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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Martin Kpebu and Majority Whip Caution President Mahama Over Escalating Free Speech Arrests
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Martin Kpebu and Majority Whip Caution President Mahama Over Escalating Free Speech Arrests

The administration of President John Mahama is facing intense scrutiny over a reported surge in arrests related to offensive political commentary and free speech. Prominent legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has raised alarms, claiming that in the 18 months since President Mahama’s inauguration on January 7, 2025, the number of individuals detained for allegedly insulting public officials has already surpassed the total number of such arrests made during former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s entire eight-year tenure. This trend, Kpebu argues, represents a concerning record for the government and threatens the fundamental democratic principle of freedom of expression. Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points, Kpebu emphasized that harsh political language and insults are often inevitable components of democratic accountability and should not be met with state-sanctioned incarceration. He noted the irony of the current situation, reminding the public that President Mahama himself had used strong rhetoric in the past—such as the "Akyem sakawa mafia" comment—without facing legal repercussions. Kpebu advocated for a national dialogue on managing offensive speech through alternative measures, suggesting that the state should utilize fines or public "naming and shaming" rather than police intervention to protect the administration's democratic goodwill. Adding to the pressure, the Majority Chief Whip and MP for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, has expressed personal disappointment over the frequent arrests. While Dafeamekpor clarified that many of these detentions are independent actions taken by the police rather than direct government directives, he warned that the optics are damaging to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). He argued that these controversies distract from the government’s primary mandate and create a perception of dissent suppression, ultimately hurting the administration more than the insults themselves. He urged the executive to allow people the freedom to speak, asserting that verbal criticisms do not inherently threaten the stability of the government. This debate over civil liberties follows a recent massive demonstration by the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which accused the Mahama administration of political persecution and the abuse of state institutions to silence critics. During that protest, internal tensions within the political landscape were further highlighted by a public spat between Presidential Staffer Nana Yaa Jantuah and NPP figures. Ellen Ama Daaku, a Special Aide to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, notably dismissed Jantuah as a "third-tier government official" after the latter was sent to receive the opposition’s petition, reflecting the heightened friction between the two major parties. As the administration nears its second year, legal experts and political analysts suggest that the government must pivot its strategy to avoid eroding its democratic credentials. The consensus among critics like Kpebu and insiders like Dafeamekpor is that the government’s focus should remain on fulfilling its developmental mandate rather than engaging in legal battles over political speech. Moving forward, the administration faces the challenge of balancing the maintenance of public order with the constitutional right to dissent, a balance that will be crucial for maintaining public confidence leading into the next electoral cycle.

Global Political Shifts: African Media Under Pressure, New Security Pacts, and Deepening Rifts in FIFA Governance
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Global Political Shifts: African Media Under Pressure, New Security Pacts, and Deepening Rifts in FIFA Governance

The international political landscape is witnessing significant shifts, marked by a tightening of controls on expression in parts of Africa and the emergence of new strategic alliances. In Ethiopia, press freedom concerns have intensified following the abduction and interrogation of Yonas Kedir, editor-in-chief of the independent news site Addis Standard. Security forces reportedly held Kedir for 24 hours and raided the outlet’s offices, confiscating equipment after the government previously revoked its media registration. Similarly, in Senegal, a court has sentenced three TikTok influencers to prison for posts deemed insulting to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. These incidents have drawn sharp criticism from rights groups, who warn of an escalating crackdown on independent journalism and digital free speech across the continent. On the security and diplomatic front, several nations are recalibrating their international commitments. Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a landmark joint defence agreement in Mecca, establishing a mutual defense pact where an attack on one is considered an attack on all. This move comes as regional tensions rise in the Middle East, affecting critical shipping routes. Meanwhile, Uganda’s parliament has voted to deploy troops to Gaza as part of a proposed International Stabilization Force, marking the country’s first public commitment to a post-conflict mission there. In Central Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo has successfully transferred 15 detainees to M23 rebel authorities under a 2025 peace deal, signaling a fragile but tangible step toward conflict resolution. Institutional governance and domestic policies are also undergoing major transitions. In Benin, former President Patrice Talon has made a swift political comeback, being elected President of the newly formed Senate just three months after leaving the presidency. In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu hosted the outgoing ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Touray, as the regional body manages ongoing leadership transitions. On the global stage, a significant rift has opened in football governance; while the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino, European bodies like UEFA and the English FA have withdrawn support or threatened boycotts over his controversial plans for World Cup commercial rights. Finally, migration and domestic social policies remain at the forefront of the international agenda. Rwanda is currently in discussions with Italy to expand its migrant hosting program, potentially establishing return hubs for unauthorized migrants attempting to reach the European Union. In the United States, the Trump administration has introduced new guidance expanding tax incentives for employers to offer paid family leave. These developments, ranging from the protection of individual liberties to the formation of multi-national defense blocs, reflect a complex period of realignment that will likely define regional stability and international relations in the coming years.

Chief Directors urged to embrace digital tools, innovation for effective service delivery
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Ghana’s Governance Reforms Show Fragile Gains as RTI Commission Fines 254 State Institutions for Non-Compliance

Ghana’s journey toward transparent governance is showing signs of progress, though institutional challenges remain significant. Government Statistician Dr. Alhassan Iddrisu recently released the Governance Series Wave 3 Report, revealing a decline in bribery rates from 18.4% to 16.8%. While the report indicates that more Ghanaians feel included in decision-making processes, Dr. Iddrisu warned that these gains remain fragile. This warning is underscored by the Right to Information (RTI) Commission’s recent decision to fine 254 Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), GH¢20,000 each for failing to submit their 2025 annual reports. This mass sanction highlights a persistent gap between policy and practice in the public sector's commitment to transparency. At the local level, leadership is facing mounting pressure to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible infrastructure and services. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), cautioned officials at the Ashanti Regional Conference that public trust is eroding due to unmet promises. He urged assemblies to address community-specific issues like flooding and poor roads through data-driven planning and digital technology. Similarly, Professor Lord Mensah, Head of the Local Government Service, emphasized that Chief Directors must embrace innovation and artificial intelligence to improve service delivery. This call for modernization is being tested by citizen-led initiatives, such as the recent RTI request filed by Albert Tomi regarding the proposed 24-hour market at Tsito, which demands transparency in project assessments and site plans. In tandem with these administrative reforms, the state is cracking down on petty corruption and extortion within its ranks. The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) recently barred two Port Health officers from all managed airports after they were caught charging a passenger double the approved fee for a Yellow Fever Card at Kotoka International Airport. Furthermore, an immigration officer was reassigned after being filmed soliciting money from a traveler. These actions reflect a broader push for accountability, even as critics like J. B. Allotey argue that systemic corruption continues to leave vital public assets, such as completed hospitals, unused due to payment disputes. The narrative of "democracy under attack" has also emerged as a point of contention, with some observers suggesting that legal investigations into former officials are necessary steps for accountability rather than political persecution. The legal and social fabric of the nation is also undergoing scrutiny as Ghana navigates its human rights obligations. Justice Sir Dennis Dominic Adjei of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights recently argued that mandatory death penalty regimes violate the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, noting that while Ghana has moved away from mandatory sentences for murder, they remain for treason. Meanwhile, the judiciary faces internal pushback, as lawyers for former National Signals Bureau Director-General Kwabena Adu-Boahene have protested a directive to hear criminal cases during the legal vacation, calling the move discriminatory. As the administration of President John Mahama continues its term, the success of these governance reforms will likely depend on whether the state can transition from "ceremonial" compliance to a culture of genuine public service and institutional integrity.

Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, Greater Accra Regional Minister
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Regional Minister Linda Ocloo Issues 21-Day Ultimatum to Kpeshie Lagoon Buffer Zone Occupants Amid Broad Enforcement in Greater Accra

The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has intensified its campaign against unauthorized developments by issuing a 21-day ultimatum to residents and business owners situated within the Kpeshie Lagoon buffer zone. This directive, led by the Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Ocloo, specifically targets structures at Laboma Beach and notable establishments such as Pink Flamingo. The move is a central component of government efforts to mitigate chronic flooding in the capital by reclaiming critical drainage channels and restoring the natural capacity of the lagoon. Regional Minister Ocloo’s directive follows an inspection which revealed that illegal constructions have significantly hampered the lagoon's drainage capacity, leaving surrounding areas vulnerable. Although a demolition exercise was initially considered for immediate execution, REGSEC opted to grant a three-week grace period to allow occupants to voluntarily clear their structures. The Minister emphasized that previous warnings to halt construction in these high-risk areas were ignored, stating that non-compliance at the end of the 21 days will lead to forcible removal and demolition. Parallel to the actions at Kpeshie, the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has launched a similar enforcement exercise at the Tema Manhean beach. This initiative focuses on reclaiming designated security zones and has received formal backing from the Tema Youth Association and local traditional authorities. According to TMA Public Relations Officer Frank Asante, the 15-day operation is intended to enhance public safety and sanitation while creating a conducive environment for future economic investment. These coordinated efforts by REGSEC and the TMA reflect an increasing urgency within the Greater Accra administration to tackle urban planning challenges and environmental degradation. As the deadlines for these exercises approach, the focus remains on whether these interventions will provide long-term relief from seasonal flooding and set a lasting precedent for the protection of public lands and waterways. The success of these measures will likely depend on sustained enforcement and the continued cooperation of local communities in maintaining the integrity of the reclaimed zones.

VP Opoku-Agyemang Condemns Early 2028 NDC Flagbearer Debates, Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Women’s Development Bank
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VP Opoku-Agyemang Condemns Early 2028 NDC Flagbearer Debates, Reaffirms Government’s Commitment to Women’s Development Bank

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has issued a stern warning to members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) against engaging in premature discussions regarding the party's 2028 flagbearer. Speaking on The KSM Show on August 7, 2026, the Vice President characterized early succession maneuvers as a "betrayal" of the mandate given to the government by Ghanaian voters. She emphasized that the party's primary responsibility is to support President John Mahama in fulfilling his administration's promises and addressing the country's immediate challenges, rather than distracting from governance with future political ambitions. She noted that the trust placed in the current government by the public must be respected through diligent service. During her media appearance, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang underscored that the NDC's future electoral success depends entirely on its current performance and its ability to deliver on the promises made during the 2024 campaign. She criticized the distraction of internal campaigning, arguing that it undermines the extensive work that went into the policy proposals led by President Mahama. "Whether we are going or coming depends on the work we are doing," she stated, urging party officials and volunteers to remain focused on the task of national development. The Vice President warned that deviating from this focus to pursue individual presidential ambitions could erode the hard-won confidence the electorate has in the administration. Beyond internal party politics, the Vice President provided a significant progress report on a flagship economic initiative: the Women's Development Bank. She confirmed that the government remains fully committed to launching the institution by the end of 2026. The bank is specifically designed to provide financial services to women in the informal sector who are often excluded from traditional banking due to a lack of collateral or formal financial records. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the bank as a pillar of President Mahama’s agenda for economic recovery and social equity, ensuring that those at the lowest economic levels are empowered through targeted fiscal support and skills development. The Vice President also touched upon moments of crisis and international diplomacy, reflecting on the emotional toll of a recent fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of several senior government officials. She described the shock and disbelief she felt upon hearing the news but emphasized the need for calm leadership to guide the nation through such tragedies. On the diplomatic front, she recently met with the outgoing Brazilian Ambassador, Mariana Gonçalves Madeira, to reaffirm the strong partnership between Ghana and Brazil. The Vice President thanked the Ambassador for her contributions to bilateral cooperation in energy and agriculture, signaling that the Mahama administration remains focused on both internal stability and critical international development goals.

President John Dramani Mahama
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President Mahama Unveils Cenotaph for Late Defence Minister Omane Boamah on Anniversary of Fatal Helicopter Crash

On August 6, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama presided over a series of commemorative events marking the one-year anniversary of the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including the late Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah. Speaking at an interfaith memorial service, the President assured the bereaved families that the nation continues to mourn their loss, emphasizing that their loved ones did not die alone but in the service of Ghana. The victims were engaged in a critical anti-illegal mining mission when the tragedy occurred in 2025, a sacrifice the President noted would forever be etched in the country's history. A significant highlight of the day was the unveiling of a cenotaph and statue at the Ministry of Defence in Accra, dedicated specifically to Dr. Omane Boamah. President Mahama, who shared a deep personal and political bond with the late Minister, described him as a "true friend, a younger brother, and a loyalist." He highlighted Boamah's historic role as the first Ghanaian Defence Minister to die while in office, praising his contributions to strengthening the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and enhancing democratic governance. Following the unveiling, the President lit a memorial candle to honor all eight victims, calling on Ghanaians to emulate their integrity, selflessness, and dedication to public service. In tandem with these memorial activities, the government has moved forward with its commitment to military modernization to honor the legacy of the fallen. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Acting Minister for Defence, recently commissioned several new facilities at Burma Camp, including the Butler Barracks accommodation and office complex. These upgrades, which also include a modern music hall for the GAF Central Band, are designed to significantly improve the living and working conditions of military personnel. Dr. Forson emphasized that enhancing military welfare is directly linked to operational readiness and national security, urging the Military High Command to ensure the rigorous maintenance of these new national assets. These developments underscore a dual focus by the Mahama administration: honoring the legacy of past service while investing heavily in the future of the nation's security architecture. Air Vice Marshal Joshua Mensah-Larkai noted during the commissioning that military readiness begins with the welfare of the soldiers at home. By memorializing those lost in the line of duty and simultaneously upgrading infrastructure, the government aims to foster a culture of excellence and resilience within the Ghana Armed Forces, ensuring that the sacrifices of 2025 continue to inspire a more robust and dedicated defense force.

Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan
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Mahama Administration Targets Energy Reforms and Sector Modernization Amid Opposition Scrutiny over Fuel Relief

The Mahama administration is aggressively pushing a multi-pronged development agenda, with Energy Minister Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor setting a target of at least 10% renewable energy in the national electricity generation mix by 2030. Speaking at the Bui Power Authority (BPA) Annual Stakeholders Meeting, Dr. Jinapor tasked the BPA to lead this expansion through projects like the Yendi Solar Project and ongoing solar-plus-battery storage initiatives. Alongside these green goals, the Minister issued a stern directive to non-exempt state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to settle their outstanding electricity bills. He emphasized that unpaid debts shift financial burdens to private consumers and hinder new generation capacity, announcing the introduction of remote meter reading technology to improve revenue collection and restore financial sustainability to the sector. A significant point of political contention has emerged over the government's recent GH•2 per litre reduction in diesel prices. Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, clarified that this one-month relief measure is funded by reducing regulatory margins from the National Petroleum Authority rather than through taxes or state funds. However, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised transparency concerns. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Chairman of the NPP Policy Coordination Committee, characterized the move as a temporary fix that fails to address the sustained price hikes seen over the past 18 months. The NPP is calling for a detailed fiscal impact analysis, particularly given the World Bank's recent downgrade of the national Energy Sector Recovery Programme. In the agricultural and environmental sectors, the government is focusing on human capital and infrastructure. Minister of Food and Agriculture Eric Opoku has pledged support for 115 agricultural professionals who recently graduated from Russia, allocating 750 acres of irrigated land for commercial vegetable production to boost food security. Simultaneously, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ahmed Ibrahim announced plans to evolve Ghana’s waste management ecosystem around transfer stations. Following a directive from President Mahama for a nationwide clean-up after recent flooding in Accra, the ministry is collaborating with the Jospong Group to integrate private sector solutions into a more resilient national sanitation strategy. Beyond these policy implementations, the administration faces growing calls for regional infrastructure improvements to ease logistical burdens. Sheikh Mohammed Ridwan, Chairman of the Ashanti Regional Muslim Peace Committee, has appealed directly to President Mahama to facilitate direct Hajj flights from the Prempeh I International Airport in Kumasi starting in 2027. Proponents argue that utilizing the recently expanded airport would alleviate the severe congestion and accommodation shortages currently experienced at the Accra Hajj Village. Collectively, these initiatives and the resulting political debates reflect the Mahama administration's efforts to balance long-term sustainability goals with immediate economic relief and infrastructure demands across Ghana's diverse regions.

Johnson Asiedu Nketia - NDC National Chairman
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National Democratic Congress Unveils 2026 Election Roadmap and Responds to Supreme Court Electoral Reforms

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has officially released a comprehensive roadmap for its 2026 internal elections, signaling a major phase of reorganization ahead of the 2028 general elections. According to the timetable approved by the Functional Executive Committee (FEC), the process begins with constituency-level nominations from September 15 to 17, 2026, leading to elections on October 24 and 25. For national executive positions, nominations will open on October 20 and close the following day via an online portal. The schedule includes a filing period from November 7 to 9 and vetting on November 12 and 13, all culminating in a National Congress on December 19, 2026. This structured approach aims to ensure transparency and institutional stability as the party prepares to refresh its leadership hierarchy across all levels. The announcement coincides with significant judicial changes to Ghana’s political landscape. NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has affirmed the party’s readiness to comply with a Supreme Court ruling that declares the traditional delegate system unconstitutional for selecting candidates. The Court has mandated a "one-member-one-vote" system for parliamentary and presidential primaries to be implemented within a year. While Mr. Nketiah acknowledged that this shift would likely increase the financial burden of running primaries, he emphasized that the party’s existing membership register provides a solid foundation for the transition. He also advocated for state funding of primary elections to mitigate costs and reduce the influence of private money in politics, proposing a regulatory body to oversee public fund distribution to certified parties. To further strengthen its institutional identity, the NDC has unveiled a six-volume publication chronicling its historiography and role in the development of Ghana’s Fourth Republic. This collection aims to preserve the party's legacy and provide an archival reference for future generations. In a parallel move to broaden its communication reach, Deputy Communication Officer Godwin Ako Gunn announced that the party will resume appearances on Oman FM and its affiliates starting August 10. This ends a previous boycott of the station, which was historically associated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and reflects a strategic effort to engage with diverse media houses and wider audiences. These internal developments are set against a broader national conversation regarding the health of Ghana’s democracy. Analysts suggest that the move away from delegate-based voting is a critical step toward curbing vote-buying and empowering the youth, who have often felt marginalized by current party structures. By aligning its internal processes with the Supreme Court’s directive and reinforcing its historical narrative, the NDC appears focused on building a more inclusive and accountable political platform. The successful execution of these 2026 elections and the transition to a broader voting base will be a vital test of the party’s ability to modernize while maintaining unity under the current administration of President John Mahama.

Chairman Wontumi Seeks Bail Pending Appeal as President Mahama Confronts Party Complicity in Galamsey Crisis
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Chairman Wontumi Seeks Bail Pending Appeal as President Mahama Confronts Party Complicity in Galamsey Crisis

The legal battle surrounding illegal mining in Ghana has reached a critical juncture as Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) known as Chairman Wontumi, filed a motion for bail at the High Court in Accra. Currently serving a 20-year prison sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons for illegal mining activities in Samreboi, Wontumi is appealing his conviction. His legal team, led by Samuel Atta Akyea, submitted the application on August 5, 2026, citing statutory provisions for temporary release while the appellate process unfolds. The High Court has scheduled the hearing for August 19, 2026, in a case that also involves Akonta Mining Company Limited and has drawn intense public scrutiny regarding the accountability of high-profile political figures. This legal development occurs against a backdrop of renewed national reflection on the devastating impact of 'galamsey' and the political will required to stop it. President John Mahama has notably acknowledged that members within his own political ranks have been complicit in illegal mining, an admission that highlights the deep-seated challenges in eradicating the practice. This internal struggle was recently underscored by a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians during an anti-galamsey operation, serving as a somber reminder of the human cost of the environmental crisis. While figures like Kwasi Kyei Darkwah (KKD), the Presidential Special Envoy to the Caribbean, have called for empathy and mercy for the incarcerated Wontumi, others argue that strict legal accountability is the only way to honor those who have died fighting the menace. Despite the complexities, the government maintains that its enforcement strategies are yielding results. Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Yusif Sulemana, recently reported significant progress through the Natural Resources Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) and the Blue Water Guards initiative. According to the Ministry, these efforts have led to measurable improvements in water quality in several major rivers and the successful reclamation of portions of degraded forest reserves. However, the persistence of the problem is highlighted by recent reports from Global (Ghana) Ore Industries Limited, which has called for a police investigation into alleged vandalism and site obstruction at its Aboso-Bompieso concession by local community members. Looking toward long-term sustainability, policy experts are advocating for a structural shift in how Ghana manages its mineral wealth. Dr. Emmanuel Steve Asare Manteaw, Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), is urging the government to convert its mining stakes into equity rather than just collecting dividends. He argues that this approach would enhance local participation and ensure more lasting benefits for the economy. Dr. Manteaw cautioned against abrupt, populist policy changes such as the seizure of foreign concessions, suggesting instead a comprehensive strategy to reform the sector. As the nation awaits the High Court's decision on August 19, the intersection of legal enforcement, political accountability, and industrial reform remains the central focus of Ghana’s environmental and economic agenda.