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.

Governs Kwame Agbodza Issues Deadline Warning to Contractors as Nationwide Road Inspections Intensify
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Governs Kwame Agbodza Issues Deadline Warning to Contractors as Nationwide Road Inspections Intensify

Roads and Highways Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza has issued a firm directive to contractors across Ghana, warning that those who fail to complete projects on schedule will be excluded from future contracts under the government’s ambitious "Big Push" infrastructure programme. Speaking during a nationwide inspection tour that included visits to the Northern and Upper West regions, the Minister emphasized that the government is committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure within its four-year mandate. Agbodza clarified that while the inspections are intended to monitor progress and provide support to struggling firms, the administration will not tolerate abandoned or unnecessarily delayed projects that hinder national development. During his visit to the Tamale Outer Ring Road, a project vital for one of West Africa’s fastest-growing cities, Agbodza instructed contractors to maintain their work schedules regardless of visits from government dignitaries. He noted that routine operations—including dust control through watering unpaved roads—should never be halted for protocol unless there is a direct risk to public safety. "Officials should be treated like any other member of the public," the Minister stated, urging a focus on community welfare over ceremonial formalities. This directive is part of a broader effort to ensure that major projects, such as the Tamale bypass, remain on track for their 2027 completion targets. In the Upper West Region, the Minister highlighted the ongoing upgrade of the Wa-Tumu-Bolgatanga road corridor. This project is expected to be a catalyst for economic growth, unlocking the agricultural and trade potential of the region by facilitating the movement of farm produce to markets. Despite inherited financial challenges, Agbodza reaffirmed that the government is prioritizing these corridors to support young people and farmers. Regional Highways Engineer Livistone Damali confirmed that work is active across nearly all sections of the corridor, receiving strong support from local leaders who see the road as a solution to long-standing transportation hurdles. Further south in the Eastern Region, the Minister is set to cut the sod for the rehabilitation of the Somanya-Dodowa trunk road. However, the project has drawn specific demands from residents of Yilo and Lower Manya Krobo. Local teachers and commercial drivers have called on the government to incorporate asphalt overlays rather than standard surfacing. Their concerns stem from the heavy traffic of limestone haulage trucks—estimated at 50 daily—which causes rapid deterioration of the road network. Residents argue that durable asphalt is necessary to protect the government's investment and ensure long-term safety and economic stability for the area. Throughout his tour, Minister Agbodza has maintained that these inspections are not meant to "witch-hunt" or target contractors unfairly. Instead, they serve as a mechanism to identify obstacles and provide the necessary government assistance to meet deadlines. By fostering a culture of accountability and prioritizing engineering quality, the Ministry aims to build a resilient road network that connects communities to essential services and bolsters the national economy under the Mahama administration.

An artist impression of the National Cathedral project
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Prof. Frimpong-Boateng and Traditional Leaders Demand Radical Reforms to Address $21 Billion Environmental Crisis

Ghana is currently caught in an environmental "roundabout," according to former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng. Speaking at the Fourth Annual Colloquium at the University of Education, Winneba, the renowned cardiothoracic surgeon warned that the nation has failed to sustain environmental solutions, leading to a cycle of recurring degradation. He revealed a staggering $21 billion is required to reclaim and restore approximately 23,853 square kilometers of land devastated by illegal mining (galamsey), with the restoration of the Ankobra River alone estimated at $400 million. He criticized the political system for punishing officials who enforce environmental laws while allowing those who neglect their duties to escape accountability. To address this systemic failure, Prof. Frimpong-Boateng proposed that public officials who approve development projects in protected areas, such as wetlands and forest reserves, should face personal criminal liability. He argued that the fight against galamsey effectively collapsed after safeguards introduced in 2018 were abandoned, leading to the reversal of brief gains seen during the 2017 mining moratorium. To ensure continuity across successive administrations, he advocated for a "National Environmental Compact," a legally binding framework that would hold governments accountable for maintaining environmental commitments and prevent the abandonment of critical safeguards for political reasons. Complementing this call for accountability, Baffour K.S. Sikabede, the Chief of Akyem Essase, urged traditional leaders to resist the financial inducements of the mining industry. He emphasized that chiefs must prioritize the health of local rivers and forests over mining royalties, describing traditional authorities as the historical guardians of the environment. Sikabede called on the government to consult and adequately resource traditional rulers before granting mining concessions on stool lands, rather than involving them only after environmental damage has already occurred. He pledged that no illegal mining would take place within his jurisdiction, stressing that environmental protection is a collective moral responsibility. The debate over Ghana’s natural resources also extends to the religious and economic sectors. Prominent religious leaders, including Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Dr. Mensa Otabil, have recently addressed the intersection of faith and governance, with Duncan-Williams calling for spiritual action against galamsey and Otabil defending the National Cathedral project against political division. Simultaneously, the Minerals Commission has taken steps toward decentralization by inaugurating a new seven-storey regional office and laboratory in Kumasi to improve service delivery and mineral testing. As Ghana navigates these complex issues, policy experts also caution that the government must conduct thorough cost-benefit analyses before implementing export bans on critical minerals like lithium, suggesting that regional collaboration may be more effective than isolated national processing efforts.

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie Faces Backlash Over "Good Faith" Comments on State Enterprise Performance
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Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie Faces Backlash Over "Good Faith" Comments on State Enterprise Performance

Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie is at the center of a growing national debate following comments he made regarding the performance of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) during a series of outreach visits. The controversy began after the Chief Justice visited the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) on September 2, 2026, where he reportedly praised the management and progress of these institutions over the last eight years. While the Judicial Service has defended the remarks as being made in "good faith" to strengthen institutional collaboration, the comments have drawn sharp criticism from political figures, legal experts, and civil society, who argue they compromise judicial neutrality. Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have been particularly vocal in their disapproval. Kwasi Kwarteng, a member of the NPP Communications Team, described the Chief Justice’s remarks as politically motivated and lacking evidence, calling for a retraction or his resignation. The NPP Germany branch echoed these concerns, asserting that while MIIF has been successful, the Chief Justice's praise crossed into partisan territory by potentially crediting the current administration for successes that originated under the previous Nana Akufo-Addo government. Furthermore, Ishaq Ibrahim of the NPP Legal Directorate warned that such public commentary could undermine public confidence in the fairness of ongoing court cases where these state entities might be parties. Legal and academic experts have also raised concerns regarding the constitutional boundaries of the Chief Justice's office. Dr. Joshua Ebuntie Zaato, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana, argued that the Chief Justice’s assessment of SOEs politicizes the judiciary and should be avoided to maintain public trust. Some critics have gone further, characterizing the outreach visits as "unconstitutional officiousness." They contend that under the 1992 Constitution, the Chief Justice’s role is strictly limited to the administration of the Judiciary and presiding over the Supreme Court, rather than acting as a "touring minister" involved in the operational oversight of state enterprises. In response to the mounting pressure, the Judicial Service issued a statement through Judicial Secretary Mr. Musah Ahmed, clarifying that Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie remains fully committed to the integrity and independence of the judiciary. The statement emphasized that the remarks were intended to promote justice and equality before the law rather than to challenge judicial independence or show partisan bias. This defense was bolstered by some observers, such as Franklin Cudjoe, who pointed to historical precedents of judicial heads visiting state institutions to suggest that the current backlash might be politically exaggerated. The unfolding situation highlights the delicate balance required of high-ranking constitutional officers in Ghana’s polarized political landscape. As former Auditor-General Daniel Yaw Domelevo noted, officials in sensitive roles must exercise extreme caution to avoid political issues that could lead to future litigation. Whether these outreach visits will continue or if the Chief Justice will retreat to a more traditional administrative role remains to be seen, but the event has reignited a critical conversation about the separation of powers and the perceived impartiality of the nation's highest court.

K.T. Hammond Files GH 30m Defamation Suit as NPP and NDC Regional Contests Heat Up
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K.T. Hammond Files GH 30m Defamation Suit as NPP and NDC Regional Contests Heat Up

In a series of escalating legal and political developments, Kobina Tahir Hammond, the immediate past Minister for Trade and Industry, has filed a GH 30 million defamation lawsuit against Prime Mark Company Limited, publishers of The Herald, and journalist Larry Alans-Dogbey. The suit follows a publication alleging Hammond’s involvement in a US$1 million bribery scandal related to AKSA. Meanwhile, internal dynamics within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are intensifying as former General Secretary John Boadu officially launched his bid for the National Chairmanship. Boadu stated his primary objective is to leverage his 30 years of organizational experience to return the party to power and secure a parliamentary majority to support Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s presidential ambitions in 2028. Tensions within the NPP are also manifesting as public critiques of state institutions and local governance. Dr. Nana Ayew Afriye, the MP for Effiduase Asokore, recently condemned the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) for its investigation into an anonymous commentator known as ‘Ghana Jollof,’ labeling the bureau’s methods as lacking investigative rigor. Simultaneously, in Tano North, MP Dr. Gideon Boako and Frank Annoh Dompreh challenged local authorities to account for the District Assemblies Common Fund. While distributing motorized spraying machines to cocoa farmers, the MPs criticized the neglect of farmers’ welfare, emphasizing that substantial public funds must be matched by visible local development and accountability. On the opposition front, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is seeing fresh activity in its strongholds. Dr. Stanley Nelvis Glate, a lecturer at Ho Technical University, has declared his candidacy for the NDC Volta Regional Secretary position, vowing to rebuild party structures and restore grassroots confidence. However, political discourse has turned volatile in Gomoa Central, where former MP Rachel Appoh has publicly accused current MP Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A-Plus, of responsibility for recent violence. Appoh alleges that a land dispute demonstration funded by the sitting MP led to three deaths and several injuries, highlighting the increasingly precarious nature of local political rivalries. These events unfold against a backdrop of growing concern over the decline of civility in Ghanaian public life and the stagnation of critical infrastructure. Social commentators have noted an erosion of manners in political debate, driven by hyper-partisanship and social media hostility. This institutional strain is further evidenced in the Upper West Region, where legal practitioners are protesting a 26-year-old regional High Court project that remains abandoned. While the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has recently promoted several officers for exceptional service in crime prevention and fire rescues to boost public trust, the legal fraternity warns that the lack of modern judicial facilities continues to hinder the delivery of justice in the north.

Kwesi Pratt Jnr. and Religious Leaders Navigate Resource Sovereignty and Interfaith Identity in Ghana
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Kwesi Pratt Jnr. and Religious Leaders Navigate Resource Sovereignty and Interfaith Identity in Ghana

Ghana's socio-political landscape is witnessing a convergence of voices from both the press and the pulpit, all grappling with fundamental issues of national sovereignty, resource management, and religious identity. Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr. has taken a lead in this discourse, specifically challenging the country's youth to reject the 'Gen Z revolution' and other externally driven political narratives. Speaking at the Youth Forum on Debt and Reparations at the University of Ghana, Pratt delivered a passionate plea for intergenerational solidarity against neocolonialism. He criticized recent government defense agreements with foreign powers and the potential sale of majority stakes in the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO), arguing that such moves compromise the nation's future. Pratt’s call to action centers on reclaiming Africa’s vast mineral wealth for domestic development rather than foreign profit, while simultaneously questioning the efficacy of international financial institutions like the IMF in resolving Ghana's economic challenges. Parallel to this secular call for independence, prominent religious leaders are increasingly vocal about the moral and political direction of the state. Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Dr. Mensa Otabil have recently addressed two of the most contentious issues in the country: the environmental devastation of illegal mining, or galamsey, and the construction of the National Cathedral. Duncan-Williams emphasized the necessity of spiritual intervention and prayer to heal polluted water bodies and degraded lands, a stance that has ignited debate over whether prayer is being used as a substitute for decisive political action. Meanwhile, Dr. Otabil has robustly defended the National Cathedral project, characterizing the partisan friction surrounding its construction as a significant hurdle to national unity and spiritual progress. These interventions highlight a growing tension regarding the appropriate level of clergy involvement in state affairs and the potential for perceived partisanship to erode public trust in religious institutions. Amidst these debates, the government under President John Mahama is actively seeking to maintain interfaith harmony while managing institutional identities. Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, recently reinforced this priority during a courtesy visit to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr. Osman Nuhu Sharubutu. Ayariga hailed the Chief Imam as Ghana’s strongest symbol of interfaith harmony and sought his blessings for the administration’s efforts to foster national peace. This atmosphere of cooperation, however, faces internal tests as groups like the Christian Apologetic Alliance assert the need to maintain the distinct religious identity of mission schools. The Alliance recently rejected calls from the Ghana Muslim Students Association to alter school traditions to accommodate other faiths, citing a need to protect the foundational values of these institutions and pointing to religious tensions in Nigeria as a cautionary example for Ghana. These multifaceted developments underscore the complex challenges facing President John Mahama's administration as it navigates a period of significant social and economic introspection. The calls for resource sovereignty from veteran activists are set against a backdrop of religious leaders who are increasingly influential in shaping public opinion on environment and infrastructure. As Ghana moves forward, the ability of the government to synchronize these various perspectives—secular activism, spiritual guidance, and interfaith tolerance—will be crucial for maintaining national stability. The ongoing dialogue suggests that the youth, the clergy, and the state are all key stakeholders in a collective effort to redefine Ghana’s path toward a more self-reliant and harmonious future.

Songtaba and NCCE Spearhead Initiatives to Strengthen Inclusive Governance and Democratic Integrity
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Songtaba and NCCE Spearhead Initiatives to Strengthen Inclusive Governance and Democratic Integrity

In a concerted effort to deepen Ghana's democratic foundations, major stakeholders are intensifying calls for inclusive leadership and heightened civic awareness. Songtaba, a prominent women’s rights and development organization, recently convened its annual Northern Women in Governance Conference in Tamale. The event, themed "Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Representation in Local Governance," brought together women leaders, academics, and civil society partners to address the systemic barriers hindering women’s participation in decision-making roles. This initiative, part of the Heard Everywhere and Represented Daily (HEARD) project, emphasizes the necessity of mentorship and networking to bridge the gap between experienced female politicians and aspiring young leaders. Executive Director of Songtaba, Hajia Lamnatu Adam, and keynote speaker Dr. Esther Ekua Amoako highlighted the global and local inadequacies in women's political representation. They underscored the low number of women in local elected positions and advocated for the effective implementation of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act as a critical tool for achieving parity. The conference participants called for active community support for competent female candidates, arguing that sustainable development is only achievable when marginalized groups are empowered to influence governance at all levels. Parallel to these efforts, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) is scaling up its initiatives to consolidate the nation’s democratic gains. NCCE Chairperson Kathleen Addy has emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with the media to ensure citizens fully understand their constitutional rights and responsibilities. During a recent engagement in Accra, Ms. Addy stressed that accurate media reporting is vital for public accountability and warned against the dangers of misinformation. She urged for a culture of responsible citizenship to protect the democratic stability Ghana has enjoyed since its return to constitutional rule, noting that civic education must be an ongoing process to remain effective. Beyond domestic outreach, recent regional developments have highlighted the importance of digital governance and institutional security in maintaining public trust. The discovery of unauthorized gambling content on Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website has served as a cautionary tale for state agencies across West Africa. Experts, including Rev. Dennis Gyamfi Bediako of EnspireFX, note that such vulnerabilities ahead of major elections can undermine the perceived integrity of democratic institutions. As Ghana continues to advance its democratic agenda under the administration of President John Mahama, these combined efforts in gender inclusion, civic education, and digital security represent the essential pillars required to safeguard the nation's political future.

Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang and Finance Minister Forson Lead National Reforms in Governance and Economic Strategy
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Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang and Finance Minister Forson Lead National Reforms in Governance and Economic Strategy

Vice-President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson are spearheading a series of reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana's governance framework and revitalizing the national economy. During a high-level meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) on Decentralisation, the Vice-President reaffirmed the government's commitment to the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework (NDPS) 2026–2030. This initiative focuses on enhancing democratic accountability and ensuring responsive public service delivery across the country. Simultaneously, Minister Forson has outlined a strategic shift in public procurement, urging that government spending be leveraged to support local industries, create jobs, and bolster key sectors such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals. The call for systemic reform extends to the 1992 Constitution, with the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) advocating for a significant reduction in the President's appointing powers. Represented by Justice Sophia Akuffo, the IEA proposed a transition toward merit-based appointments for independent roles and the direct election of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). While the government has acknowledged the necessity for checks and balances on presidential discretion, it remains cautious regarding specific classification systems proposed by the Constitution Review Committee. These discussions highlight a growing national consensus on the need for more transparent and accountable leadership structures. Economic management remains a central focus, as the Ministry of Finance collaborates with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to address sector-specific challenges impacting public finances. Minister Forson and Energy Minister Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor recently held consultations to mitigate fiscal pressures arising from the energy sector. Meanwhile, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has moved to clarify customs regulations following public debate over taxes on personal electronic devices. The GRA emphasized that travelers carrying more than two mobile phones will not automatically face duties, provided the items are for personal use, a move intended to balance legitimate travel needs with the prevention of commercial import evasion. At the local level, the government is enforcing stricter financial accountability and infrastructure protection. The Head of the Grants Division of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF), Sitso Kwame Asaase, has cautioned Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) that future quarterly allocations are contingent upon the timely submission of properly completed budgets. This push for fiscal discipline coincides with efforts to protect critical national assets, as seen in Kumasi where traditional authorities, led by Chief Nana Osei Yaw Frimpong II of Nhyiaeso, have pledged to support the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in preventing encroachment on utility corridors. Together, these actions reflect a multi-tiered approach by the Mahama administration to improve governance, fiscal responsibility, and infrastructure stability across Ghana.

Dr Ato Forson — Finance Minister
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Finance Minister Ato Forson Secures $1.7bn for Accra-Kumasi Expressway as Government Intensifies National Infrastructure Drive

The administration of President John Mahama has announced a series of major infrastructure and utility milestones, led by the securing of $1.7 billion for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway. Minister of Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson confirmed that the funding for this $4 billion project has been mobilized through internal resources, ensuring the project proceeds without new external borrowing. Projected for completion by 2028, the expressway is designed to include modern interchanges, service areas, and tolling systems, serving as a critical artery to enhance connectivity between Ghana's two largest commercial hubs. Complementing this, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has been conducting nationwide inspections to ensure contractors meet their deadlines, clarifying that these tours are intended to identify challenges and provide government support rather than to penalize or "witch-hunt" developers. In a parallel boost to national utilities, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, has launched a GH• 598 million electrification project in the Volta Region. The initiative, part of the Rural Electrification Accelerated and Urban Intensification Initiative, aims to connect 206 communities across 18 districts to the national grid within six months. To further bolster the region's power stability, Dr. Jinapor announced additional investments in a 161KV transmission line from Asiekpe to Ho. These energy projects are expected to drive local industrialization and job creation, fulfilling a key pillar of the government's socio-economic development agenda. The government is also prioritizing digital and transport safety reforms, with Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations Samuel Nartey George announcing plans to slash rural telephony costs by the first quarter of 2027. The Ministry is collaborating with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to allow rural users to access standard voice and data bundles while upgrading sites to 4G technology. On the roads, Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe revealed that a mandatory towing regime will be implemented in 2027. This system will require vehicle owners to subscribe to towing services via insurance or registered providers to rapidly clear broken-down vehicles and reduce road accidents. Looking toward long-term strategic growth, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is championing the development of Volta Lake as a multimodal logistics corridor. Speaking at a recent World Bank retreat, she emphasized that linking southern and northern Ghana through barge, rail, and road transport would transform regional trade and agricultural efficiency. Meanwhile, at the local level, community-focused initiatives such as the ABN Farms poultry project in Ablekuma North, launched by MP Ewurabena Aubynn, are being rolled out to strengthen food security and women's empowerment. Together, these multi-sectoral investments signal a comprehensive push by the Mahama government to modernize Ghana's infrastructure and lower the cost of living for rural and urban populations alike.

President John Mahama Dissolves Nine SOE Boards Amidst Calls for Transparency and Governance Reforms
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President John Mahama Dissolves Nine SOE Boards Amidst Calls for Transparency and Governance Reforms

President John Mahama has dissolved the governing boards of nine state-owned enterprises (SOEs), a significant move announced on September 2, 2026, by Felix Kwakye Ofosu. The decision impacts critical national entities, including the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Bulk Energy Storage and Transportation (BOST), and Prestea Sankofa Gold Limited. While the presidency has not officially articulated the specific reasons for the shake-up, the action has triggered a broad national debate among governance experts, policy analysts, and political figures regarding the exercise of executive authority and the need for transparency in state institutions. Governance experts and political commentators have offered varying interpretations of the President's decision. Professor Baffour Agyeman-Duah suggested that the dissolutions signal President Mahama’s commitment to enacting the significant changes necessary to fulfill his current mandate, noting that motivations likely extend beyond the mere financial performance of the affected institutions. Similarly, Kofi Bentil, Vice President of IMANI Africa, defended the President’s legal authority to dissolve the boards but cautioned that future administrations should exercise restraint with such sweeping powers. From the political sphere, Dennis Miracles Aboagye of the Bawumia Campaign argued the decision was justified due to a perceived lack of impact and internal disputes within the boards, urging the public to prioritize results over political conflict. Despite these justifications, the move has faced criticism for a lack of clear communication. Policy analyst Senyo Hosi expressed concern on TV3’s The Key Points, arguing that the absence of specific reasons for the dissolutions is not in the best interest of the country's governance standards. Conversely, Akwatia MP Bernard Bediako Baidoo defended the administration, insisting that the board shake-up should not be linked to allegations of indiscipline or misconduct. Baidoo maintained that the President is simply exercising his rightful authority to realign leadership with his administration's strategic goals and cautioned against reading into the changes as a punitive measure. Alongside these administrative changes, the government is also moving to decentralize mineral resource management with the inauguration of a new Minerals Commission regional office in Kumasi. The seven-storey facility, which includes a specialized laboratory for mineral testing and a museum for public education, is designed to serve the middle belt of Ghana, including the Bono and Ahafo regions. Deputy Minister Yusif Sulemana highlighted that this expansion is a direct response to the challenges of centralizing services in Accra, aiming to improve accessibility and governance within the mining sector. The dissolution of these SOE boards and the expansion of the Minerals Commission mark a period of active restructuring under the Mahama administration. As new boards are expected to be constituted, the focus remains on whether these leadership changes will lead to improved efficiency and accountability in Ghana's state enterprises. The ongoing debate highlights a critical tension between the President's mandate to reorganize the government and the public's demand for transparent, reason-based administrative decisions.

Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (right), Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, handing over documents to Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology
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President Mahama Orders Emergency Waste Evacuation in Accra as Environment Minister Demands Accountability

President John Mahama has declared the massive waste accumulation at Agbogbloshie, Sodom and Gomorrah, and James Town Beach a national emergency, directing an immediate and comprehensive cleanup operation. The initiative, led by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, seeks to clear refuse heaps that have accumulated for over 30 years, some reportedly reaching the height of a 10-storey building. This directive is part of a broader government push to reclaim these areas for developmental projects while ensuring public health and safety in the capital. To execute this massive undertaking, the Ministry of Local Government is collaborating with the Ministries of Finance, Defence, and Roads and Highways. The operation will utilize advanced technology, including drones and artificial intelligence, to assess waste volumes and plan logistics. The Ghana Armed Forces and private contractors, including the Jospong Group, will be deployed to transport the waste to the Adipa Waste Management Centre. Minister Ayariga emphasized that while the 24-hour operation may cause temporary inconvenience to motorists, the long-term benefits of clearing the sites and securing them with military support against future dumping are paramount. Parallel to these sanitation efforts, the newly appointed Minister of Environment, Science and Technology (MESTI), Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has called for strict transparency and accountability within her ministry. During her handing-over ceremony, she emphasized that prudent resource management is essential for implementing environmental protection policies. Her predecessor, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, expressed confidence in her leadership, citing her track record as an environmental advocate. Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings reminded staff and citizens alike that protecting the environment is a shared constitutional responsibility, signaling a period of rigorous oversight at MESTI. While the administration focuses on environmental and administrative reforms, it also faces complex challenges in labor relations and economic policy. The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) is currently navigating a dispute with the Ghana Air Traffic Safety Electronics Association (GhATSEA), dismissing allegations of victimization and insisting that security measures taken were necessary for aviation safety. Simultaneously, policy experts are urging the government to adopt a nuanced approach to mineral economics. As Ghana explores domestic lithium processing, analysts suggest that a regional African strategy for mineral beneficiation might be more viable than isolated export bans, given the high costs and technical expertise required for industrialization.

Albert Kan-Dapaah — Former Minister of National Security
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Security Experts and Legal Practitioners Warn of Rising Extremist Recruitment Risks Linked to Poverty and Political Vigilantism

Ghana is facing a critical security juncture as legal and security experts raise alarms over the increasing vulnerability of the nation's northern frontier to violent extremism. Recent disclosures reveal that between 2023 and 2025, security agencies recorded over 300 arrests related to extremist recruitment attempts and 47 cross-border incursions. These figures, cited by Majority Leader James Agalga and echoed by legal practitioner Enoch Afoakwah of the NPP Legal Directorate, underscore a growing threat from the volatile Sahel region that seeks to exploit internal socio-economic gaps. Emmanuel Kotin, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for Security and Counterterrorism (ACSC), and Mr. Afoakwah both emphasize that military interventions alone will not suffice to secure the state. They argue that extremist groups are strategically targeting disenfranchised youth in northern Ghana, where high levels of poverty, unemployment, and ethnic marginalization provide fertile ground for recruitment. According to Afoakwah, the "frustration-aggression theory" is at play, as desperate individuals may accept financial support from extremist organizations in exchange for loyalty, effectively turning economic despair into a national security liability. Compounding these external threats is the persistence of internal political vigilantism. Former National Security Minister Albert Kan-Dapaah recently highlighted that the "supply chain" of vigilante groups remains active because political parties continue to demand their services. Despite the passage of the Vigilantism and Related Offences Act, 2019 (Act 999), Kan-Dapaah warns that the reliance on informal security groups by political actors creates a dangerous precedent. He cautioned that if this demand is not eliminated, these organized groups could eventually be co-opted by broader terrorist networks operating within the West African sub-region, a risk exemplified by the ongoing volatility in neighboring states. To mitigate these multi-faceted risks, stakeholders are calling for a shift toward a "human security" approach. This includes better intelligence sharing with neighboring countries, increased transparency regarding the prosecution of arrested recruits, and significantly improved resourcing for security agencies. Experts agree that the government must prioritize long-term socio-economic development in vulnerable communities to address the root causes of radicalization. By combining robust border protection with initiatives that create jobs and reduce marginalization, Ghana can better safeguard its sovereignty against the encroaching shadow of regional extremism.

SIGA’s GH¢19.8 Billion Profit Claim Under Fire as Critics Dispute “Massive Turnaround” of State-Owned Enterprises
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SIGA’s GH¢19.8 Billion Profit Claim Under Fire as Critics Dispute “Massive Turnaround” of State-Owned Enterprises

The release of the 2025 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) has ignited a fierce debate over the financial health of Ghana’s State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). SIGA reported a dramatic "massive turnaround," claiming a combined net profit of GH¢19.8 billion for 2025, a stark contrast to the GH¢2.25 billion loss recorded in 2024. However, this narrative of recovery has been met with skepticism from policy analysts and political figures who argue the figures are either misleading or marred by significant analytical errors, casting doubt on the government's portrayal of economic efficiency. Prof. Michael Kpessa-Whyte, Director General of SIGA, has vigorously defended the report, asserting that the figures were not "conjured" but derived from audited financial statements. He attributed the improved performance to a combination of operational efficiencies and favorable foreign exchange movements. Despite this defense, Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, challenged the integrity of the data, noting that the number of profitable entities actually fell from 35 to 34. Simons further disputed SIGA’s claim of achieving the highest audited proportion, pointing out that the reported 66% submission rate is lower than the 68% achieved in 2021. The disagreement escalated when Simons rejected Kpessa-Whyte’s suggestion that he had used artificial intelligence to generate his critique, calling the accusation "offensive" and clarifying that technology was only used for data extraction. Adding to the criticism, NPP Communications Director hopeful Dennis Miracles Aboagye accused the government of putting a "spin" on the report to suggest an unprecedented success. Aboagye claimed to have identified 19 specific errors in the analysis that could mislead the public, suggesting that the government is portraying unspent public funds as operational efficiency. He called for a deeper, institutional-level examination of entities like COCOBOD rather than relying on aggregate figures. These sentiments were echoed by legal expert Yaw Appiah Lartey, who recommended that SIGA distinguish between commercial and public service entities in its reporting. Lartey argued that aggregating profit-making bodies with service institutions like GETFund creates a distorted picture of commercial performance. As the debate continues, the conflicting interpretations of the State Ownership Report highlight a broader struggle over transparency and governance within Ghana's public sector. While SIGA maintains that its assessment of 162 entities shows substantial progress, the persistent calls for more granular reporting and adherence to international accounting standards suggest that the "turnaround" remains a matter of intense dispute. The outcome of this discourse will likely influence future policy decisions regarding the management of state assets and the level of public trust in government-led economic reporting as the country navigates its current fiscal challenges.