tent sheltering a displaced family in Khan Younis, which resulted in the deaths of seven family members. In Gaza City, additional casualties included three children and two women, according to local authorities. Hamas has condemned the military actions, describing them as brutal and an aggressive escalation against the Gazan population. Both sides have traded accusations over who first breached the terms of the cessation of hostilities, which had briefly offered a reprieve to a population already reeling from intense conflict since the October 7, 2023, escalation. The international community has reacted with concern to the renewed violence. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar have urged both parties to exercise maximum restraint to prevent a total collapse of the current truce. The escalation comes at a sensitive time as the Rafah crossing into Egypt is slated to reopen for humanitarian aid following reports regarding the recovery of the last Israeli hostage. International observers note that the total death toll since the conflict's intensification in 2023 has now surpassed 71,660 Palestinians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry, which are generally accepted by global humanitarian organizations. The resurgence of air strikes highlights the extreme volatility of the peace process and the immense challenges facing diplomatic efforts. While Hamas has called for international intervention and specifically urged the United States to act, the continued exchange of fire suggests that a lasting resolution remains elusive. As residential buildings lie in ruins and the number of displaced persons continues to grow, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains at a breaking point, with future stability dependent on the adherence of both parties to negotiated agreements and the success of upcoming diplomatic engagements.

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Secures Decisive NPP Presidential Primary Victory, Party Calls for Unity Ahead of 2028
politics|

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia Secures Decisive NPP Presidential Primary Victory, Party Calls for Unity Ahead of 2028

Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has been officially declared the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following a decisive victory in the presidential primary held on January 31, 2026. Securing 110,643 votes (56.48%), Bawumia comfortably defeated his closest rivals, including Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who garnered 46,554 votes (23.76%), and Dr. Bryan Acheampong, who received 36,303 votes (18.53%). Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo celebrated the win at the party headquarters, joining supporters in song and hailing Bawumia as a competent leader equipped to handle the nation's economic challenges. The election, which utilized an expanded delegate college involving over 211,000 voters across 333 polling centers, was widely praised for its transparency and peaceful conduct. Following the declaration, a significant wave of reconciliation swept through the party as defeated candidates, including Kennedy Agyapong, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, and Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, conceded defeat and pledged their full support to Bawumia. In his victory address, Dr. Bawumia issued a clarion call for unity, urging members to move past internal competition to focus on the 2028 general elections. Former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, further bolstered the candidate's image, describing Bawumia as the most impactful Vice President in Ghana’s history and the National Democratic Congress's (NDC) 'worst nightmare' due to his focus on digitalization and policy innovation, such as the GhanaCard and Mobile Money Interoperability. Despite the overarching theme of unity, the primary season was not without its controversies. Former MP Kobina Tahiru Hammond publicly explained his refusal to support Kennedy Agyapong, citing offensive remarks regarding the suitability of Muslims for the presidency. Meanwhile, Prophet Elbernard Nelson-Eshun of Spirit Life Revival Ministries issued a public apology after his prophecy that Agyapong would win proved incorrect, an incident that prompted Election Watch Ghana to urge a shift from spiritual predictions toward data-driven analysis. On the grassroots level, the election was marked by a powerful display of civic duty from Frank Nti, a physically challenged delegate who crawled 30 meters to cast his vote, symbolizing the deep-seated commitment of the party's base. With the primary concluded, the NPP has signaled an immediate transition into campaign mode for the 2028 elections. Former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam warned the NDC that the NPP is now 'solid' and prepared for a vigorous campaign focused on grassroots mobilization and an 'Economic Reset.' Campaign spokesperson Dennis Miracles Aboagye emphasized that the delegates' choice reflected a desire for strategic continuity. As the party prepares to 'break the eight,' the focus remains on aligning the NPP's traditional values with a digital-first economic approach to secure a historic third consecutive term in office.