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.

President assures Upper West of improved roads by 2027
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President Mahama Accelerates Accra-Kumasi Expressway and National Infrastructure Under $2 Billion 'Big Push' Agenda

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to transforming Ghana's infrastructure landscape, spearheaded by the flagship 198.7-kilometre Accra-Kumasi Expressway project. As part of the government’s "Big Push" initiative—a $2 billion annual investment program—the President announced that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Engineer Corps successfully completed the clearing and preliminary works for the expressway ahead of schedule. The 175.6-kilometre clearing phase, stretching from Ablekumah to Sewuah, was finished in 19 weeks rather than the projected 20. President Mahama praised the military's efficiency and dismissed political criticisms regarding their involvement, asserting that the project is vital for reducing travel times between Ghana’s two largest economic hubs from six hours to just two hours. To ensure fiscal discipline and transparency, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has established a dedicated Value for Money Office under the Ministry of Finance. This office will scrutinize the Accra-Kumasi Expressway as its first major task to justify costs and ensure the effective use of public funds. Dr. Forson confirmed that the government does not intend to borrow for this project, with full financing expected to be secured by December 31, 2026. Oversight of the construction will be managed by the newly formed Accra-Kumasi Expressway Limited, which will prioritize a competitive procurement process, local job creation, and technology transfer to ensure high-quality delivery and value for taxpayers. Beyond the capital corridor, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, assured the public that all stalled sections of the existing Accra-Kumasi Highway will be completed by the end of 2027. This dual-track approach aims to provide immediate relief on existing routes while the modern expressway is being constructed. The expressway itself is designed to feature modern safety enhancements, including toll interchanges, CCTV cameras, and a 100 km/h design speed. The government’s strategy involves dividing major projects into smaller sections to engage multiple contractors, a move intended to expedite construction and meet the ambitious 2027 completion deadlines across various regions. In a broader effort to enhance national connectivity, President Mahama also pledged a significant turnaround for the Upper West Region’s road network. During a town hall meeting in Wa, he outlined a phased strategy focusing on major trunk roads, such as the Hamile-Kumasi road and the Eastern Corridor, before addressing feeder roads. By prioritizing these critical routes, the administration aims to unlock economic potential and improve logistics for agricultural and commercial activities. President Mahama linked these developments to the foundational vision of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, emphasizing that robust infrastructure is the bedrock of sustainable economic expansion for future generations.

Traditional rulers of Akyem Kotoku State and the team from the Ministry for the Interior and the Police Administration and the proposed site for the Depot
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Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang Reviews Changing of the Guard as Government Addresses Regional Security and Development Concerns

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang presided over the 46th Ceremonial Changing of the Guard at Jubilee House on September 14, 2025, commending the Ghana Armed Forces for their unwavering discipline and professionalism. During the ceremony, the Ghana Air Force officially assumed security responsibilities from the Ghana Navy for the next three months. This high-profile rotation occurred as the government continues to advance national security infrastructure, including the acquisition of 76 acres of land in Akyem Oda by the Ministry for the Interior. The site, provided by the Akyem Kotoku Traditional Area, is designated for a new training depot for the Formed Police Unit (FPU), a move the Omanhene of Akyem Kotoku, Oseadeeyo Dr. Frimpong Manso IV, praised for its potential to boost local security and economic activity. In the Ashanti Region, the government has intervened in a local dispute regarding the 24-hour model market project in Mankranso. Ashanti Regional Minister Frank Amoakohene and Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Xoese Dogbe announced a suspension of construction following concerns that the project might necessitate the demolition of a nearby school. While District Chief Executive Abubakar Sedik clarified that the market and the unused classroom facility are distinct, the government has halted work to ensure no educational infrastructure is compromised. The community has been tasked with identifying a more suitable site to ensure the development project proceeds without social friction. Simultaneously, the administration is navigating a sensitive security situation in Bawku following the death of Issaka Abdulai, a lecturer at Gbewaa College of Education. The lecturer’s family has threatened legal action against the state, alleging that he died following an assault by military personnel while returning home during curfew hours on September 11. To ensure transparency, the Inspector General of Police has ordered a special autopsy at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital. This investigation comes at a time when political discourse is also shifting toward the 2027 elections, with public figures beginning to weigh in on candidate support and the role of financial influence in future campaigns. These combined events reflect a complex week for the Mahama administration, balancing the promotion of military excellence with the practical challenges of local governance and the necessity of security accountability. As the government reviews site suitability in Mankranso and awaits the autopsy results from Bawku, the focus remains on maintaining public trust through transparent administration and the steady expansion of essential security services across the nation.

Speaker Bagbin and Dr. Zanetor Champion National Interests Abroad as Chieftaincy Disputes Prompt Local Security Measures
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Speaker Bagbin and Dr. Zanetor Champion National Interests Abroad as Chieftaincy Disputes Prompt Local Security Measures

Ghana is significantly expanding its diplomatic and economic outreach on the global stage, even as internal traditional disputes require firm intervention from regional authorities. Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, is currently leading a high-level Ghanaian delegation at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria. The mission seeks to enhance international cooperation in peaceful nuclear science and technology, positioning Ghana as a growing hub for scientific advancement. Simultaneously, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin has challenged the Ghanaian diaspora to move beyond remittances. Speaking at the 33rd anniversary of the Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA), Bagbin urged the Ewe diaspora to leverage their global networks for direct investment and economic transformation in Ghana, particularly within the Volta Region. This international push is mirrored by proactive diplomatic efforts in the United States, where the Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C., has launched a "proactive citizen diplomacy" model. During the 25th anniversary of the Jesus Power Assembly of God church in Columbus, Ohio, Ambassador Jane Gasu Aheto pledged enhanced consular support for the state's significant Ghanaian population. The Ambassador emphasized the importance of building institutional trust and resolving digital infrastructure challenges that have previously hindered online access to consular services. This outreach is part of a broader strategy to treat the diaspora as a vital economic and cultural asset in national development. Domestically, however, chieftaincy tensions have prompted security interventions to preserve public safety. In the Western Region, the Regional Security Council has halted the celebration of the Ahanta Kundum festival due to escalating conflicts and the risk of violence. Key stakeholders in Ahanta are now calling for dialogue and proactive planning to ensure the eventual preservation of their cultural traditions. Similarly, the Volta Region House of Chiefs has issued a stern warning to factions in the Ziavi Traditional Area. Amidst a legal dispute over paramountcy involving the Akpevi and Tsadaviefe clans, an interlocutory injunction now restrains any party from presenting themselves as the Paramount Chief or Queen Mother until a final judicial determination is reached. While the state navigates these contemporary administrative and traditional challenges, voices from Ghana’s past continue to shape the political discourse. Lawrence Frederick Asiamah Tenkorang, a 94-year-old retired staff member of the Public Works Department, recently challenged the famous assertion by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah that "the black man is capable of managing his own affairs." Tenkorang argued that effective governance is a matter of character and competence rather than skin color, a reflection that underscores the ongoing debate over leadership and national progress. As the government of President John Mahama continues its current mandate, the synthesis of tradition, diaspora engagement, and scientific diplomacy remains central to the administration's policy direction.

Ekwow Spio-Garbrah — Ghana’s Presidential Special Envoy for Reparations
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President Mahama Champions Reparations and 24-Hour Markets Amid Growing Demands for Institutional Accountability

President John Mahama is positioning Ghana as a leader in international reparations while simultaneously driving a new domestic economic model. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, the Presidential Special Envoy for Reparations, recently outlined a bold agenda that moves beyond simple monetary compensation to include restitution and development financing, framing reparations as a core economic justice issue. This international push coincides with the government's domestic 24-Hour Economy agenda, specifically the construction of 24-hour markets designed to stimulate trade and productivity across all districts. President Mahama views these modern trading spaces as crucial for enhancing economic opportunities and improving national infrastructure. Despite the government's ambitious plans, these domestic initiatives have faced scrutiny regarding their operational feasibility and prioritization. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Deputy Ranking Member of the Local Government and Rural Development Committee, has called for clarification on the planning of 24-hour markets, questioning the necessity of demolishing existing structures and the capacity for around-the-clock operations. Similarly, political analyst Charles Owusu has advised President Mahama to focus on healthcare and essential social services instead of the market initiative. These debates over public spending extend to the National Cathedral, where media personality Kwabena Bobie Ansah has argued that the project should be funded by the Christian community rather than taxpayer resources to ensure state funds are reserved for urgent national priorities. On the institutional front, calls for transparency and reform are intensifying across Ghana's political landscape. Security analyst Nana Attobrah Quaicoe has highlighted a critical need for intelligence service reform, arguing that these agencies currently operate with little public accountability. Simultaneously, Benjamin Kwabena Boakye of ACEP has criticized the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) over its handling of the PDS takeover investigation, accusing the office of institutional lawlessness. These internal pressures for better governance come as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) begins its own restructuring; Kwabena Abankwah-Yeboah, an aspiring National Vice Chairman, is urging the party to elect selfless leaders to rebuild trust following their 2024 electoral defeat. Beyond Ghana’s borders, legal and ethical developments continue to shape the discourse on political accountability. In the United Kingdom, the acquittal of former Nigerian Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has prompted civil society organizations to clarify that Nigerian asset recovery efforts will remain ongoing despite the jury's decision. Meanwhile, in the United States, ethics watchdogs have raised alarms over the funding of Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding by Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev. While legal for a private citizen, the lavish gift has sparked criticism regarding potential foreign influence and the intersections of wealth and political power, mirroring the broader global demand for transparency and integrity in public life.

Mahama Ayariga (middle), Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, exchanging pleasantries with King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II (right), Ga Mantse, during the Zongo Chiefs ConferenceMahama Ayariga (middle), Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, exchanging pleasantries with King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II (right), Ga Mantse, during the Zongo Chiefs Conference
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Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Leads National Sustainability Drive as Government Tackles Maternal Health and Zongo Development

Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and key ministers under President John Mahama have launched a series of initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, and social cohesion. Speaking at the 14th Ghana Garden and Flower Show, the Vice President emphasized the urgent need for environmental consciousness, linking recent devastating floods to decades of ecological neglect. She advocated for a "greener Ghana" by promoting horticulture as a viable sector for job creation, entrepreneurship, and export opportunities, urging local authorities and the private sector to collaborate in expanding green spaces across the country. While the administration focuses on long-term growth, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has issued a call for urgent presidential intervention regarding a maternal health crisis. Regional Director Dr. Sennen Hounton revealed that Ghana currently faces a national emergency, with maternal deaths reaching a rate of eight women per day. The UNFPA is pushing for a multisectoral response that transcends the health ministry, seeking to elevate maternal health to the top of the political agenda. In a related move to strengthen the social fabric, Minister of the Interior Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has officially declared Monday, September 21, 2026, as a statutory public holiday to observe Founder’s Day. On the local development front, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga announced strategic investments targeted at Zongo communities. Addressing a national conference of Zongo chiefs, Ayariga detailed plans to modernize areas like Nima and Mamobi through improved drainage, sanitation, and physical infrastructure. He assured residents that these redevelopment efforts would focus on enhancing human capital and socio-economic conditions without displacing current inhabitants. This community-centric approach is being paired with a call from Kathleen Addy of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) for a stronger partnership with the Ghana Police Service to address rising lawlessness and drug-related indiscipline among the youth. In the political arena, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is refining its strategy for the 2028 elections. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin recently lauded Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s digital vision, arguing that a tech-driven economy is the most sustainable path for youth employment. Simultaneously, Dr. Bawumia has proposed a comprehensive transformation of the agricultural sector, specifically targeting the seed industry. He called for a review of Ghana’s seed policy to empower certified local producers and eliminate "political seed merchants," while addressing how climate change and exchange rate fluctuations impact the productivity of Ghanaian farmers. As the government navigates these complex challenges, the theme of national unity remains a priority. Presidential Envoy Elvis Afriyie Ankrah has issued a stern warning against the use of religion to incite division, describing Ghana’s interfaith harmony as a vital national asset. These combined efforts—ranging from horticultural investments and Zongo re-engineering to seed industry reforms and maternal health advocacy—reflect a multifaceted national agenda focused on stabilizing the economy while protecting the most vulnerable members of society. The success of these initiatives will likely depend on the continued collaboration between state institutions, traditional leaders, and the private sector.

Finance Minister Ato Forson Signals $10 Billion Growth Strategy for 2027 Budget as Ghana Strengthens Fiscal Oversight
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Finance Minister Ato Forson Signals $10 Billion Growth Strategy for 2027 Budget as Ghana Strengthens Fiscal Oversight

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the 2027 Budget will be presented to Parliament during the first week of November 2026, marking a significant milestone in the Mahama administration's economic roadmap. The upcoming budget is expected to focus heavily on large-scale infrastructure projects, job creation, and the introduction of new business incentives. According to Dr. Forson, the government aims to deploy approximately US$10 billion to stimulate economic activity, a move designed to build upon the stability achieved during the administration's first two years in office. The presentation timeline adheres strictly to the Public Financial Management Act, ensuring that expenditure approvals are secured well ahead of the new financial year. Parallel to these investment plans, the government is moving to enhance the scrutiny of public spending through the appointment of Dr. Abdul-Baasit Aziz-Bamba as the Acting Director-General of the Value for Money Office. The Progressive Policy Institute, Ghana (PPI) has formally congratulated Dr. Aziz-Bamba, a Harvard-trained lawyer and former Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana School of Law, noting that his academic and professional pedigree is vital for the role. PPI emphasized that for the office to be successful, it must remain fiercely independent of political influence and employ modern data analytics to ensure that every cedi spent yields tangible benefits for Ghanaian citizens. This push for fiscal accountability comes as economists reflect on the evolution of Ghana’s monetary strategy. Economist Gideon Boako recently highlighted that the monetary policies piloted under former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia have positioned the country as a potential leader in a "21st-century gold-standard" financial model. This strategic shift toward using gold as a primary reserve asset was designed to protect the national economy against global inflation and the volatility of traditional currencies. By leveraging these gold-backed frameworks, the current administration has a foundation to bolster the cedi's strength while pursuing its ambitious $10 billion investment agenda. As the government prepares for the 2027 fiscal cycle, the integration of aggressive growth targets with rigorous oversight mechanisms remains a top priority. The PPI has called for a collaborative effort between civil society, Parliament, and the media to support the Value for Money Office in its mission to reset public expenditure protocols. With the budget presentation set for November, the administration appears focused on a dual strategy: driving economic expansion through massive capital injection while institutionalizing the transparency required to maintain long-term investor confidence and public trust.

Trump threatens to strike Iranian power plants and bridges unless talks resume
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Global Security and Alliances Strained by Russian Strikes Near EU Border, Mexican Cartel Wars, and Shifting Diplomatic Blocs

International security concerns have reached a fever pitch following a Russian drone strike on a train in Yahodyn, Ukraine, moments after high-profile European officials, including former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, departed the area. The attack on the railway infrastructure, which damaged the engine but resulted in no casualties due to a timely evacuation order, has drawn sharp condemnation from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. Amidst this escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump has intervened by urging Ukraine to cease strikes on Russian energy targets to stabilize global fuel prices. Simultaneously, Russian President Vladimir Putin used the 2026 International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg to advocate for a 'just world order' and national sovereignty, encouraging young leaders to partner with Russia in shaping a future independent of Western interference. In North America and the Middle East, internal conflicts are severely destabilizing regional economies. In Culiacán, Mexico, thousands of residents dressed in white marched to demand an end to the brutal feud between the Sinaloa cartel's 'Los Chapitos' and 'La Mayiza' factions. The conflict, which intensified after the arrest of Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, has led to over 5,000 business closures and a surge in disappearances. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts in the Middle East have stalled as a meeting on the Strait of Hormuz was postponed following Houthi projectile attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Jazan region. The resulting closure of a critical Saudi oil pipeline has further pressured global energy markets, mirroring the supply concerns raised by the Trump administration regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Across Africa and Europe, new political challengers and strategic alliances are emerging to address economic and security failures. In Kenya, 44-year-old Senator Edwin Sifuna has positioned himself as a major challenger to President William Ruto for the 2027 elections, channeling 'Gen-Z' frustrations over corruption and police violence. In West Africa, the Gambia has banned protests without permits following unrest over power outages, while a failed mutiny in Niger has underscored President Abdourahamane Tchiani’s growing reliance on Russian military support. Regional tensions also peaked in the south, as Nigeria’s parliament suspended legislative visits to South Africa to protest persistent xenophobic attacks against Nigerian migrants. On the global economic front, nations are recalibrating their dependencies to navigate a climate of trade wars and technological rivalry. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is advocating for a 'unique alliance' with the European Union to build resilience against escalating trade tariffs between the U.S. and Canada. Parallel to this, the Trump administration has committed $100 million in loans to Africell, an American-owned telecom firm, to counter the dominance of China’s Huawei in African 5G infrastructure. These maneuvers suggest a move toward a more fragmented global landscape, where domestic stability and international partnerships are increasingly defined by energy security, technological sovereignty, and the containment of rival geopolitical influences.

Global Powers and Ghana Navigate Rising AI Risks: From Youth Bans to Political Deepfakes
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Global Powers and Ghana Navigate Rising AI Risks: From Youth Bans to Political Deepfakes

Governments and international bodies are intensifying efforts to regulate the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) as concerns mount over its impact on children, human rights, and political stability. The European Union is poised to introduce the 'EU Kids Act,' a landmark proposal that would ban individuals under 15 from accessing social media, AI chatbots, and online games without specific safeguards. Under the proposed framework, children over 15 could open accounts independently, while those aged 13 to 14 would require parental consent, and those under 12 would necessitate full parental oversight. This initiative aims to safeguard minors from online health risks and enforce strict age verification across digital platforms. In the United Kingdom, a cross-party panel from the Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) has called for comprehensive legislative reform to address what they describe as 'fragmented and inadequate' current regulations. The committee’s report warns that existing frameworks primarily target end-users rather than technology creators, leaving significant gaps in protections against biased algorithms and AI-driven disinformation. The JCHR is advocating for a new AI Bill that classifies risk levels for different systems and the establishment of an independent oversight body with the enforcement powers to ensure accountability throughout the entire technological supply chain. The debate over AI safety has also reached the highest levels of global geopolitics. During a recent visit to Ireland, U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed warnings from industry whistleblowers and leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman, who have called for a slowdown in AI development to mitigate existential risks. Trump emphasized that the priority must remain on maintaining technological superiority over China, stating that 'whoever wins AI, wins.' This stance highlights a growing tension between those advocating for a 'developmental pause' to ensure human safety and those who fear that hasty regulation could undermine national competitiveness in a high-stakes global race. In Ghana, the challenges of AI are already manifesting in the political arena, serving as a real-world case study for the dangers of misinformation. A 2024 controversy involving a video of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the New Patriotic Party’s running mate, brought these issues to the forefront when the party initially labeled a contentious video as a 'deepfake.' Though experts later confirmed its authenticity, the incident underscored how easily trust in media can be eroded. Experts like Dr. Abugre Alebsuure Abayeta suggest that because political information in Ghana often circulates through informal channels like WhatsApp, combating AI-generated misinformation requires localized solutions and reliance on trusted community figures to verify the truth as the 'future of AI' arrives in West Africa.

NAIMOS launches 'Operation Water Shield' to protect river bodies from illegal mining
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Mahama Administration Intensifies Environmental Protection Through Kpeshie Lagoon Restoration and 'Operation Water Shield'

The Government of Ghana has launched a multi-sectoral offensive to safeguard the nation’s natural resources, spearheaded by the ecological restoration of the Kpeshie Lagoon and a new national strategy against illegal mining. Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Xoese Dogbe has directed the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, in collaboration with the Forestry Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to begin restoring reclaimed sections of the Kpeshie Lagoon. This directive follows a high-profile demolition exercise led by the Post-Flood Mitigating Task Force, which cleared illegal structures and beachfront businesses at Laboma Beach to restore natural water flow and enhance flood-retention capacity in Accra. While business owners have expressed frustration over significant financial losses, the La Traditional Council, led by La Shikitele Nii Adjei Koofeh IV, has urged the government to ensure the exercise is holistic, covering the entire Kpeshie enclave to prevent future encroachments. Simultaneously, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has shifted its strategy with the launch of 'Operation Water Shield.' Moving away from isolated raids, this intelligence-led campaign specifically targets the protection of the Birim, Ankobra, and Pra rivers. The operation aims to dismantle support networks for illegal miners and restore degraded water bodies. Strengthening this domestic effort, Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah finalized an agreement with Chinese Deputy Minister Sun Shuxian during the 2026 China Mining Conference. This partnership focuses on ensuring Chinese nationals comply with Ghanaian mining laws, promoting green mining technology, and establishing a joint technical team to enforce responsible mining practices and environmental protection. Beyond mining and coastal management, the government is also tightening regulations on other vital natural resources. The Ghana Shea Employers Association has voiced support for recent proposals to restrict raw shea nut exports, though they have advocated for a partial restriction of 20-30% rather than a total ban to protect the livelihoods of local women processors. On the judicial front, the Accra Circuit Court has demonstrated the state's zero-tolerance policy toward environmental degradation by remanding four individuals for illegal sand-winning activities near Amasaman. The accused are charged with conspiracy and unlawful damage to crops, with the prosecution citing CCTV footage and witness statements as evidence of their role in destroying local properties between 2024 and 2026. These coordinated actions across the environmental, mining, and trade sectors signal a renewed commitment by the Mahama administration to prioritize ecological resilience and sustainable resource management. By combining physical enforcement, such as the Kpeshie demolitions and 'Operation Water Shield,' with international diplomatic cooperation and stricter trade policies, the government aims to mitigate the perennial threat of flooding and the long-term destruction of Ghana's water bodies. Moving forward, the success of these initiatives will depend on the sustained commitment of the technical teams and the ability of local authorities to prevent the return of illegal activities in protected zones.

Steven Nhyira Odarteifio
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NDC Triggers 2026 Internal Elections as New Leadership Polls Show Dr. Ato Forson Leading 2028 Race

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially commenced its internal restructuring process, opening nominations for constituency executive positions across the country. Running from September 15 to September 17, 2026, this electoral cycle marks a critical phase in the party's reorganization during President John Mahama’s current term. Deputy General Secretary Barbara Serwaa Asamoah and Director of Elections Mahdi Gibrill have emphasized the need for a transparent and disciplined process, urging members to adhere to democratic values as the party prepares for its nationwide constituency elections in October. According to the official timeline released by the party hierarchy, candidates are expected to file their nominations between September 23 and September 24, 2026, following the initial nomination period. Vetting is scheduled to take place from September 25 to 27, followed by an appeals process from September 29 to October 1. The constituency-level elections are slated for October 24 and 25, 2026. To ensure financial commitment and institutional loyalty, the NDC has mandated that all aspirants must have fully paid their membership dues for the last four years, with all nomination form payments processed exclusively through online platforms. Parallel to the constituency-level races, high-profile figures are beginning to announce bids for regional and national roles. Steven Nhyira Odarteifio formally declared his candidacy for the National Youth Organiser position, pledging to mobilize young Ghanaians for economic empowerment in alignment with President Mahama’s vision. Odarteifio expressed an ambitious goal to economically impact one million young people before the end of the current administration. Similarly, businessman Richard Dogbe, popularly known as "Alhaji ATM," has announced his bid for the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser seat, highlighting a party-wide push to recognize youth as integral leaders of the present. While the party focuses on its immediate internal structures, a new Global InfoAnalytics poll has stirred discussions regarding the NDC's long-term leadership. The survey indicates a significant shift in delegate preferences for the 2028 presidential ticket, with Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson now leading the race at 32%—a 10-point jump since July 2026. He has overtaken the party’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who currently stands at 23%. With 28% of delegates still undecided, the poll suggests that the outcome of the ongoing internal elections could play a pivotal role in shaping the party’s future hierarchy and its strategy for the 2028 general elections.

Ghana Bar Association Faces Government Backlash Over Selective Criticism of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie
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Ghana Bar Association Faces Government Backlash Over Selective Criticism of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie

The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) is currently at the center of a heated political and judicial firestorm following its sharp criticism of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie. GBA President Efua Ghartey publicly condemned the Chief Justice for remarks he made during visits to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF), where he allegedly praised the performance of state-owned enterprises under the previous administration. Ghartey described the remarks as "inappropriate" and a violation of the constitutional boundaries of judicial impartiality, warning that such comments create a perception of the judiciary being aligned with the executive branch. Invoking biblical imagery, she remarked that "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks," and dismissed the Judicial Service's defense of the Chief Justice as "lacklustre." The GBA's stance has drawn swift and stinging rebukes from the government and parliamentary leadership. Majority Chief Whip and South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor accused the GBA of abandoning its neutrality and becoming a "ventilating association" for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP). Similarly, Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai accused the association of "selective criticism," arguing that the GBA has been inconsistent in its responses to political comments from different judicial officers over the years. Dr. Srem-Sai contended that the GBA’s advocacy appears to shift based on which political party is in power, a sentiment echoed by critics who pointed to the GBA’s historical boycott of the 1992 constitutional drafting process as evidence of a selective commitment to constitutionalism. Amidst these tensions, Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has called for the GBA to disassociate itself from partisan politics to maintain the professional integrity of the legal bar. To address systemic issues within the legal profession, the Attorney General announced plans to introduce the Legal Practitioners Standards Board Bill. This legislation aims to create an independent statutory body that will set standards for professional conduct and handle disciplinary matters autonomously from the government. Dr. Ayine emphasized that the reform is intended to enhance the independence of the legal profession and prevent the abuse of legal processes, rather than to exert political control over lawyers. Beyond the immediate controversy, the broader judicial landscape remains unsettled following the 2025 removal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. Former Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo has publicly challenged the grounds for Torkornoo’s dismissal, describing the reasons provided as "shallow and ephemeral." Akuffo, who filed a dissenting opinion during the Council of State proceedings, questioned the Council's capacity to determine technical judicial matters. While these debates continue, the GBA is also under pressure to address national crises, with President Ghartey urging the government to show genuine political will in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), insisting that law enforcement must remain impartial and free from political connections to protect the environment and public trust.

President Mahama Convenes High-Level Security Meeting Amidst Surge in International Cocaine Seizures Linked to Ghana
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President Mahama Convenes High-Level Security Meeting Amidst Surge in International Cocaine Seizures Linked to Ghana

President John Mahama has summoned an emergency high-level meeting of the nation’s top security and law enforcement agencies at the Jubilee House to address a series of massive cocaine seizures linked to Ghana. The directive follows the recent interception of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine, valued at approximately $260 million (‣225 million), by French customs at the port of Dunkirk. The narcotics were discovered concealed within a container of plastic waste originating from Ghana and were reportedly destined for Antwerp, Belgium. This incident has intensified domestic pressure on the government to bolster border controls and restore the nation's international standing as a partner in the global fight against drug trafficking. The Minority in Parliament, led by Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committee, has raised alarms over what they describe as Ghana’s emerging status as a narcotics transit hub. According to the Minority, major drug consignments linked to the country have exceeded $1 billion in value since the current administration took office in early 2025. They have specifically criticized the slow progress of investigations into a separate March 2025 seizure in Cape Coast, where 3.3 tonnes of cocaine worth $350 million were intercepted. The Minority expressed concern that while low-level suspects like drivers and housemaids have been arraigned, the high-profile financiers and masterminds remain at large, prompting calls for a full-scale independent parliamentary inquiry. In response to these developments, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) announced the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to the notorious Dutch fugitive drug kingpin, Jos Leijdekkers, also known as ‘Bolle Jos.’ NACOC Acting Director Francis Amoah defended the commission’s decision to withhold the identities of certain suspects, arguing that premature disclosure could alert transnational networks and jeopardize ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, COP Lydia Yaako Donkor, Director-General of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), highlighted recent successes in international police cooperation, noting that partnerships with INTERPOL have led to significant recoveries of stolen assets and the disruption of organized crime syndicates through operations like Operation Contender 3.0. Political tension surrounding the issue continues to mount, with Sammi Awuku, MP for Akuapem North, questioning why the Ministers for Transport and Interior were reportedly excluded from the President’s initial security summit. Awuku argued that a coordinated response is impossible without the ministries overseeing the Ghana Maritime Authority and the Police Service. Conversely, Dr. Francis-Xavier Sosu, MP for Madina, while calling for a thorough investigation into the French seizure, praised President Mahama and Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for their efforts to maintain Ghana’s diplomatic integrity. The upcoming meeting at Jubilee House is expected to produce a revised strategy for intelligence sharing and enhanced surveillance across Ghana’s ports, airports, and land borders to prevent further exploitation of the nation’s trade routes by criminal cartels.