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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UTAG-UG Demands Resignation of GTEC Leaders Amid Threat of Industrial Action

The University Teachers’ Association of Ghana, University of Ghana Branch (UTAG-UG), has issued a strong demand for the resignation of Prof. Ahmed Jinapor Abdulai and Prof. Augustine Ocloo, the leaders of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). This call comes in response to accusations of administrative overreach and a failure to adequately address critical issues within Ghana's tertiary education system, such as funding and lecturer remuneration. UTAG-UG has criticized GTEC for prioritizing what they deem trivial matters, including the investigation of alleged fake degrees, while neglecting pressing challenges that affect academic quality and institutional governance. The association specifically highlighted GTEC's controversial directive mandating the immediate retirement of lecturers at age 60, which they argue disrupts the academic environment and undermines institutional autonomy. UTAG-UG has warned that if their demands for the resignations are not met by January 31, 2026, they will escalate their actions, potentially leading to industrial action. Furthermore, they are advocating for legislative measures to prevent future abuses of power within the Commission, emphasizing the need for accountability and adherence to GTEC's mandated responsibilities.

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NAIMOS Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Mining in Ahafo Region, Targets Tano North District

The National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has ramped up its efforts to combat illegal mining activities in the Ahafo Region, particularly in the Tano North District. Recent operations have focused on dismantling galamsey sites in communities such as Sukuumu, Subrisu No. 2, and Adrobaa, which have been severely impacted by illegal mining practices that threaten local agriculture and pollute the Tano River. On January 19, 2026, NAIMOS conducted a significant intelligence-led operation targeting sites along the River Bisi, known for contributing to environmental degradation. During these operations, officials destroyed makeshift shelters, heavy machinery, and other equipment used for illegal mining. Despite the prior removal of much heavy machinery, evidence of ongoing illegal activities was uncovered, prompting NAIMOS to take decisive action to prevent miners from returning. The initiative aims not only to halt illegal mining but also to restore the affected lands and ensure environmental sustainability. NAIMOS has assured local communities of its commitment to ongoing enforcement actions and engagement, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding trust and promoting land recovery. The agency's strategic approach seeks to disrupt the cycle of temporary mining withdrawals and establish a permanent cessation of illegal operations, thereby safeguarding the livelihoods of local residents and protecting the environment.

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Government Commits to Fair Pricing Dialogue with Cement Manufacturers

The government of Ghana, through Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with cement manufacturers to ensure fair and stable pricing for consumers. During discussions held on January 19, 2026, the minister highlighted the industry's readiness to comply with regulations and collaborate on pricing issues. This initiative aims to enhance market transparency, protect consumer interests, and promote sustainability within the cement sector. Ofosu-Adjare praised manufacturers for their willingness to communicate factors affecting pricing, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue in stabilizing prices across key economic sectors, particularly in construction. The government's proactive approach seeks to foster a cooperative environment that benefits both consumers and the industry, ensuring a balanced market landscape.

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Ken Ofori-Atta to Appear in US Court Over Immigration Issues and Potential Extradition

Former Ghanaian Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is set to appear in a U.S. court on January 20, 2026, due to immigration issues stemming from the revocation of his visitor visa by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The revocation is linked to ongoing investigations by Ghana's Office of the Special Prosecutor concerning allegations of corruption related to the Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML) case. Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine clarified that the visa was formally revoked, not merely expired, as part of the investigations. This situation may lead to extradition proceedings to Ghana, where Ofori-Atta faces charges associated with these allegations. Additionally, former CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, is scheduled to appear in court on January 21, 2026, regarding her own extradition matters. The developments surrounding Ofori-Atta's case highlight significant legal challenges and the Ghanaian government's efforts to address corruption allegations against former officials.

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NCC Calls for Urgent Government Support to Revitalize Kumasi Cultural Centre

The National Commission on Culture (NCC) has made an urgent appeal for government intervention to complete and rehabilitate essential facilities at the Kumasi Cultural Centre, which is critical for enhancing cultural programming and boosting the creative economy in the Ashanti Region. During a recent visit to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, NCC Executive Director Wakefield Wisdom Ackuaku highlighted the dire need for resource mobilization from Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene to address two stalled projects affecting key venues at the centre. The deterioration of facilities, including the Apatakesie Hall and amphitheatre, has limited the centre's ability to host significant cultural events, thereby impacting community engagement and local talent development. Ackuaku proposed the formation of a planning committee for the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Kumasi Cultural Centre, emphasizing the importance of preparation for its success. Dr. Amoakohene welcomed these initiatives and assured support for preserving Ashanti culture, noting the NCC's active involvement in upcoming cultural events, including the "December in GH" festivities aimed at promoting Kumasi as a cultural tourism hub. This revitalization effort is seen as essential for the centre to fulfill its potential in fostering cultural heritage and community engagement in the region.

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Archbishop Agyinasare Critiques Corruption as Bryan Acheampong Reveals Political Funding

On January 18, 2026, Archbishop Charles Agyinasare of Perez Chapel International voiced serious concerns regarding the escalating corruption among public officials in Ghana. In a video shared on social media, he condemned public servants for exploiting their positions for personal gain, warning that those who engage in corrupt activities will ultimately face severe repercussions. Agyinasare's remarks resonate with a growing public outcry against corrupt practices within both public institutions and the private sector, emphasizing that individuals who steal from companies will also suffer consequences. In a related political discourse, NPP flagbearer hopeful Dr. Bryan Acheampong disclosed that he funded 62 MPs of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) with a monthly allowance of GH¢20,000 during his tenure from 2021 until the party's electoral defeat in 2025. His statements, made during a campaign event in Bunsu, have sparked a mixed reaction online, with many questioning the legitimacy and source of his claimed funding. The juxtaposition of Agyinasare's critique of corruption and Acheampong's funding revelations highlights the ongoing challenges within Ghana's political landscape, as citizens grapple with issues of integrity and accountability among their leaders.

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Eastern NPP Chairman Endorses Bryan Acheampong for 2028 Presidential Primaries

Jeff Konadu Addo, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has publicly endorsed Dr. Bryan Acheampong as the party's candidate for the upcoming presidential primaries ahead of the 2028 elections. At a recent gathering with delegates from the Krobo Bloc, Addo emphasized Acheampong's significant logistical and financial contributions during the 2024 elections, which he believes have positioned him as a strong contender for the presidency. He highlighted Acheampong's unwavering commitment to the party and his strategic investments that have benefitted the Eastern Region, contrasting it with challenges faced in other areas during the campaign. Addo called for unity and confidence among delegates as they prepare for the primaries, asserting that Acheampong's resources and leadership qualities make him the ideal candidate to lead the NPP back to power. Additionally, Acheampong has claimed to have funded 62 NPP MPs with a monthly allowance of GH¢20,000 to support their campaigns, a revelation that has sparked mixed reactions online regarding the source of his funding. This endorsement marks a significant moment in the lead-up to the NPP's presidential primaries, as party members rally around a candidate who they believe can secure victory in the next general elections.

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NACSA Issues Final Warning on Gun Amnesty as Deadline Approaches

The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has issued a stern warning that starting January 30, 2026, individuals found in possession of unregistered or illegal firearms will face arrest and prosecution. This announcement follows a two-week extension of the Gun Amnesty Programme (GAP), which is designed to encourage voluntary compliance among residents, particularly in underserved areas. The amnesty period, which runs from January 16 to January 30, allows individuals to surrender or register firearms without facing legal repercussions. NACSA has emphasized that no further extensions will be granted and has urged community leaders to mobilize support for the initiative. The Commission stresses the importance of this program in enhancing public safety and reducing the proliferation of illegal weapons, marking a critical step in the government's efforts to address firearm-related issues in the country.

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Kofi Bentil Highlights Ken Ofori-Atta's Concerns Over Return to Ghana

Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, has expressed that former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta's reluctance to return to Ghana is primarily due to fears regarding his treatment by state security and the justice system, rather than concerns over the legal charges he faces. In a recent interview, Bentil emphasized that Ofori-Atta's health issues, following recent surgeries, play a significant role in his hesitation. He proposed the idea of conducting a trial in absentia to expedite legal proceedings and urged the government to engage in dialogue with Ofori-Atta to facilitate his safe return and participation in the legal process. Bentil's comments come amid ongoing discussions about the treatment of public officials and the integrity of the justice system in Ghana.

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Attorney-General Clarifies Unibank Case as Prof. Beyuo Critiques Transport Strategy

In recent developments, Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Akuritinga Ayine has clarified the withdrawal of criminal charges against former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffour and other directors of the defunct Unibank Ghana Limited. Dr. Ayine stated that investigations revealed no evidence of theft or personal enrichment, emphasizing that discussions surrounding the case were often influenced by the Duffour family's prominence rather than legal evidence. He contrasted the Unibank situation with the Capital Bank case, which had clear evidence of wrongdoing, and noted that poor business judgment is not a crime. While the criminal charges have been dropped, he acknowledged that civil actions related to the bank's failures are ongoing, highlighting the complexities of accountability in financial collapses. In a separate but equally pressing issue, Prof. Titus Beyuo, Member of Parliament for Lambussie, has criticized Ghana's national transport strategy, attributing the current urban mobility crisis to decades of poor planning and an overreliance on road transport. During an interview on Channel One TV, he pointed out the immediate transport shortages in major cities like Accra and Kumasi, warning that simply increasing the number of buses will not solve the congestion problem. Beyuo advocates for a multi-modal transport system to enhance mobility and safety, especially as Accra's population is projected to double. He linked the transport crisis to high road accident rates and called for a diversified approach to transportation to address the challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure and growing urban populations.

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Political Tensions Rise in Ghana: NPP Conflict and Public Controversies

Recent political developments in Ghana have highlighted significant tensions within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and sparked public controversies. Richard Ahiagbah, the NPP's Director of Communications, has publicly criticized former Environment Minister Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng for labeling the party a "fake party." This accusation has led to the initiation of expulsion proceedings against Frimpong-Boateng, who claims to be a foundational member of the party and plans to boycott any disciplinary actions. The conflict is rooted in the fallout from the 2021 Galamsey Report, which implicated several party officials in illegal activities, further complicating internal party dynamics. In a separate incident, broadcast journalist Serwaa Amihere issued an apology for her controversial remarks describing Presbyterian Boys’ Senior High School (PRESEC) as a "breeding ground for homosexuals." The school management condemned her comments as false and damaging, asserting that they misrepresent the institution's values and harm the emotional well-being of its students. This incident comes amid ongoing national debates surrounding LGBTQI issues in Ghana, highlighting the sensitive nature of such topics in the public sphere. Additionally, the Attorney-General, Dr. Dominic Ayine, clarified the decision to withdraw criminal charges against former Finance Minister Dr. Kwabena Duffour and directors of Unibank, stating that investigations revealed no evidence of theft or personal enrichment. He emphasized the distinction between poor business decisions and criminal liability, noting that civil actions remain against the directors to recover assets. These developments reflect the complex interplay of politics, public discourse, and legal accountability in Ghana's current landscape.

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Controversy Erupts Over U.S. Deportations to Ghana: Rabbiatu Kuyateh's Case Raises Human Rights Concerns

The case of Rabbiatu Kuyateh, a 58-year-old woman from Sierra Leone, has ignited significant controversy surrounding U.S. deportation practices, particularly the use of third-country removals. Despite being granted protection against deportation by a U.S. immigration judge due to fears of torture linked to her father's political ties, Kuyateh was deported to Ghana on November 5, 2023. After spending six days in detention, she was forcibly returned to Sierra Leone, raising alarms among human rights advocates and legal experts. Critics argue that this incident exemplifies a broader issue with the Trump administration's immigration policies, which have been accused of circumventing international laws prohibiting refoulement—returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution. Reports indicate that many deportees have been similarly affected, with Ghana and Equatorial Guinea being used as transit points for individuals fleeing danger in their home countries. Human rights groups have called for accountability from both U.S. and Ghanaian authorities regarding the treatment of deportees, highlighting systemic violations of due process. In response to the outcry, Ghana has announced an investigation into Kuyateh's treatment, although details remain scarce. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintains that all deportations are lawful, yet the fate of many deportees continues to hang in the balance as investigations and legal challenges unfold.