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.

Frederick Opare-Ansah — Chairman, NPP National Officers Elections Committee
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NPP Sets 2026 National Executive Elections: 50 Aspirants to Undergo Vetting Ahead of October Polls

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has finalized the schedule for its 2026 National Officers Elections, with 50 aspirants vying for 11 executive positions following the close of nominations on August 22, 2026. The party's National Elections Committee announced that the vetting of candidates will take place from Monday, August 31, to Thursday, September 3, 2026. This internal election cycle is viewed as a critical step in the party’s strategy to reorganize and reclaim power in the 2028 general elections, following their defeat in 2024. To ensure a transparent process, the committee has deferred the announcement of a definitive balloting date until all vetting and potential appeals are resolved. The race for the National Chairperson position is among the most contested, with five notable candidates seeking to succeed the outgoing chair, Stephen Ayesu Ntim, who is not seeking re-election. Key contenders include former National Chairman Paul Awentami Afoko, who is campaigning on a –3R Agenda– (Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture), and John Boadu. Simultaneously, incumbent General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua is seeking another term against three challengers, including Eugene Boakye Antwi and Sylvester Tetteh. Kodua has pledged that, if re-elected, his primary focus will be ensuring the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, wins the 2028 presidential election. A significant point of contention has emerged regarding the candidacy of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. Despite currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for illegal mining activities, Wontumi’s campaign team intends to file his nomination for National Chairperson on August 27. The move has sparked legal and ethical debates within the party, as NPP rules generally bar individuals sentenced to more than 10 years from holding office. While the National Elections Committee has allowed his team to obtain forms, his eligibility will ultimately be determined by the Vetting Committee during the upcoming sessions. Beyond the high-profile leadership battles, the party is emphasizing a return to grassroots mobilization and internal reconciliation. Richard Ahiagbah, the National Communications Director and a candidate for National First Vice Chairman, has called for a shift toward empowering local party structures to enhance electoral success. Similarly, newly elected regional executives in the Oti Region have committed to addressing internal divisions and strengthening constituency coordination. This broader focus on unity and media engagement, as echoed by Ashanti Regional Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah, underscores the NPP's effort to rehabilitate its public image and build a cohesive front ahead of the 2028 polls.

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Speaker Bagbin Recalls Parliament for Urgent Vetting of Ministerial and Supreme Court Nominees Amid Procedural Row

The Parliament of Ghana reconvened on Monday, August 24, 2026, for a high-stakes five-day emergency sitting following a recall by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin. The session, initiated at the request of President John Mahama under Order 58(4) of the Standing Orders, is designed to address pressing state business that could not wait until the House's regular resumption in October. At the forefront of the agenda is the vetting of two key ministerial nominees: outgoing Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga for the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings for the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology. Additionally, the House is tasked with considering the Banks and Specialised Deposit-Taking Institutions (Amendment) Bill, which is deemed critical for national financial stability. In addition to the ministerial appointments, Speaker Bagbin officially referred three Supreme Court nominees to the Appointments Committee for scrutiny. The nominees—Justice Sophia Bernasko-Essah and Justice Amoako Asante of the Court of Appeal, along with former Ghana Bar Association President Tony Forson—are intended to fill vacancies on the apex court bench. The Appointments Committee has been directed to conduct public hearings and deliver its report within the duration of the recall, which is scheduled to conclude on August 28. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has already signaled the opposition's intent to provide rigorous oversight, pledging a "fearless" vetting process for Mahama Ayariga, with a specific focus on his plans to address the country’s sanitation challenges. A significant procedural dispute emerged during the opening of the session when Speaker Bagbin corrected a communication from the Presidency regarding parliamentary leadership. The Speaker ruled that President Mahama’s announcement of Builsa North MP James Agalga as the new Majority Leader was procedurally incorrect. Bagbin clarified that changes in parliamentary leadership are the prerogative of the political party’s caucus and must be formally communicated to the Speaker by the party’s General Secretary, rather than the President. Consequently, Mr. Agalga cannot officially assume the role until these constitutional and parliamentary protocols are satisfied. The emergency recall is set against a backdrop of heightening political tension as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has urged the Minority to use the session to probe an alleged $1.7 billion loss linked to the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme involving the Bank of Ghana and GoldBod. While the first day of proceedings was marked by an unexplained delay—with the House failing to commence formal business by late Monday afternoon—the Speaker has urged all Members of Parliament to maintain high standards of decorum. He emphasized that the focus of the five-day session must remain strictly on the urgent matters specified in the recall notice to ensure the efficient discharge of legislative duties.

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Afenyo-Markin Sues GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi as OSP Evaluates Extortion Allegations Amid $1.7bn Loss Controversy

The political atmosphere in Ghana has intensified as Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin initiates legal action against Sammy Gyamfi, Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod). The dispute, which centers on a reported US$1.7 billion (GH"22 billion) loss within the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme (DGPP), has shifted from parliamentary debate to a high-stakes legal and investigative battle. While the Minority Caucus demands a full-scale inquiry into what they describe as significant financial mismanagement, Gyamfi has countered with explosive allegations of extortion against Afenyo-Markin, prompting the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) to begin a preliminary assessment of the claims. The controversy stems from an IMF report suggesting substantial government losses linked to gold transactions managed by GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana in 2025. Afenyo-Markin and the Minority Caucus have filed a fresh motion for an ad hoc committee to investigate these figures, challenging the transparency of the DGPP and calling for Gyamfi to testify. However, GoldBod officials and some majority members have vehemently rejected the "loss" narrative. Outgoing Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the operations, arguing that the expenditures were necessary costs for stabilizing the cedi and curbing inflation. Similarly, while Deputy Ranking Member on Finance Dr. Gideon Boako questioned GoldBod’s recent GH"907 million profit claim by citing an alleged GH"1 billion central bank overdraft, GoldBod has dismissed these debt allegations as malicious. In response to the Minority’s calls for accountability, Sammy Gyamfi publicly labeled Afenyo-Markin an "extortionist," claiming to possess evidence and daring the Minority Leader to take legal action. Afenyo-Markin has since filed two defamation suits—one at the Accra High Court against Gyamfi and the Multimedia Group, and another at the Achimota Circuit Court against Eric Adjei and Peace FM. The Minority Leader stated he is "ready to submit" himself to any investigation by the Ghana Police or the OSP to clear his name, urging his accusers to provide formal evidence rather than relying on public commentary. Meanwhile, the OSP confirmed on August 24, 2026, that it is reviewing multiple petitions to determine if the extortion allegations fall within its statutory mandate for a full investigation. The political fallout has seen the Minority Caucus rally behind Afenyo-Markin, with MPs like Professor Kingsley Nyarko describing Gyamfi’s remarks as a diversionary tactic. Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has acknowledged the Minority’s motion for a probe into the DGPP but clarified that the debate must be postponed until after the current emergency session, which is focused on items requested by President John Mahama. As the OSP evaluates the jurisdictional merits of the extortion claims and the courts prepare to hear the defamation suits, the case underscores a deepening divide over the management of Ghana’s natural resource wealth and the boundaries of parliamentary oversight.

Politics, journalism collaboration vital for development — Minister
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Mahama Administration Pushes Agricultural Revival and Accountability Amid Regional Development Friction

The administration of President John Mahama is intensifying its efforts to drive economic growth through innovative agricultural policies and increased local accountability, according to several government reports and public forums held across the country in 2026. Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, speaking at the Meko Bono Homecoming and Festival in Atebubu, recently assured farming communities in the Bono East Region of the government's commitment to minimizing post-harvest losses through the 'Feed Ghana' programme. This initiative is designed to improve agricultural productivity and support sustainable development in the region. In a related and notable policy shift, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has been advocating for the regulated cultivation of cannabis for medicinal purposes. Framing the initiative as a 'Christian endeavor,' the Minister emphasized that cannabis processing could play a critical role in medical treatment and healing, marking a significant move toward diversifying Ghana's industrial sector. However, these national initiatives have been met with intense partisan scrutiny and regional friction. In the Oti Region, a sharp dispute has emerged over the 'Nkoko Nkitinkiti' poultry initiative. The Oti Regional Communication Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Seidu Musah, alleged that the region received only 810 birds, which he claimed were distributed primarily to members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This claim was swiftly debunked by the NDC's Williams Ntoso, who asserted that the government actually distributed 90,000 birds across nine assemblies to bolster local livelihoods. These conflicting reports highlight the deep partisan divide that continues to shape public perception of government performance, a trend corroborated by recent Afrobarometer data indicating that political affiliation profoundly influences how Ghanaians perceive the health of their democracy. In the Central Region, the government is attempting to bridge this perception gap through public accountability forums. Central Regional Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah pledged to collaborate closely with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to enhance regional development. During a forum in Twifo Hemang, officials highlighted infrastructure improvements and urged residents to support community initiatives. Conversely, youth groups in the Upper East Region have expressed frustration over what they describe as 'snail-paced' development. Represented by Nicholas Azebire of Activista Ghana, the youth cited persistent inadequacies in road infrastructure, healthcare, and employment, calling on the Regional Minister and local MPs to prioritize job creation and stalled projects to prevent regional stagnation. Beyond economic and regional concerns, the administration is also focusing on the pillars of democratic governance and social empowerment. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State for Government Communications, recently emphasized the vital collaboration between politics and journalism at the Ghana Journalists Association’s 77th Anniversary Symposium. He noted that such partnerships are essential for voter education and holding state actors accountable. On the grassroots level, NDC Women’s Organiser hopeful Xornam Favour Alayi-Hussey has outlined a vision to equip women in Ketu South with skills in AI, IT, and agribusiness to ensure they thrive in the modern economy. These developments, ranging from high-level policy shifts to local infrastructure disputes, underscore the complex challenges facing the Mahama administration as it seeks to balance national development goals with regional demands and partisan accountability.

US Federal Court Reverses Immigrant Visa Ban Affecting Ghana as Global Trade and Peace Negotiations Intensify
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US Federal Court Reverses Immigrant Visa Ban Affecting Ghana as Global Trade and Peace Negotiations Intensify

In a significant legal victory for international travelers and human rights advocates, U.S. District Judge Jeannette Vargas has struck down a Trump administration policy that suspended immigrant visa processing for 75 nations, including Ghana and 25 other African countries. The ruling, delivered in the Southern District of New York, described the suspension as "patently unlawful" and an overreach of executive authority. The court found that the policy violated federal immigration law by prohibiting visas based primarily on nationality. While the U.S. State Department had justified the ban by citing potential "public charge risks," the court's decision effectively reinstates the visa process, providing relief to thousands of applicants across Africa, Latin America, and South Asia. Simultaneously, North American diplomatic relations have entered a period of high tension as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended trade negotiations with President Donald Trump. Carney denounced recent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods as a "miscalculation" intended to provoke division, asserting that Canada would defend its economic sovereignty with dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs on steel, dairy, and other products starting September 8. The collapse of these talks has already resulted in a 78% decline in U.S. wine exports to Canada and has raised serious concerns regarding the long-term stability of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). On the African continent, progress is being made toward regional stability and historical justice. In Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23-led rebel alliance reached a new roadmap for peace negotiations aimed at ending the protracted conflict in the country's mineral-rich eastern regions. The agreement includes specific timelines for a ceasefire and the establishment of a verification mission in South Kivu to monitor adherence to the terms. This diplomatic breakthrough follows a framework established in Doha and underscores a renewed commitment to resolving internal displacement and security threats through structured dialogue. Furthering Africa's diplomatic agenda, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa clarified the objectives of the continent’s reparatory justice campaign during a recent address in Moscow. Ablakwa emphasized that the movement is not merely a request for cash payments but a call for meaningful policy support and investment in African youth to address the lasting scars of the transatlantic slave trade. Acknowledging the UN resolution that defined the slave trade as a crime against humanity, Ablakwa highlighted Ghana’s leadership in advocating for historical corrections that empower the continent's future generations. Together, these global developments illustrate a complex landscape of legal challenges, shifting trade alliances, and a proactive pursuit of peace and justice.

Data Protection Commission steps up enforcement with new vehicles
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Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak Outlines Massive Tech Overhaul and Enforcement Drive for National Security

Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak has unveiled a comprehensive plan to modernize Ghana’s security infrastructure, headlined by the deployment of over 700 digital enrolment stations across the country by the end of 2026. Speaking at the Police Regional Command Conference in Accra, the Minister emphasized that these stations are central to the government’s strategy to strengthen intelligence-led policing and improve criminal investigations. This initiative, alongside the TRAFITECH automated road traffic enforcement system and the National Criminal Automated Biometric ID System, signals a major shift toward a technology-first approach in maintaining law and order under the Mahama administration. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, joined the Minister in calling for increased professionalism and accountability among regional commanders to match these technological advancements. While the central government focuses on high-tech tools, local successes are already being reported through community-based initiatives. In Kintampo, the outgoing Municipal Police Commander, ACP Nana Kofi Ghampson, noted that highway robberies have significantly declined due to robust stakeholder collaboration and community policing. He urged his successor, Chief Superintendent Kwabena Ofori Boateng, to maintain these vital civilian relationships to ensure the continued safety of the municipality. Parallel to these physical security measures, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) has declared 2026 as the "Year of Enforcement" to safeguard the nation’s digital borders. Deputy Minister of Communications, Mohammed Adams Sukparu, recently handed over new pickup vehicles to the DPC to facilitate regional expansion. Executive Director Dr. Arnold Kavaarpuo stated that these resources will support rigorous field operations to ensure institutions comply with the Data Protection Act. By prioritizing the protection of sensitive health and children's records, the DPC is treating data security as a core component of national security to combat identity theft and unauthorized access. The security sector is also seeing significant leadership transitions aimed at strengthening regional stability and naval operations. At the Sekondi Naval Base, Commodore Stephen Billings Nyam has officially assumed office as the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) of the Western Naval Command, succeeding Commodore Samuel Ayelazono. These administrative updates and technological investments represent a multi-faceted effort by the government to enhance the effectiveness of the Ghana Police Service, the Navy, and data regulatory bodies, ensuring a more secure environment for citizens and businesses alike.

2027 Budget Statement must pivot around job creation, greater transparency - CSOs to government
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Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson to Detail ‘New Economy’ in 2027 Budget Amid CSO Calls for Job Creation and Fiscal Discipline

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson is set to present the 2027 Budget Statement and Economic Policy to Parliament in November, centering on a proposed ‘New Economy’ program designed to accelerate development and stabilize the national economy. Ahead of the presentation, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), including the Economic Governance Platform and the Tax Justice Coalition, has urged the government to pivot the fiscal policy toward aggressive job creation and enhanced revenue transparency. During a forum in Accra, these advocates emphasized that the administration must translate current macroeconomic stability into tangible welfare benefits for citizens, particularly through the closing of tax loopholes and more efficient management of mineral revenues. Key among the CSO recommendations is the establishment of a unified framework for managing mineral revenues and providing greater clarity on the financing of the Minerals Income Investment Fund. Experts have called for the budget to address the country's tax-to-GDP ratio, which currently stands at 13%, with an ambitious target of 18% by 2027. To achieve this, the Tax Justice Coalition is advocating for stronger actions against illicit financial flows and the introduction of incentives to foster voluntary tax compliance among consumers. Additionally, there is a push to integrate the artisanal and small-scale mining sectors more effectively into the national fiscal framework to bolster domestic revenue mobilisation. In tandem with these budgetary preparations, the government is intensifying its enforcement of public financial management laws. The Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD) has issued a stern warning to ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and public institutions against the operation of unauthorized bank accounts. The directive prohibits opening accounts with the Bank of Ghana or commercial banks without prior written authorization, signaling a broader effort to ensure strict oversight and prevent the fragmentation of public funds as the 2027 fiscal year approaches. The political and labor landscape, however, is clouded by the recent passing of Dr. Isaac Bampoe Addo, the Executive Secretary of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG). Dr. Addo, who died on August 21, 2026, was a pivotal figure in labor relations and a fierce advocate for workers' welfare. The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) described his death as a major loss to organized labor and the public service. Dr. George Smith-Graham, Chief Executive of the FWSC, praised Dr. Addo’s intellect and his significant contributions to the formation of the Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC). As the Mahama administration prepares its 2027 financial roadmap, the government faces the dual challenge of meeting high expectations for job creation while maintaining the fiscal discipline demanded by oversight bodies. The upcoming budget will serve as a critical test of the ‘New Economy’ vision, requiring the government to balance aggressive development goals with the need for transparency and stable labor relations in the wake of losing one of the most formidable voices in the public sector.

Rev. Stephen Wengam Re-elected as Assemblies of God General Superintendent Amid Calls for Unity and Religious Neutrality in Politics
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Rev. Stephen Wengam Re-elected as Assemblies of God General Superintendent Amid Calls for Unity and Religious Neutrality in Politics

Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam has secured a decisive landslide victory to remain the General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, during the church's 32nd Biennial General Council Meeting. Held on August 21, 2026, at Gomoa Fetteh, the election saw Wengam garner 3,727 votes—representing 89.61% of the valid votes cast—to defeat his opponent, Rev. Dr. Kwame B. Bansah, who received 432 votes. This overwhelming mandate reinforces Wengam’s leadership as the church enters a significant era, including preparations for its 100th anniversary and the upcoming World Assemblies of God Fellowship Congress scheduled to take place in Ghana in October 2026. The election also established a refreshed leadership team to support Wengam’s "transformation agenda" for his second four-year term. Rev. Dr. Kwadwo Bempah was elected as Assistant General Superintendent, while Rev. Dr. Albert Anane took the role of General Secretary. Rev. Simon Abu Baba retained his position as General Treasurer. In his acceptance speech, Wengam emphasized the critical need for reconciliation and collaboration among all members. His vision for the next term focuses heavily on the Centenary City Project and the MM33 evangelism initiative, aimed at expanding the church’s reach and infrastructure as it celebrates a century of existence. While the Assemblies of God focused on internal unity, other sectors of Ghana’s religious landscape have been marked by political friction and controversy. St Sark, the General Overseer of Open Arms Ministries in Kumasi, recently issued a public challenge to Prophet Isaac Owusu Bempah over alleged spiritual threats directed at voters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). During a press conference, St Sark dismissed claims that voters could face spiritual curses for their political choices, asserting that voting is a constitutional right that cannot bring spiritual harm. He condemned the use of the pulpit for political intimidation, urging the clergy to maintain a focus on spiritual guidance rather than partisan influence. Adding to the intersection of faith and political life, Sarah Adwoa Safo, daughter of the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, has shared insights into a long-foreseen internal family dispute. Speaking during a visit to NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, she revealed that her father had prophetically warned her about legal battles and divisions that would arise following his death. These disputes, which stem from disagreements over Akan burial customs, have led to public tensions with her brother, Nana Kwadwo Safo Akofena I, involving court proceedings and a reported shooting incident. This development underscores the complex challenges faced by prominent families in Ghana where traditional, religious, and political legacies overlap.

Kwesi Jonah - Senior Research Fellow at IDEG
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NDC Monitors Volta Projects as Governance Debates Intensify Over DCE Elections and 24-Hour Economy

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified its oversight of development initiatives in the Volta Region, with its regional communication team conducting an extensive monitoring exercise across the Agortime-Ziope, Ketu South, Ketu North, and Anloga districts. Led by Regional Communication Officer Kafui Agbleze, the team assessed various projects in education, health, and infrastructure, including the Blekusu Sea Defence Project and several Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds. These inspections are part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and accountability under President John Dramani Mahama’s ‘Resetting Agenda,’ highlighting the administration's focus on completing vital community infrastructure to protect coastal areas and improve local service delivery. Simultaneously, the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) has raised significant concerns regarding proposed reforms to the local government system. IDEG has formally opposed the government's proposal for the President to nominate candidates for District Chief Executive (DCE) positions, arguing that such a move undermines the principles of democratic choice. Senior Research Fellow Mr. Kwesi Jonah emphasized that DCEs should be elected directly by the people through a free process involving all political parties. IDEG maintains that allowing the President to shortlist candidates restricts the electorate's ability to hold local leaders accountable and excludes non-government-aligned political voices from the governance process. In a related clarification on government policy, the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Augustus Goosie Tanoh, has distinguished between the 24-Hour Economy Authority and the ongoing 24-hour market programs. Mr. Tanoh noted that while 262 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are implementing 24-hour market initiatives funded through the District Assemblies Common Fund, these projects fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Local Government rather than the Authority itself. This clarification comes amid legal challenges and is intended to streamline the public’s understanding of how different arms of the government are contributing to the broader economic agenda. At the local and traditional levels, governance remains dynamic with significant developments in the Bono and North East regions. The Wenchi Traditional Council has indefinitely suspended the Twafohene, Nana Akora Tua Adutwum Kyeremeh Siasaa Kufour IV, following allegations of traditional stool and land-related breaches. Meanwhile, the Bunkpurugu-Nakpanduri District Assembly has allocated land for a permanent Local Peace Council office. Supported by the NGO CONGINTA, this project aims to provide a dedicated hub for mediation and conflict prevention. These localized actions reflect a national trend toward strengthening institutional frameworks, whether through traditional accountability or the physical infrastructure of peacebuilding, as the country navigates its current political landscape.

President Mahama and Civil Society Decry Systemic Corruption as Nine Blue Water Guards Arrested in Galamsey Crackdown
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President Mahama and Civil Society Decry Systemic Corruption as Nine Blue Water Guards Arrested in Galamsey Crackdown

On August 21, 2026, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) arrested nine members of the Blue Water Guards (BWG) in Manso Adubia, Ashanti Region, on charges of bribery and impersonation. The suspects are alleged to have posed as NAIMOS officials to extort money from individuals involved in mining activities, prompting an immediate internal warning from BWG leadership. This incident has intensified the national debate over the integrity of Ghana’s multi-agency effort to eradicate illegal mining (galamsey), suggesting that the very units tasked with protection are being compromised by the lure of illicit profits. The arrests coincide with grave allegations leveled against local government authorities by the Media Coalition Against Galamsey. Ing. Ken Ashigbey, the coalition’s convener, accused several Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) of actively facilitating illegal mining by collecting unauthorized fees from operators. A JoyNews investigation recently exposed a district assembly in the Ashanti Region that had established a "parallel taxation" system, essentially selling the right to pollute water bodies. President John Mahama has since acknowledged that this practice extends beyond a single district, prompting the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to direct a full investigation into these institutional failures. Adding to the pressure, economic policy analyst Senyo Hosi has sharply criticized the government's progress, describing the current situation as a total failure of enforcement. Speaking on Joy News’ Newsfile, Hosi argued that while NAIMOS continues to report arrests and equipment seizures, the reality on the ground is one of persistent environmental degradation. He emphasized that the continued destruction of forest reserves and the decline in water quality and food security are evidence that current measures are not yielding positive outcomes, famously stating that the "nonsense must stop." The intersection of security guard misconduct and alleged local government complicity presents a significant challenge for the Mahama administration. While the BWG has reiterated its commitment to professionalism and its specific mandate to protect river corridors, the public perception of the galamsey fight remains skeptical. As the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources begins its probe into the MMDAs, the government faces increasing calls for a total overhaul of the anti-illegal mining strategy to ensure that those in power are not the ones profiting from the nation's environmental crisis.

Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza Sets Deadlines for Accra-Kumasi Bypass as Government Commissions New PURC Headquarters
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Minister Governs Kwame Agbodza Sets Deadlines for Accra-Kumasi Bypass as Government Commissions New PURC Headquarters

The Mahama administration has signaled a renewed focus on national infrastructure and utility oversight, marked by significant progress on the Accra-Kumasi Expressway and the commissioning of a modern headquarters for the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, announced that fewer than 20 kilometers of clearing work remains on the expressway, a vital link between Ghana’s two largest cities. Simultaneously, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, inaugurated the PURC’s new facility in Accra, emphasizing a "new era" of consumer protection and more rigorous oversight of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG). These developments underscore a dual strategy of physical connectivity and regulatory reform. Minister Agbodza highlighted that the Accra-Kumasi project is nearing a connection with the Kumasi Orbiter, praising the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for his advocacy and the contractor, Kofi Job Construction Limited, for their steady progress. However, the project faces significant financial hurdles, with costs ballooning from an original estimate of GH¢1.9 billion to nearly GH¢6 billion. In a stern warning, the Minister set an August deadline for contractors on the Accra-Kumasi Bypass to return to their sites or withdraw from the project, asserting that the government has now addressed outstanding compensation issues. This development occurs alongside a professional dispute with the Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS), which has cautioned the government against labeling valuation differences as fraud after Agbodza threatened to involve the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over alleged inflation of property claims. In the energy sector, the new PURC Head Office represents a major shift toward operational efficiency and technical depth. Dr. Shafic Suleman, the Commission’s Executive Secretary, noted that the project was fully self-financed due to improved cash flows from the Cash Waterfall Mechanism—which Minister Jinapor reported has seen monthly fund declarations surge from GH¢6 billion to GH¢15 billion. The Minister reiterated that the Commission must move beyond simple tariff reviews to ensure consumers receive fair value for their payments. The new facility is equipped with advanced laboratories and a real-time monitoring room, designed to enhance the regulator's ability to track utility performance and ensure the financial viability of providers. On the local government level, efforts to combat seasonal flooding and improve sanitation continue with the sod-cutting for storm drains in Ejura-Sekyedumase by Municipal Chief Executive Rafiu Adam Seidu. This initiative is being paired with the Ejura 24-Hour Economy Market project to stimulate local employment. Similarly, in Ashaiman, MCE Freeman Tsekpo and MP Dr. Ernest Norgbey have reported that drainage construction is 70% complete. Despite these milestones, residents in several municipalities expressed growing frustration over the slow pace of road rehabilitation, urging the government to translate inspections and promises into tangible improvements in their daily travel conditions. Moving forward, the government faces the challenge of balancing these rising infrastructure costs with public expectations for timely delivery.

National Identification Authority Confirms Parliamentary Approval for Revised Ghana Card Fees
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National Identification Authority Confirms Parliamentary Approval for Revised Ghana Card Fees

The National Identification Authority (NIA) has issued a formal clarification regarding the recent adjustments to Ghana Card registration fees, asserting that the changes were not introduced unilaterally but were duly approved by Parliament. The revised fee structure, which became effective on February 2, 2026, was enacted under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025. This clarification follows public concerns and reports suggesting that the Authority had independently raised costs for national identity services without legislative oversight. Under the new regulations, first-time registration for the Ghana Card remains free for all citizens under the age of 25. However, a processing fee of GH"30 now applies to individuals aged 25 and older seeking their first card. The NIA also detailed costs for other essential services, including a GH"200 charge for card replacements and renewals. The Authority maintains that these adjustments are necessary for the continued operation of the national identification system and are strictly governed by the legal framework established by the legislature. In addition to the standard services provided across its 276 operational district offices, the NIA has highlighted the introduction of a 24-hour Prestige Centre in Accra. This facility is designed to offer enhanced convenience and faster processing times for an optional premium fee, operating seven days a week. The Authority emphasized that while the Prestige Centre provides an alternative for those seeking expedited service, the standard registration process remains available through the extensive network of district offices to ensure accessibility for all Ghanaians regardless of their choice of service tier. The NIA has strongly urged the public to verify any information regarding fees and identity services through official channels, such as the Authority’s official website or its district offices, to avoid falling victim to misinformation. By emphasizing transparency and adherence to parliamentary mandates, the NIA aims to reassure the public that the fee adjustments are part of a regulated effort to maintain the integrity and efficiency of Ghana’s national identity database. This move aligns with broader national efforts under the current administration to streamline public services and ensure the long-term viability of the Ghana Card as a cornerstone of the country's digital and social infrastructure.