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.

Former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu Released Following Attorney-General's Withdrawal of Stay Application
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Former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu Released Following Attorney-General's Withdrawal of Stay Application

In a significant legal development, a release warrant has been signed for Sedina Christine Tamakloe-Attionu, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), allowing her to walk free from custody. This follows the Attorney-General's decision on August 12, 2026, to withdraw a motion for a stay of execution that had previously sought to keep her imprisoned despite a successful appeal. The Court of Appeal subsequently struck out the state’s application, bringing an end to her two-week detention following her acquittal in late July. The acquittal stems from a unanimous Court of Appeal ruling on July 30, 2026, which overturned Tamakloe-Attionu’s April 2024 conviction. The appellate court found that the original trial judge had erred by incorrectly shifting the burden of proof onto the accused, thereby violating her constitutional presumption of innocence. Tamakloe-Attionu had originally been sentenced to 10 years in prison for 78 counts of corruption-related charges, including conspiracy to steal and money laundering, related to her tenure at MASLOC between 2013 and 2017. The case has become a flashpoint for political and social debate under the administration of President John Mahama. Prior to the Attorney-General's withdrawal of the motion, more than 1,100 women traders and National Democratic Congress (NDC) women organizers from the Greater Accra Region, alongside the Volta Youth Alliance, petitioned the Attorney-General for her immediate release. They argued that continued detention following a court acquittal was irregular and undermined public confidence in the judiciary and democratic institutions. Political reactions to the release have been sharply divided. Andrews Agyapa Mercer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) characterized the situation as reflective of "selective justice," suggesting that the legal process has been managed to favor political allies since the NDC took office. Conversely, Abraham Amaliba, the former Director of Legal Affairs for the NDC, dismissed these claims as emotional rather than legal. Amaliba maintained that the release was the logical conclusion of the judicial process and emphasized that the government must respect the independence of the court's decisions. While Tamakloe-Attionu has been released, the legal battle is not entirely over. The Office of the Attorney-General has indicated that it intends to challenge the Court of Appeal’s acquittal at the Supreme Court. State prosecutors maintain that the original conviction was sound and that an appeal is necessary for legal accountability. For now, however, the signing of the release warrant ensures that Tamakloe-Attionu remains free as the state prepares its next legal steps in the country's highest court.

A notice scribbled on ULA Beach Resort walls
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Bernard Antwi Boasiako Files for Bail Amid 20-Year Galamsey Sentence as NDC Ministers Highlight National Progress Under President Mahama

Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) commonly known as Wontumi, has filed a motion at the Accra High Court seeking bail pending an appeal against his 20-year prison sentence for facilitating illegal mining. Convicted by Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay on July 20, 2026, Boasiako argues that his trial was legally flawed and raises significant constitutional questions. He maintains that he is not a flight risk due to his strong community ties and seeks release to better collaborate with his legal team. The hearing for his bail application is scheduled for August 19, 2026, marking a high-profile development in the government's ongoing crackdown on 'galamsey.' Amidst these legal proceedings, the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is reinforcing its vision for the country’s future. Speaking at the Western Regional Youth Conference, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, emphasized that Ghana’s progress is inextricably linked to the NDC's leadership. Highlighting the administration's achievements since President John Mahama took office in January 2025, Buah cited significant investments in healthcare, education, and job creation. He urged the party's youth to adopt strategic thinking to sustain the current economic recovery, a sentiment echoed by Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor, who recently praised Ghana National Gas Limited for a 97 percent surge in net profit, signifying improved energy security. The fight against illegal mining remains a central theme in the national discourse, with legal and religious leaders calling for a unified front. Legal practitioner Eric Adjei described galamsey as a growing "pandemic" that threatens public health and agriculture, urging non-partisan collaboration to protect the environment. This call was supported by Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, who warned that mercury contamination from illegal mining poses a dire threat to food security. Simultaneously, the government is addressing broader security and social issues, with the Greater Accra Regional Security Council issuing a 21-day demolition notice to beachfront encroachers at Laboma Beach to mitigate flooding risks, and security expert Adib Saani calling for prioritized military aviation safety following a recent fatal helicopter crash. On the social and local governance front, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey recently visited the Gambaga Alleged Witches Camp to assess resident welfare and pledge government support for permanent housing and clean water. In the Oti Region, local leaders have commended Regional Minister John Kwadwo Gyapong for his inclusive leadership style, which they believe is critical for addressing infrastructure and healthcare challenges. As the Mahama administration continues to implement its policy agenda, these developments across legal, environmental, and social sectors highlight the complex challenges and strategic priorities facing the nation.

President Mahama Urged to Ensure Non-Partisan Debt Payments and Protect Private Savings
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President Mahama Urged to Ensure Non-Partisan Debt Payments and Protect Private Savings

The administration of President John Mahama is facing increasing pressure to resolve lingering financial disputes and clarify controversial fiscal proposals that critics argue threaten private property rights and business stability. While Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has touted economic gains and savings through the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), significant concerns have been raised regarding the selective payment of government contractors and a new plan to utilize dormant bank accounts to fund national development. These developments have sparked calls for greater transparency and an end to perceived partisan biases in the management of the country's finances. A primary point of contention involves the non-payment of suppliers under the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy who were contracted during the previous administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo. Reports indicate that while new suppliers appointed since 2025 are receiving prompt payments, long-standing creditors like Rostella Enterprise have seen their dues stalled since late 2024. In an open appeal for justice, commentator Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo argued that these businesses are being unfairly penalized due to their perceived political affiliations or the timing of their contracts. He urged President Mahama to intervene, emphasizing that legitimate business operations should remain insulated from the shifts in political leadership to maintain the integrity of essential educational programs. Simultaneously, the Institute for Liberty and Policy Innovation (ILAPI) has voiced strong opposition to the Ministry of Finance's proposal to tap into dormant bank accounts to bridge budget gaps. ILAPI Executive Director Peter Bismark warned that treating idle accounts as abandoned assets could severely undermine public trust in the banking sector and violate constitutional property rights. The institute argues that dormant accounts often represent long-term savings strategies rather than abandoned funds. Instead of government appropriation, ILAPI recommends that the state focus on rigorous fiscal discipline and the establishment of an Independent Unclaimed Assets Trust to ensure that such funds are managed transparently and remain accessible to their rightful owners or heirs. These dual challenges highlight a growing demand for the Mahama administration to prioritize equitable treatment of all stakeholders in the national economy. Observers suggest that the government's ability to reconcile its debt to previous suppliers while respecting the sanctity of private savings will be a critical test of its commitment to non-partisan governance. By addressing these grievances and adopting institutional reforms like the proposed assets trust, the administration could reinforce the rule of law and foster a more stable environment for both domestic businesses and individual savers.

President John Dramani Mahama speaking at the unveiling of cenotaph in memory of Dr Edward Omane Boamah, former Defence Minister
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President Mahama Reshuffles Cabinet and Parliamentary Leadership Amid Memorials for Fallen Officials

President John Mahama has initiated a significant restructuring of his administration, appointing new ministers and overseeing a leadership change in Parliament to strengthen his government's effectiveness. The reshuffle is headlined by the appointment of three-term MP Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings as Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, and former Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga as Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. Simultaneously, James Agalga has been selected as the new Majority Leader of Parliament, taking over from Ayariga. Other key appointments include Kenneth Gilbert Adjei as Minister of Defence and the reassignment of Ahmed Ibrahim to the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources. These appointments, which are pending parliamentary approval, are seen as critical steps in filling vacancies and ensuring the continuity of the government's development agenda. This administrative shift coincides with the first anniversary of the tragic August 6, 2025, helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several high-ranking officials, including the former Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and the Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna. President Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang led the nation in memorial services at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and unveiled a cenotaph at the Ministry of Defence to honor the victims. The new appointments of Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings and Mr. Adjei specifically fill the portfolios left vacant by the tragedy, marking a transition from a period of mourning to one of renewed governance focus. The removal of Mahama Ayariga as Majority Leader has sparked significant political discourse. Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu suggested that the change might be linked to Ayariga's firm stance on the controversial anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, which reportedly conflicted with the procedural concerns of Speaker Alban Bagbin and the executive's perspective. Furthermore, former MP George Mireku Duker questioned Ayariga’s grassroots experience for his new local government role, though this was staunchly defended by Inusah Fuseini, who cited Ayariga’s legal expertise and political track record. Despite these debates, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, a ranking member of the Minority, congratulated Agalga on his new leadership role and called for a constructive dialogue between the Majority and Minority caucuses to foster national consensus. Amidst these changes, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the stability of the executive, highlighting a partnership with President Mahama built on mutual trust and shared objectives. Speaking on the KSM Show, she emphasized their collective commitment to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto, dismissing notions of internal friction. As the new leadership takes shape, stakeholders such as former MP Alex K. Agyekum have urged Parliament to prioritize unity and institutional dignity over partisan interests. The government also continues its transparency initiatives, with Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, scheduled to account for her stewardship in the upcoming Government Accountability Series.

State Agencies Under Spotlight: CUTS Challenges DVLA Licensing Fees as GRA Modernises VAT Collection
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State Agencies Under Spotlight: CUTS Challenges DVLA Licensing Fees as GRA Modernises VAT Collection

Ghana's administrative landscape is witnessing a dual push for transparency and efficiency as state agencies face significant scrutiny over their revenue-generation practices. CUTS International, a prominent public policy advocate, has formally petitioned Parliament to investigate the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) over its implementation of "delinquency" charges. The organisation is demanding an immediate suspension of these fees, which are applied to motorists renewing or replacing expired licenses. According to CUTS, the DVLA has failed to provide a clear legal basis for these escalating charges, which reportedly range from GH¢204.25 to GH¢404.25 depending on the duration of the license expiry. The advocacy group argues that such penalties lack transparency and may constitute "double punishment" for drivers who are already subject to police prosecution for driving with expired documents. In addition to questioning the legality of the delinquency fees, CUTS International highlighted concerns regarding the high costs associated with updating personal information within the DVLA’s electronic records. The organization maintains that while the law penalises the act of driving with an expired license, it does not explicitly authorise the licensing body to levy administrative fines for the mere lapse of the document itself. By calling for a public inquiry, CUTS aims to ensure that the DVLA operates strictly within a legal framework that prioritises public service and compliance over punitive revenue collection. They urge Parliament to verify if these charges received the necessary legislative approval before being passed onto the Ghanaian public. Simultaneously, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is moving forward with a major technological overhaul of the nation's tax system through the implementation of Fiscal Electronic Devices (EFDs). Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong expressed optimism that these new physical and electronic devices will serve as a "game changer" for Value Added Tax (VAT) collection. Recently sanctioned by Parliament under the Fiscal Electronic Device Act, these tools are designed to record transactions automatically at points of sale and report them directly to the GRA. This initiative targets a substantial 40% compliance gap in VAT remittances, with the goal of ensuring that all businesses that collect the tax actually remit it to the state. The GRA's modernization efforts have gained high-level traditional support, with the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, encouraging the authority to expand the tax net into the informal sector. During a recent engagement, the GRA Board revealed that the authority successfully mobilised over 80 million cedis in the first half of the year, with a target of exceeding 170 million cedis by the year's end. The Asantehene emphasized that while revenue mobilization is critical for national development, it must be balanced with taxpayer education and measures to prevent leakages. The rollout of the EFDs is expected to begin shortly in supermarkets and mid-size retail outlets across the country. These developments represent a critical juncture for governance in Ghana, as the state seeks to balance aggressive revenue mobilization with the legal rights of citizens. While the GRA’s electronic reforms promise a more robust and fair tax environment, the pushback against the DVLA serves as a reminder that administrative fees must remain rooted in transparent legislation. As Parliament considers the petition from CUTS International and monitors the GRA’s rollout, the outcome will likely define the relationship between state regulatory bodies and the public for the remainder of the current administration’s term.

NPP Leadership Reshuffle: New Chairmen Elected in Ketu North and Bantama Amidst Resignation in Mion and Tragic Loss of Mampong Aspirant
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NPP Leadership Reshuffle: New Chairmen Elected in Ketu North and Bantama Amidst Resignation in Mion and Tragic Loss of Mampong Aspirant

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is navigating a period of significant leadership transitions and internal restructuring as it reorganizes its grassroots base for the 2028 general elections. This phase of renewal has seen a mix of democratic victories in key constituencies alongside unexpected departures and tragedy. While new executives have been seated in areas such as Ketu North and Bantama following keenly contested polls, the party is also mourning the sudden death of a promising parliamentary hopeful in Asante Mampong and managing the swift resignation of a newly elected chairman in the Mion constituency. These shifts occur as the party, now in opposition under the administration of President John Mahama, seeks to consolidate its organizational capacity. Tragedy struck the Asante Mampong constituency with the sudden passing of Beatrice Owarewa Siaw, popularly known as Nana Yaa. The 41-year-old parliamentary aspirant, who was also a prominent businesswoman and philanthropist, reportedly fell ill and drove herself to a clinic before being transferred to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her campaign had been centered on industrialization and youth empowerment. In a separate development, the NPP Mion Constituency Chairman, Sulaiman Abubakar, resigned from his position on August 8, 2026—a mere two weeks after winning the constituency polls. In his resignation letter to the Northern Regional Chairman, Abubakar cited personal reasons for his departure but reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the party’s mission to regain political power. On the electoral front, the party successfully conducted several high-stakes internal contests. In Ketu North, Moses Kwame Aglina was elected the new Constituency Chairman, defeating the incumbent acting chairman, Mac-Thomson Gbeti, with a vote count of 613 to 513. Aglina has since pledged to unify the party and implement a 10-point agenda to strengthen grassroots structures. Similarly, in the Bantama constituency, a tightly fought rerun election saw Kingsley Atta, also known as Wofa Atta, unseat the incumbent chairman Fiifi Mensah by a narrow margin of just four votes. Despite some procedural delays due to ballot paper issues in Ketu North, both elections were concluded peacefully with high delegate turnout. As the party looks toward higher-level leadership decisions, Michael Okyere Baafi, the Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, has begun advocating for continuity at the national level. Baafi urged Eastern Region delegates to support the retention of Justin Frimpong Kodua as General Secretary in upcoming national polls, citing his disciplined leadership during the party's challenging moments. These local and regional developments highlight the NPP's broader strategy of rebuilding its influence and ensuring administrative stability as it prepares for the next electoral cycle in 2028.

FIFA Defends President Gianni Infantino Amid Severance Scandal and Resignation Calls from European Football Bodies
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FIFA Defends President Gianni Infantino Amid Severance Scandal and Resignation Calls from European Football Bodies

FIFA has issued a forceful condemnation of what it describes as a concerted effort to undermine its President, Gianni Infantino, following allegations regarding his personal life and past dealings. The global football governing body is reacting to reports suggesting Infantino was involved in a scandal where an alleged former partner received a severance payment from UEFA. FIFA has labeled these reports as "categorically untrue" and "unsubstantiated," asserting that the claims are part of a broader campaign intended to destabilize the organization's leadership and its current governance structure. The controversy, which gained traction following reports by the Daily Telegraph, centers on claims that an individual involved in an affair with Infantino received a payout from UEFA during his tenure there as General Secretary. While Infantino has strongly denied these accusations, the fallout has exacerbated long-standing tensions between FIFA and UEFA. This friction is further fueled by opposition to the proposed "FIFA Forward Enterprise" (FFE), a project that has faced significant backlash from European associations who have since expressed a formal loss of confidence in Infantino's presidency. Despite the pressure from Europe, the crisis has highlighted a significant geographical divide within international football politics. While several European federations have hinted at boycotting FIFA events and are actively seeking his removal, Infantino maintains robust support from other major global blocs. Football governing bodies across Africa, South America, and Mexico have reaffirmed their backing for the President, suggesting that the effort to oust him lacks the global consensus required for a mid-term leadership change. In its official communication, FIFA emphasized that any challenges to its leadership should be conducted through established democratic processes rather than through what it characterizes as media-led misinformation. The organization stated it remains committed to defending its integrity and the mandate of its President against unsupported claims. As the standoff with UEFA intensifies, the future of global football governance appears increasingly polarized, with Infantino relying on his non-European base to navigate one of the most challenging periods of his tenure.

EPA De la Espriella accepts a sceptre during the inauguration ceremony
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Speaker Alban Bagbin Leads African Debt Initiative Amid Escalating Global Tensions in the Middle East and Latin America

Ghana’s Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, is spearheading a major diplomatic effort to unite African legislative leaders against the continent's mounting debt crisis. Utilizing his capacity as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), Mr. Bagbin plans to launch a coordinated initiative during the 10th GITFiC Annual Meeting in Accra. This move aims to harmonize African voices in global debt discussions, advocating for sustainable international responses and increased legislative oversight to protect African economies from escalating financial instability. The initiative represents a significant step in mobilizing parliamentary support across the continent to address debt sustainability challenges through coordinated legislative action. While African leaders focus on economic sovereignty, global maritime security faces a severe threat in the Middle East following a missile strike on an ADNOC-affiliated oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack, which the UAE has vehemently condemned, has triggered a spike in global energy prices and heightened friction between the United States and Iran. Although Oman has reported positive progress in talks with Tehran to secure a new shipping route, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi maintains that any full reopening of the vital waterway is contingent on compensation from the U.S. and specific geopolitical concessions. U.S. Vice President JD Vance has emphasized the need for strict oversight as diplomatic efforts continue amidst significant skepticism regarding Iran's compliance and threats of new restrictive Iranian legislation. In another major political realignment, the United States has pledged $1 billion in aid to Colombia following the inauguration of President Abelardo de la Espriella. A right-wing populist nicknamed "El Tigre," de la Espriella has promised an "all-out war" on drug cartels and a revitalized military partnership with the U.S. and Israel, marking a sharp departure from the previous administration's negotiation-based tactics. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Sudan has reached a "red alert" status, prompting Pope Leo XIV to call for the immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors. The Pope specifically highlighted the plight of civilians in El-Obeid following intense drone attacks, urging the international community to prioritize ceasefire negotiations and secure safe passage for the millions of people displaced by the ongoing conflict.

GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi Outlines Gold Sector Reforms and Rebuts Claims of Bank of Ghana Losses
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GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi Outlines Gold Sector Reforms and Rebuts Claims of Bank of Ghana Losses

Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), has launched a robust defense of the current administration's gold sector reforms while criticizing the practices of the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. Speaking on the state of the industry, Gyamfi highlighted that under the former administration, several gold-buying companies operated without formal contracts, which created significant difficulties in monitoring transactions and accounting for the true value of Ghana's gold. These reforms, spearheaded by President John Mahama, are designed to introduce structure, enhance transparency, and ensure that the state retains a greater share of its mineral wealth through improved accountability. Gyamfi detailed how the previous regime allowed private entities to adjust exchange rates for costs arbitrarily, a practice that hindered effective state oversight and financial tracking. To rectify these systemic flaws, GoldBod is now profiling all licensed companies to ensure full traceability of gold from the point of purchase to export. A central pillar of the current strategy is the promotion of local gold refining. By shifting away from raw exports, the Mahama administration aims to boost economic benefits and create jobs within the domestic value chain, addressing the fragmented system inherited from the previous government. Addressing recent allegations regarding the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Gyamfi dismissed claims that GoldBod’s assay fees contributed to the central bank's financial losses. He clarified that these fees were not arbitrary charges introduced by the current management but were established under the previous administration and approved by Parliament. Gyamfi further noted that his leadership has actually significantly reduced these fees to improve operational efficiency and benefit the state. He questioned the logic behind blaming these regulated charges for the central bank’s broader fiscal challenges, emphasizing that GoldBod’s role is to facilitate transparent trade rather than drive up costs for the state. Finally, Gyamfi clarified the status of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme, stating definitively that the initiative launched by the NPP administration ended before the current government took office. He urged the public to disregard misleading suggestions that the old programme is still in operation, noting that GoldBod's current activities are distinct and focused on modernization. As the board continues its restructuring, the focus remains on building a structured trading environment where every ounce of gold is accounted for, ensuring that Ghana's natural resources serve as a catalyst for sustainable national development under President Mahama’s leadership.

Some electorate in a quene waiting to cast their vote in a national election
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Ghana Proposes Sweeping Constitutional Reforms Including Five-Year Terms and Ministerial Caps

The government of President John Mahama has signaled its commitment to a landmark overhaul of Ghana’s governance structure by accepting several major recommendations from the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC). Aimed at addressing public discontent and preventing 'democratic backsliding,' the proposed reforms include extending the presidential and parliamentary terms from four to five years and imposing a strict cap of 60 ministers and 300 Members of Parliament. Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine announced that these changes seek to enhance governance efficiency and respond to long-standing criticisms regarding the cost and frequency of the current four-year electoral cycle. Beyond term limits and executive size, the reforms introduce significant shifts in local governance and human rights. Under the new proposals, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) would be directly elected by citizens rather than appointed by the President, a move intended to foster greater local accountability. The government has also endorsed the abolition of the death penalty, the establishment of a fixed tenure for the Chief Justice, and the formal separation of the roles of Attorney-General and Minister of Justice. Eligibility for political office is also set to expand, with proposals to lower the presidential candidacy age from 40 to 35 and allow dual citizens by birth to contest parliamentary seats. This move toward constitutional strengthening in Ghana mirrors a broader regional trend in West Africa, as seen in Sierra Leone where President Julius Maada Bio is currently pushing for his own suite of democratic reforms. President Bio has urged his Parliament to pass the Constitution Amendment Bill of 2025, which seeks to introduce a 30% quota for women in political nominations and implement a proportional representation system. While Bio's reforms face some opposition regarding electoral thresholds, both the Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean initiatives reflect an urgent push by national leaders to modernize democratic institutions in the face of rising public pessimism. For Ghana, the implementation of these reforms will require extensive public engagement and a national referendum for entrenched clauses. Critics and proponents alike note that the success of these changes hinges on restoring faith in the electoral process and the integrity of state institutions. As the Mahama administration prepares for the next steps, the focus remains on ensuring that these constitutional 'cures' effectively address the root causes of corruption and political elitism that have historically hindered the nation's democratic progress.

Former Tema Oil Refinery MD Asante Berko Convicted in US Over $1 Million Ghana Power Plant Bribery Scheme
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Former Tema Oil Refinery MD Asante Berko Convicted in US Over $1 Million Ghana Power Plant Bribery Scheme

Asante Kwaku Berko, the former Managing Director of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), has been convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, for his role in a multi-million dollar bribery and money laundering scheme. Berko, a dual US-Ghanaian citizen and former Goldman Sachs executive, was found guilty on August 6, 2026, of violating the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and related conspiracy charges. The conviction follows a nine-day trial overseen by U.S. District Judge Diane Gujarati, which detailed how Berko facilitated over $1 million in bribes to Ghanaian government officials to secure a power plant contract for a Turkish energy company. He now faces a potential sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison. The trial revealed that the illicit activities took place between 2014 and 2017, involving a contract between the Government of Ghana and a Turkish energy firm. Berko used his position and financial expertise to funnel payments to high-ranking officials to ensure the project's approval. This verdict marks a significant development in international anti-corruption efforts, demonstrating the reach of U.S. laws in prosecuting financial crimes committed abroad by dual citizens. While a sentencing date has not yet been finalized, the severity of the charges reflects the scale of the corruption involved in the energy sector during that period. Reacting to the conviction, prominent private legal practitioner Professor Stephen Kwaku Asare, popularly known as Kwaku Azar, described the case as a critical lesson for Ghana's anti-corruption agencies. He emphasized that the conviction highlights a gap in domestic enforcement, as the scheme involved both the giver and receivers of bribes. Prof. Asare urged Ghanaian authorities to adopt more comprehensive legal frameworks and faster judicial processes to address corruption internally, rather than relying on international jurisdictions to hold Ghanaian officials and their associates accountable for the exploitation of public resources. In the wake of the verdict, the Ghanaian government has indicated that further legal actions may be on the horizon. Deputy Attorney-General and Deputy Minister for Justice, Justice Srem-Sai, announced that the state is currently collaborating with U.S. authorities to investigate and prosecute other individuals implicated in the bribery web. While the identities of the Ghanaian officials who received the bribes remain undisclosed to the public, the Deputy Attorney-General confirmed that the ongoing cooperation aims to ensure all participants in the 2014-2017 scheme face justice. This move aligns with the broader anti-corruption agenda under President John Mahama’s administration as it seeks to strengthen institutional transparency.

NPP Urges President Mahama to Withhold Assent to 'Rushed' Ghana Cocoa Board Bill
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NPP Urges President Mahama to Withhold Assent to 'Rushed' Ghana Cocoa Board Bill

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally petitioned President John Mahama to withhold his assent to the recently passed Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026. At a press conference held on August 9, 2026, the party argued that the legislation was rushed through Parliament without sufficient stakeholder engagement, particularly with the cocoa farmers who are most affected by its provisions. Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, the NPP’s Policy Committee Chairman on Agriculture and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, emphasized that the bill—passed on July 30, just days after its introduction—requires broader consultation to avoid long-term damage to the industry’s governance and the livelihoods of those within it. A central point of contention for the NPP is Clause 81 of the Bill, which the party claims severely infringes upon the property rights of farmers and landowners. According to Dr. Opoku, this clause restricts the ability of landowners to convert cocoa farmland to other uses without prior authorization, effectively granting the state excessive control over private property. The opposition warns that such restrictions could lead to the harassment and extortion of farmers by officials and potentially criminalize legitimate agricultural activities. The NPP argues that these measures lack a framework for compensation, creating a situation where farmers are penalized for managing their own land and making decisions about their crops. Beyond the legalities of the bill, the NPP expressed concern that the new regulations could deter investment in the cocoa sector and undermine the rights of farmers. Dr. Opoku stated that the party would not support any legislative attempt to criminalize farmers, suggesting that the current bill's tone is punitive rather than supportive. Amidst these criticisms, the NPP also outlined its own agricultural policy vision. Dr. Opoku pledged that a future administration led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would guarantee that the producer price of cocoa is never reduced once it has been officially announced, regardless of global market fluctuations, to provide farmers with economic security. The NPP is calling for President Mahama to return the bill to Parliament for a thorough review and more extensive public hearings. They contend that because the cocoa industry remains a vital pillar of the Ghanaian economy, significant changes to its regulatory framework must be built on consensus rather than legislative haste. As the bill awaits the President's signature, the debate highlights the ongoing tension between the government’s attempts to reform the sector and the opposition’s advocacy for farmer autonomy and property rights protection.