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.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin — Minority Leader
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NPP’s Dennis ‘Miracles’ Aboagye Denies GH¢55m Corruption Allegations Following Controversial EOCO Arrest

Dennis Edward Aboagye, the former Executive Secretary of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee on Decentralisation (IMCCoD) and a prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) communicator, has been released on a GH¢50 million bail following his arrest by the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO). The arrest, which occurred at Kotoka International Airport upon Aboagye’s return from abroad, stems from an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of approximately GH¢55 million at the IMCCoD Secretariat. Aboagye, alongside former accountant Gerald Appiah, faces potential charges including conspiracy to steal and money laundering. The investigation was reportedly triggered by a forensic audit and a petition filed by the current Executive Secretary of the committee, leading to a detention that lasted over 48 hours. Following his release, Aboagye has strongly denied the allegations, characterizing them as a "false narrative" designed to intimidate him and sabotage his bid for the NPP’s National Communications Director position. He asserted that during his detention, there was no substantive discussion with EOCO officials regarding the GH¢55 million figure cited in media reports. Supporting this defense, Dr. Ekua Amoakoh, a spokesperson for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, argued that the IMCCoD lacks the financial capacity to handle such a large sum of money, given its status as a coordinating body rather than a fully-fledged agency. Additionally, former NPP National Organiser Sammy Awuku suggested the case might be conflating a separate GH¢540,000 audit infraction—which the former accountant is reportedly refunding—with the much larger GH¢55 million allegation. The manner of the arrest has sparked a firestorm in Parliament, with Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin condemning what he termed "Rambo-style" tactics by law enforcement. Afenyo-Markin called for the Attorney-General to brief the House on EOCO’s methods, warning that such aggressive detention of political figures threatens democratic values and human rights. However, Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor dismissed these concerns, maintaining that EOCO acted within its mandate following a thorough investigation. He rejected the Minority’s call for a parliamentary briefing, arguing that public officials must remain accountable for financial irregularities regardless of their political standing. The legal battle has also seen significant public demonstration, as NPP supporters gathered outside EOCO headquarters to demand Aboagye’s release, alleging political persecution. Aboagye’s legal team described the GH¢50 million bail conditions—which required three sureties and property justification—as "cruel and oppressive." While EOCO maintains that the investigation remains ongoing and professional, the political fallout continues. NPP figures like Akosua Manu have warned the current administration that the political environment is shifting, suggesting that the handling of this case may set a heavy precedent for future accountability as the nation approaches the next general elections.

Alban Bagbin (4th from left), Speaker of Parliament, with some dignitaries at the event
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Speaker Bagbin Warns of Democracy Being 'For Sale' as NDC and NPP Reorganize for Future Elections

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has issued a stark warning regarding the increasing influence of money in Ghanaian politics, asserting that the commercialization of public office is sidelining ordinary citizens and distorting democratic principles. Speaking at a High-Level Regional Convening on the Financialization of Politics in Africa held in Accra, Bagbin highlighted that the rising costs of political participation are eroding public trust and shifting power from ideas to financial strength. Supported by Binaifer Nowrojee of the Open Society Foundations, the Speaker urged for actionable reforms, including mandatory funding disclosures and stronger oversight, to ensure that political leaders remains accountable to the citizenry rather than wealthy financiers. This call for integrity comes amid a period of intense internal restructuring within Ghana's major political parties as they look toward future electoral cycles. Within the National Democratic Congress (NDC), recent polling by Global InfoAnalytics indicates a shifting leadership landscape. While Johnson Asiedu Nketia remains the frontrunner for the 2028 presidential nomination with 27% support, his lead is being narrowed by Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who has climbed to 22%. Simultaneously, Nii Lantey Vanderpuye has emerged as a favorite for the national chairmanship with 26.8% support. The party is also navigating internal disciplinary matters, with Central Regional Chairman Dr. Richard Kofi Asiedu issuing a public apology to Obaatanpa Radio following a disruptive attack on the station by party affiliates. Meanwhile, the party continues to expand its regional reach, with Alhaji Ibrahim Abdul Jalil declaring his bid for the Northern Regional Chairmanship on a platform of unity and youth empowerment. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is also facing significant internal shifts as former National Chairman Paul Afoko announces his intent to reclaim his position. Afoko, who was suspended in 2015, emphasized his unwavering loyalty to the party and outlined a vision based on the 'Three Rs': Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture. He argued that internal factionalism was a primary driver of the party's 2024 electoral defeat and called for a reinforcement of grassroots structures to support a future campaign for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. This reorganization is occurring alongside sharp policy debates in Parliament, where Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has criticized the government’s 24-Hour Economy program. Oppong Nkrumah alleged that despite GH¢650 billion in public expenditure, the initiative has failed to produce tangible jobs or factories, urging a return to the One District, One Factory (1D1F) model. As the political landscape evolves, emerging voices are demanding greater accountability and inclusion. Efua Ghartey, President of the Ghana Bar Association, has challenged the political class to be honest about the feasibility of manifesto promises, while investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has called on the judiciary to take tougher action against attacks on media professionals to protect the flow of credible information. Highlighting a push for generational change, 22-year-old law student Nana Agyeiwaa Baffoe-Bonnie Michaels has announced her candidacy for the Manhyia South parliamentary seat under the Base Movement Ghana, aiming to challenge the long-standing NDC-NPP duopoly with a focus on youth unemployment and infrastructure development. These developments collectively underscore a critical juncture for Ghanaian democracy, where the fight against financial corruption, the quest for party unity, and the demand for policy transparency will shape the nation's political future.

Nana Takyi Firi (3rd from left), Krontihene of the Techiman Traditional Council, presenting the signed document to Francis Owusu Antwi, Bono East Regional Minister
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Ghana Reaffirms Côte d'Ivoire Border and Secures Strategic International Assets Amid Legal and Narcotics Investigations

The Government of Ghana has reached a significant milestone in national security and territorial integrity by reaffirming 150 kilometres of its land boundary with Côte d’Ivoire. Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, confirmed the progress, noting that an additional 200 kilometres are slated for completion by the end of the year. This effort to solidify regional cooperation coincides with Parliament's approval of a £17.25 million renewal for the headlease of Regina House in London. This strategic property, which houses the Ghana International Bank, is secured for the next 150 years, ensuring a continued financial presence abroad and a steady rental income of £1.4 million annually to offset costs. Internal accountability and law enforcement have also taken center stage following the detention of two Energy Commission officials by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC). The officials are being investigated regarding their roles in approving a charcoal shipment destined for Australia that was found to be laced with methamphetamine. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court has temporarily halted the restoration of GN Savings and Loans' operating license. This legal development is being watched closely by banking consultants who believe the final ruling will redefine the Bank of Ghana’s regulatory powers and the scope of its authority over license revocations. In the economic sector, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has directed the Ghana Statistical Service to begin publishing quarterly employment data to provide transparency regarding the impact of government policies on job creation. Infrastructure development remains a high priority, with the government overseeing the construction of the Afram and Dambai bridges, which are set to become the longest water-crossing structures in the country. In Accra, Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey has briefed the Ga Traditional Council on a modern 24-hour market project at Agbogbloshie, while travelers at the Accra International Airport are experiencing modernized security checks following the installation of new 3D scanners. To support these developments, the Bono East Region has secured 310 acres of land from the Techiman Traditional Council to house government institutions, provided that the land is used exclusively for public infrastructure and service delivery. Addressing social welfare and environmental safety, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has significantly increased the monthly wages of sanitation sweepers from GHS 250 to GHS 800 to improve morale and urban cleanliness. This move comes as the Ga East Municipality enforces a July 16 deadline for the removal of illegal structures in waterways to prevent a recurrence of fatal flooding. While the government continues to push for national cleanup exercises, critics have urged a shift from coercive enforcement to more systematic, constitutional law enforcement strategies. As regional connectivity and local development projects like the Kongo bridge diversion progress, the government faces ongoing calls for transparency, particularly concerning the misuse of public funds in livelihood programs such as the Nkoko Nkitinkiti poultry initiative.

The gum arabic trade has been reshaped by the war in Sudan. By ASHRAF SHAZLY (AFP)
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US House Advances Permanent Daylight Saving Time Legislation as Sierra Leone Exonerates Former President Koroma

The United States House of Representatives has passed the Sunshine Protection Act in a significant 308-117 bipartisan vote, aiming to make daylight saving time permanent and eliminate biannual clock changes. Simultaneously, in West Africa, the government of Sierra Leone has dropped all treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma on health grounds. Koroma, who was accused of involvement in a 2023 coup attempt, had been receiving medical treatment in Nigeria and is now free to return home. These developments highlight a week of major legislative and judicial shifts across the globe, balancing internal policy modernization with regional political stability. The US legislation, introduced by Representative Vern Buchanan and supported by former President Donald Trump, seeks to align the nation with the time currently observed between March and November. Proponents argue that ending the "spring forward" and "fall back" cycle will boost economic activity and improve public health by reducing sleep disruption. However, the bill faces skepticism in the Senate, with critics warning that darker winter mornings could jeopardize the safety of commuters and schoolchildren. In related legal news, US Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche faced intense questioning in a Senate hearing regarding past tax immunity deals, while the former President recently paid over $5.6 million in damages to writer E. Jean Carroll following a sexual abuse and defamation verdict. Additionally, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has temporarily paused most vehicle stops nationwide following two fatal shootings involving agents. Across the African continent, judicial systems are grappling with sensitive human rights and security issues. In Kenya, the High Court dismissed a petition by the Rastafarian community to legalize cannabis for religious use, ruling that the group failed to prove their constitutional rights were violated. Despite the dismissal, Justice Bahati Mwamuye called for a broader national dialogue on cannabis reform. Meanwhile, a South African court has postponed the extradition case of Pan-African activist Kemi Seba to August 11, and police are investigating the killing of anti-migrant leader Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada. In Senegal, former President Macky Sall has returned to campaign for the UN Secretary-General position, even as his administration faces scrutiny over alleged undisclosed debts. International governance and integrity remain under intense scrutiny, as evidenced by a UN report indicating that Sudan's rival factions are exploiting resources like gum arabic to fuel their ongoing civil war. In Nepal, former ministers Top Bahadur Rayamajhi and Bal Krishna Khand have been sentenced to prison for their roles in a scam that forged documents to resettle Nepali nationals as Bhutanese refugees in the US. Similarly, Nigerian authorities arrested Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew for allegedly leading a fictitious government agency used for forgery and impersonation. These cases, along with a Singaporean court's defamation ruling against Bloomberg, underscore a global environment where the rule of law and institutional integrity are being tested by both internal corruption and evolving geopolitical pressures.

Ghanaian Activists Seek ICC Probe into South Africa Attacks as Domestic Justice and Disability Reforms Advance
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Ghanaian Activists Seek ICC Probe into South Africa Attacks as Domestic Justice and Disability Reforms Advance

Two prominent Ghanaians, Dr. Palgrave Boakye-Danquah and Emmanuel Kotin, have formally petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) to launch a preliminary examination into persistent xenophobic violence in South Africa. Filed in July 2026, the petition alleges that systemic attacks against foreign nationals between 2015 and 2026 constitute crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. The ICC has confirmed receipt of the document, which cites unlawful killings, torture, and widespread property destruction. The petitioners specifically call for accountability from senior South African officials, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, under the principle of command responsibility, arguing that state authorities have consistently failed to prevent or address violence targeting African migrants. On the domestic front, the POS Foundation is leading a call for the swift implementation of the Community Service Bill, 2026, which was passed by Ghana's Parliament on July 10. Executive Director Jonathan Osei Owusu and other advocates have urged the immediate development of a Legislative Instrument (LI) to operationalize the law. This reform is viewed as a landmark shift toward restorative justice, allowing courts to impose community service as an alternative to custodial sentences for offenses carrying less than three years. By facilitating the reintegration of offenders and utilizing their labor for public benefit, the bill aims to drastically reduce prison overcrowding and promote more effective rehabilitation through collaboration between the Ministry of Justice and local authorities. Simultaneously, advocacy groups for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) are intensifying pressure on the Cabinet to approve the revised Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2026. Representing over 2.1 million citizens, these organizations highlight that the original 2006 Act has failed to eliminate systemic barriers in education, healthcare, and public transportation. The revised legislation seeks to align Ghana's domestic laws with international human rights standards, strengthening protections against discrimination and ensuring greater accountability. Advocates emphasize that the bill’s passage is a matter of fundamental justice and dignity, calling for a unified effort from stakeholders to foster a more inclusive society. These developments reflect a heightened period of legal and human rights activism involving Ghanaian stakeholders both at home and abroad. While the ICC assessment will determine if the South African petition meets the stringent legal criteria for a formal investigation, the domestic legislative pushes for community service and disability rights represent a critical evolution in Ghana’s social and criminal justice frameworks. Collectively, these actions underscore a growing demand for accountability, human dignity, and the modernization of legal systems to better serve vulnerable populations and ensure regional stability.

President Mahama Commences Volta Region Tour Amidst National Mourning for Dagbon Overlord Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II
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President Mahama Commences Volta Region Tour Amidst National Mourning for Dagbon Overlord Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II

President John Dramani Mahama is set to begin a high-profile, two-day working visit to the Volta Region on July 16, a move that coincides with a period of national mourning following the passing of the Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II. The "Resetting Ghana Tour," also described as the "Accounting to the People Tour," is designed to facilitate direct engagement between the Presidency and local citizens. The itinerary focuses on economic recovery, governance reforms, and infrastructure development, highlighting the government’s commitment to transparency and community-driven progress. During his stay in the Volta Region, President Mahama is scheduled to inspect several significant projects, most notably the Ho Sports Stadium. Plans are underway to upgrade the facility to FIFA Category B standards, a move championed by Regional Minister James Gunu to enhance the region's sports infrastructure. Additionally, the President will cut sod for a new 24-Hour Economy Market and participate in stakeholder discussions at the Ho Technical University. Minister Gunu, during a recent engagement with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), emphasized the vital role of the media in documenting these developmental milestones and urged the public to rely on verified information regarding regional projects. Simultaneously, the nation is paying tribute to the late Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, who passed away at the Gbewaa Palace. Leaders across the political spectrum, including President Mahama, Nana Akufo-Addo, and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, have released statements honoring the late Overlord’s legacy as a symbol of peace and reconciliation. Tributes from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and various Members of Parliament, such as Hajia Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimah of Salaga South, have highlighted the Ya-Na’s pivotal role in ending the Dagbon chieftaincy crisis and his steadfast advocacy for education and socio-economic development within the kingdom. As preparations for the Ya-Na's funeral rites begin, the Dagbon Council of Kingmakers has issued a strict ban on the use of live ammunition during traditional ceremonies to ensure public safety. The rites, scheduled for July 16, will reflect the late ruler’s values of peace and unity. These dual events—the President's accountability tour and the transition of a major traditional leader—mark a significant moment in Ghana's political landscape, balancing the pursuit of future development with the solemn preservation of national heritage and stability.

Reuters Vessels sail in the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: 12 July 2026
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Donald Trump Threatens Iranian Infrastructure as US Resumes Naval Blockade in Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump has escalated international tensions by issuing a severe military ultimatum to Iran, threatening to strike the nation’s power plants and bridges unless it returns to the negotiation table. In a series of statements, including a high-profile Fox News interview, Trump emphasized that US military actions would continue indefinitely until his administration deems them no longer necessary. This rhetoric comes amid four consecutive days of active military exchanges between US and Iranian forces, with US Central Command reporting targeted strikes intended to degrade Iran’s ability to disrupt commercial shipping. Iran has responded by dismissing the threats, with officials asserting they will not negotiate under pressure while accusing the US of causing civilian casualties during recent daylight attacks. The conflict has centered on the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy supplies where oil prices have surged, with Brent crude climbing above $85 a barrel. In response to US military aggression, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to completely block the strait until hostilities cease. The US has countered this by reinstating a naval blockade of Iranian ports, which has already significantly hampered tanker traffic. Despite the blockade, ship-tracking data recently showed an uptick in Iran-linked vessels attempting to transit the waterway before enforcement tightened, highlighting the precarious nature of maritime trade in the region. Trump's policy regarding the waterway has shown significant volatility; he recently proposed a 20% security fee on all cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz to cover US military costs, only to abandon the idea 24 hours later. Instead, the US administration appears to be pivoting toward seeking massive trade and investment deals with Gulf allies to secure the region. Analysts suggest this inconsistency reflects a struggle to find a clear exit strategy for a conflict that is increasingly resembling a war of attrition. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other regional allies like Kuwait and Bahrain have signaled support or activated military responses to Iranian threats, domestic pressure in the US is mounting due to the inflationary impact of rising energy costs. The prospect of targeting civilian infrastructure such as power plants and bridges has raised serious humanitarian and legal concerns among international observers, with some experts warning that such actions could constitute violations of international law. As diplomatic efforts remain stalled, the situation has created a dangerous stalemate: the US links its military campaign directly to demands for new negotiations, while Iran maintains that it remains in full control of the Strait and will not be coerced. With no immediate resolution in sight and the global economy sensitive to further disruptions, the standoff remains a significant threat to Middle Eastern stability and international energy security.

Strike out charges against former NAFCO Boss – Godfred Dame tells High Court
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Operation Recover All Loot: Ghana Demands GH¢1.7 Billion in Bail Amid Intensifying Anti-Corruption Crackdown

Since January 2025, Ghana’s legal landscape has been dominated by President John Dramani Mahama’s aggressive anti-corruption drive, known as "Operation Recover All Loot" (ORAL). According to an analysis by JoyNews Research, this initiative has seen courts demand a staggering GH¢1.7 billion (approximately $146 million) in bail from various individuals charged with state-related offenses. While judicial reviews later revised this total to a minimum of GH¢833 million, the sheer scale of the demands has sparked a national debate. Proponents, including Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine, argue that the high bail amounts reflect the severity of the financial crimes committed, while critics and civil society groups contend that such exorbitant figures serve as a tool for "backdoor detention," effectively bypassing constitutional rights to bail. A central figure in this legal wave is Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, the former CEO of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO). Aludiba and his wife face multiple charges, including money laundering and the misappropriation of over GH¢50 million during his tenure. The case has become a flashpoint for claims of executive overreach after Aludiba was arrested at the airport by BNI and EOCO officials despite a court order granting him permission to travel to London for medical treatment. His lead counsel, Godfred Yeboah Dame, has filed a motion to strike out the charges, citing fundamental defects in the charge sheet and a breach of fair trial rights. The High Court has scheduled a hearing for July 20, 2026, to determine the validity of the prosecution’s case. Parallel to the NAFCO proceedings, the long-running trial of Nana Appiah Mensah (NAM1), the former CEO of Menzgold Ghana Limited, continues to progress. NAM1 is facing 39 charges related to defrauding over 16,000 customers of approximately GH¢340.8 million between 2016 and 2018. In recent court sessions, NAM1 submitted seven key defense documents, including gold bar photographs and agreements, as he maintains his not-guilty plea. He is expected to continue his testimony on July 17, 2026. This case, alongside the NAFCO trial, highlights the government's focus on both historical financial collapses and more recent allegations of public sector misappropriation. The crackdown also extends to international cooperation, evidenced by the recent extradition of Ghanaian socialite Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, to the United States. Kumi faces charges for his alleged involvement in an $8 million romance scam targeting elderly Americans. Following his extradition, the U.S. Department of Justice announced the seizure of luxury assets in Ghana, including a mansion and high-end vehicles, allegedly purchased with fraud proceeds. These high-profile cases, ranging from local administrative corruption to international cybercrime, signal a period of unprecedented judicial activity in Ghana as the administration seeks to fulfill its promise of total asset recovery and systemic accountability.

Minority Caucus Stages Walkout Over SIM Re-registration as NIA Declares Ghana Card Photocopying Illegal
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Minority Caucus Stages Walkout Over SIM Re-registration as NIA Declares Ghana Card Photocopying Illegal

On July 15, 2026, proceedings in Parliament were disrupted when the Minority Caucus staged a walkout in protest against First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor. The friction began during Question Time when Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin attempted to pose supplementary questions to the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, regarding the government's fresh SIM card re-registration exercise. Ahiafor ruled the follow-up questions out of order, citing parliamentary Standing Orders, a move the Minority labeled as a deliberate attempt to stifle oversight and shield the government from scrutiny. Despite the walkout, Minority leadership indicated that members would eventually return to the chamber for other legislative business. The parliamentary dispute centers on a new SIM registration initiative defended by Minister Sam George as a critical security measure. According to the Minister, the previous registration process contained significant security gaps and lacked seamless integration with the National Identification Authority (NIA) database, leaving the telecommunications system vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. The updated exercise mandates real-time biometric verification to ensure the authenticity of subscriber details. This policy shift is intended to bolster public confidence in Ghana's digital infrastructure by creating a more credible and secure database of all mobile users in the country. Parallel to the parliamentary tension, the National Identification Authority (NIA) has announced a significant legal shift regarding the use of the Ghana Card. Under an amendment to the National Identity Register Regulations (L.I. 2111), it is now illegal for organizations or individuals to photocopy or visually inspect a Ghana Card for the purpose of identity verification in transactions. Wisdom Kwaku Deku, Executive Secretary of the NIA, emphasized that biometric verification is now the only legally recognized method for authenticating a cardholder's identity. This change is designed to combat identity fraud and ensure that institutions connect directly to the NIA's verification platform to maintain the integrity of the national identification system. This new regulatory framework carries heavy penalties for non-compliance. Organizations found guilty of photocopying cards instead of using biometric systems face fines ranging from GH¢6,000 to GH¢24,000, while individual offenders could be fined between GH¢600 and GH¢6,000. These measures follow directives from the Bank of Ghana urging financial institutions to prioritize biometric authentication. As the government moves forward with these stringent digital identity and communication policies, the political and legal landscape continues to evolve, reflecting a broader national push toward a more secure, biometrically-verified digital economy.

Minority Walks Out as Parliament Clashes Over Closed-Door Briefing on Ghana’s $2 Billion Reserve Decline
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Minority Walks Out as Parliament Clashes Over Closed-Door Briefing on Ghana’s $2 Billion Reserve Decline

The Minority in Parliament staged a dramatic walkout on July 15, 2026, after the First Deputy Speaker, Bernard Ahiafor, ruled that a briefing by the Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor would be held behind closed doors. The decision to exclude the media from the session, which was intended to address the sudden $2 billion decline in the nation’s gross international reserves, sparked a fierce debate over transparency and parliamentary accountability. While the Minority argued that the public has a right to hear the Governor’s testimony regarding the economy, the Majority side defended the 'in-camera' proceedings as a standard protocol for engagements with independent constitutional bodies. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Ranking Member of the Economy and Development Committee, led the Minority’s protest, asserting that there were no sensitive matters in the Governor’s prepared responses that justified media exclusion. He accused the Majority of attempting to 'spin' the narrative and shield the Governor from public scrutiny. Central to the Minority's concerns is the drop in international reserves from $14.2 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2026 to approximately $12 billion by June. MP Patrick Boamah and Deputy Ranking Member Dr. Gideon Boako suggested that the Governor’s written responses attributed currency stability to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme—a policy they claim the Majority wants to downplay for political reasons. In a swift rebuttal, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga criticized the Minority for prioritizing 'political theater' and 'media optics' over genuine oversight. Ayariga maintained that the Governor was fully prepared to answer all questions and that holding committee engagements in private is consistent with established parliamentary practices. He argued that the Minority failed to provide a compelling reason to deviate from these rules and condemned their walkout as a sign of disrespect toward the Speaker. Kofi Arko Nokoe, Vice Chairman of the Economy and Development Committee, added that the current Governor has shown unprecedented transparency and that the format of the meeting should not overshadow the substance of the accountability process. The standoff leaves several critical economic questions unanswered in the public domain, particularly regarding the specific use of $2 billion for foreign exchange market interventions to support the cedi. While the Majority insists that information will be shared with the public following the conclusion of committee deliberations, the Minority maintains that democratic institutions are undermined when the media is barred from hearings on matters of national financial importance. This procedural deadlock highlights the deepening partisan divide in Parliament as the country navigates ongoing exchange rate pressures and fiscal challenges.

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie
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Supreme Court Confronts Legal Challenges Over Ghana's Two-Term Presidential Limit Interpretation

Ghana’s Supreme Court has been petitioned to provide a definitive interpretation of Article 66(2) of the 1992 Constitution, a move that could fundamentally alter the country’s political landscape. Two individuals, Ganiwu Alhassan and Kenneth Kwabena Agyei Kuranchie, have filed separate lawsuits challenging the current understanding of presidential term limits. The central legal question revolves around whether the constitutionally mandated two-term limit applies to a president’s total lifetime tenure or only to consecutive terms in office. This clarification is expected to resolve ongoing debates regarding eligibility for former heads of state who have already served two terms but with a break in between. The plaintiffs argue that the existing restrictions on non-consecutive terms lack clarity and may unfairly disqualify eligible candidates. Ganiwu Alhassan asserts that any interpretation barring a former president from seeking office after a break in service violates constitutional rights. Similarly, Kenneth Kwabena Agyei Kuranchie—who has a history of legal challenges against President John Mahama—contends that a break of at least one electoral cycle (four years) should effectively reset a candidate's eligibility. The Attorney-General has been given a 14-day window to respond to these filings, which seek to establish if a "third term" is permissible under specific conditions. This legal maneuver has sparked significant political discourse, often referred to as "3rd term chatter," with major implications for the 2028 general elections. The Deputy Attorney General has confirmed that multiple cases are now pending, each questioning the potential ambiguity of the constitutional language. If the Court rules that the two-term limit only applies to consecutive service, it would legally pave the way for President John Mahama to potentially seek another term in 2028, despite previous public commitments to respect established limits. This possibility has heightened tensions between those seeking leadership continuity and those advocating for strict constitutional adherence. The outcome of these cases holds profound consequences for Ghana's democratic stability and its reputation as a model of constitutional governance in Africa. While some proponents argue that the electorate should have the right to choose experienced leaders regardless of previous tenure, critics and democracy advocates warn that altering the interpretation of term limits could undermine democratic principles. As the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate, the focus remains on whether the "two-term" clause was intended by the framers as a lifetime cap or a flexible restriction, a decision that will define the future of executive power in the Fourth Republic.

Lands Minister: Over 3,000 excavators remain unclaimed at Tema Port
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Minister Armah-Kofi Buah Announces Major Mining Act Amendments and Full Restoration of Achimota Forest Reserve

The Government of Ghana has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of the nation's land and natural resource management, led by Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. Central to these reforms is the Cabinet's approval of amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act, which proposes reducing the maximum duration of mining leases from 30 to 20 years and requiring mining companies to secure formal recommendations from host communities before licenses are processed. Simultaneously, the Cabinet has revoked Executive Instrument (E.I.) 144, restoring the 361.5-acre Achimota Forest Reserve to its full protected status, a move aimed at safeguarding Accra’s ecological integrity and preventing further encroachment from private developers. To combat illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, the government has intensified field operations and technological monitoring. Minister Buah revealed that over 3,000 excavators remain unclaimed at Tema Port following the implementation of a geo-fencing system designed to restrict equipment to licensed areas. Between January and June 2026, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) conducted 200 operations, resulting in over 200 arrests and the destruction of significant illegal mining infrastructure. These efforts are complemented by the deployment of 2,069 Blue Water Guards to protect water bodies and the successful reclamation of 1,335 acres of degraded land in 2025, with an additional 1,500 acres targeted for restoration this year. Beyond enforcement, the Lands Commission is undergoing a digital transformation through the Strategic Land Administration Reform Project (SLAP), aiming to reduce land registration times to just one month via the Enterprise Land Information System (ELIS). In the mineral sector, the government confirmed the discovery of high-grade iron ore deposits in the Oti Region and has registered over 9,000 miners under the Responsible Community Mining Scheme (rCOMSDEP) to formalize small-scale operations. To ensure host communities benefit directly from resource extraction, the Forestry Commission is training managers on Social Responsibility Agreement (SRA) portals, while the new mining laws will mandate Community Development Agreements (CDAs) to replace unilateral corporate decision-making. Despite these advancements, the reforms face notable political and legal hurdles. John Darko, MP for Suame, has warned that the 20-year lease cap might deter capital-intensive investment, potentially making Ghana less competitive than West African neighbors like C$te d’Ivoire. On the legal front, lawyers for Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, currently facing charges for facilitating unauthorized mining, have petitioned the Supreme Court to interpret the constitutionality of specific sections of the Minerals and Mining Act. Additionally, local authorities in Juaben have called for urgent ministerial intervention to resolve jurisdictional overlaps between police commands that have allowed illegal mining to threaten critical road infrastructure. Minister Buah has emphasized that the "era of impunity is over," signaling a firm stance against environmental degradation regardless of the status of the offenders. The government’s multi-pronged approach—combining legislative reform, technological surveillance, and community-centric licensing—seeks to balance economic exploitation with environmental sustainability. As the revised Minerals and Mining Bill heads to Parliament, its passage will be a defining moment for Ghana’s ability to manage its natural heritage and secure a greener future for coming generations.