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 John Dramani Mahama
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President John Mahama Outlines Major Infrastructure Drive During Two-Day Upper East Working Tour

President John Dramani Mahama has embarked on a pivotal two-day working tour of the Upper East Region, marking the seventh stop of his "Resetting Ghana Tour." During his visit, the President inspected several high-priority infrastructure projects, most notably the proposed Upper East Regional Airport at Sumbrungu-Kulbia. This tour underscores the administration's commitment to regional development, with President Mahama emphasizing that his agenda aims to bridge the infrastructure gap and enhance economic connectivity between the northern and southern sectors of the country. This visit follows a series of regional engagements, including past commendations for the "Big Push" electrification and infrastructure initiatives in the Central and Volta regions. A central focus of the tour is the Bolgatanga Airport, which the President announced is currently in the procurement stage, with construction slated to begin before the end of 2026. The facility, which will occupy 4,000 acres and feature a 2.2-kilometre runway, is designed to handle 100,000 passengers annually and provide direct air connectivity to Accra. President Mahama described the airport as a "game-changer" that will eliminate the need for lengthy road travel to Tamale, thereby boosting local businesses and mining operations. Contractors have expressed optimism that the project, originally planned for a 24-month duration, could be completed ahead of schedule. In a significant move toward governance continuity, President Mahama pledged that his administration will not abandon the "Agenda 111" hospital projects initiated by the previous NPP government. He announced that 35 of these hospitals, which are currently approximately 70% complete, have been allocated specific funding to ensure completion by the end of 2025. An additional 20 hospitals are prioritized for 2027, with the President emphasizing a focus on districts that currently lack any modern healthcare facilities. While in the region, the President also commissioned a new E-Block school project in Paga and addressed local concerns regarding the Navio Bridge and potable water access. Furthermore, the President reviewed progress on the 34.23-kilometre Navrongo-Chuchuliga-Tumu road corridor, a critical link between the Upper East and Upper West regions. He announced that the second and third phases of the Big Push infrastructure programme are being prepared to include additional roads, aiming for total regional connectivity by 2028. By prioritizing the completion of inherited projects alongside new infrastructure, the Mahama administration seeks to ensure that no community is left behind in the national development agenda. This strategic focus on transport, health, and education infrastructure is expected to form the cornerstone of the government's economic revitalisation efforts over the next three years.

NPP Sets October 2026 National Executive Elections as Party Reorganises to Challenge President Mahama in 2028
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NPP Sets October 2026 National Executive Elections as Party Reorganises to Challenge President Mahama in 2028

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially scheduled its National Executive Elections for October 3, 2026, marking a pivotal step in the party’s strategy to reclaim power in the 2028 general elections. Frederick Opare-Ansah, Chairperson of the National Elections Committee, has pledged a fair and transparent process, emphasizing that the committee will strictly adhere to electoral rules to maintain party credibility. To oversee the selection process, the party has established a National Vetting Committee chaired by former Minister Cecilia Abena Dapaah. This internal reorganisation is occurring as the NPP seeks to consolidate its ranks to effectively oppose the administration of President John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). According to the official timeline, the nomination period will open on August 17, 2026, and run until late August. The vetting of aspirants is scheduled to take place between August 31 and September 3, with the final list of qualified candidates to be published on September 5. To ensure a professional and committed leadership pool, the party has set nomination fees ranging from GH"8,000 for various roles up to GH"50,000 for the highest positions. An appeals window will remain open until September 14 to address any disputes before the final polls in October, ensuring the process remains inclusive and orderly. Prominent party figures are already positioning the elections as a battle for the party's future identity. Henry Nana Boakye, the current National Organiser and a candidate for the First National Chairmanship, has stressed that the NPP requires "bold, fearless, and experienced" leadership to navigate the 2028 electoral cycle. During a campaign tour in the Bono regions, Boakye highlighted the need for a leadership team capable of standing up to what he described as intimidation from the NDC, framing the internal executive contest as the foundation for the party's eventual return to the Jubilee House. Beyond the national race, the party is also focused on regional stability and infrastructure. In the Western North Region, incumbent Chairman Benjamin Armah withdrew his re-election bid in a move to foster unity, endorsing McDaniels Nyame as his successor. In the Ashanti Region, leaders like Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu are pushing for the completion of a permanent regional office complex to strengthen the party's local operations. Simultaneously, in the Northern Region, aspirants such as Damba Abdul Rauf are proposing the creation of emergency funds to ensure financial robustness at the constituency level. These combined efforts at the national and regional levels reflect a party deeply engaged in structural renewal ahead of the next major national contest.

Former NAFCO boss trial: Godfred Dame, Augustine Obuor absent as Hannan pleads for long adjournment
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Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu Released as Legal Vacation Trials Spark Constitutional Debate

The Ghanaian judicial landscape is currently dominated by the release of former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) CEO Sedina Christine Tamakloe-Attionu and a growing controversy over the conduct of criminal trials during the traditional legal vacation. Following a significant U-turn by the Attorney-General, who withdrew a motion to block her discharge, a warrant was issued for Tamakloe-Attionu’s release in October 2026. This follows a July 2026 Court of Appeal decision that quashed her 10-year conviction for embezzlement and corruption, with the appellate court ruling that the prosecution had failed to prove 78 charges of financial misconduct beyond a reasonable doubt. While she is now free, state prosecutors have indicated they intend to challenge the acquittal at the Supreme Court, maintaining the pressure on anti-corruption efforts initiated during her tenure from 2013 to 2017. Simultaneously, the Superior Courts' practice of holding sittings during the annual legal vacation—which typically runs from August 1 to September 30—has come under intense scrutiny. Private citizen Elorm Kwami Gorni has filed a writ at the Supreme Court challenging the constitutionality of the vacation period itself, arguing that a complete suspension of court sittings violates litigants' rights to a fair and timely hearing. Conversely, veteran legal practitioner and former Attorney-General Nii Ayikoi Otoo has publicly criticized the scheduling of substantive trials during this period, stating that in his 45 years at the Bar, he has never seen such a departure from the intended rest period for judges and lawyers. This debate centers on Order 79 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, which grants the Chief Justice the authority to appoint hearing days during vacations if circumstances demand, though many in the legal fraternity argue this should be reserved for urgent matters only. The friction over vacation sittings was visible in several high-profile cases at the Accra High Court this August. The trial of Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, former CEO of the National Food and Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO), and his wife Seidu Wuni, was adjourned to August 17, 2026, after their defense counsel, including lead lawyer Godfred Yeboah Dame, were absent due to reported illness. Similarly, the court ordered Kwabena Adu-Boahene and Angela Adjei-Boateng—who are facing charges related to a GH¢49.1 million National Signals Bureau (NSB) cybersecurity case—to ensure their legal representation is present or face conducting their own cross-examination. In both instances, the prosecution and the bench have pushed for proceedings to continue, while defense teams have decried the move as an attempt to bypass the procedural protections offered by the judicial break. These developments highlight a critical tension within Ghana's democratic governance: the balance between the efficient prosecution of corruption and the protection of procedural and appellate rights. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the challenge against the legal vacation and the state’s appeal against Tamakloe-Attionu’s acquittal, the outcomes will likely redefine judicial administration and the limits of the Chief Justice’s discretionary powers. For now, the legal community remains divided on whether the drive for judicial speed justifies the erosion of long-standing traditions of the Bar, especially as high-stakes financial crime cases continue to stall over availability and health concerns of counsel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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