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.

Volta NDC Youth Organiser aspirant targets ‘who you know’ culture with proposed opportunity centre
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Kwame Junior Asiemoah launches bid for NDC Volta Youth Organiser

Kwame Junior Asiemoah, a prominent youth advocate and former Deputy Regional Youth Organiser, has officially launched his campaign and filed his nomination for the position of Volta Regional Youth Organiser for the National Democratic Congress (NDC). During a manifesto launch held in Ho, Asiemoah—popularly known as JAK-UP—unveiled a comprehensive six-pillar strategy aimed at revitalizing the party's youth wing. His vision focuses on transforming the organization into a vehicle for professional and personal development, ensuring that the energy of the youth is harnessed for more than just electoral mobilization. The centerpiece of Asiemoah’s campaign is the proposed establishment of a Youth Opportunity Centre in the Volta Region. This initiative is specifically designed to dismantle the 'who you know' culture that frequently limits access to jobs and educational resources. The centre will serve as a transparent clearinghouse for employment listings, scholarships, and skills training programmes, allowing young people to secure opportunities based on merit rather than political or personal connections. Asiemoah emphasized that this platform is essential for restoring hope and equity among the party’s grassroots supporters. In addition to the opportunity centre, the aspirant's manifesto includes the 'Volta Youth Drive,' a strategic initiative to promote regional tourism and create sustainable economic opportunities. Asiemoah highlighted the need for accountability and improved organizational structures within the youth wing to better serve its members. By leveraging his previous experience in regional leadership, he pledged to build an inclusive organization where every member can envision a meaningful career path within the party and the broader national economy. As the NDC internal elections approach, Asiemoah’s proposals have gathered significant attention for their focus on providing tangible resources for the youth. He promised to lead with commitment and transparency, aiming to make the NDC youth wing a more effective and accountable body. Further details regarding the rollout of his six-pillar manifesto are expected to be shared as the campaign moves into its next phase.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin loses GH₵15m defamation case on procedural grounds
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Alexander Afenyo-Markin loses GH₵15m defamation case on procedural grounds

The Accra High Court has dismissed a GH₵15 million defamation lawsuit filed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin against Sammy Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board. The presiding judge struck out the case based on procedural defects, ruling that the writ of summons was fundamentally flawed and failed to meet the specific legal requirements necessary for a libel action. This legal setback stems from a public broadcast in which Gyamfi allegedly characterized Afenyo-Markin as an "extortionist." The dispute originates from comments Gyamfi made regarding financial losses related to the Bank of Ghana’s Domestic Gold Purchase Programme. In response to being labeled an extortionist, Afenyo-Markin sought GH₵15 million in damages to compensate for the alleged harm to his reputation. However, the court's recent ruling did not address the substance of Gyamfi's claims, focusing instead on the technical failures of the filing. The court highlighted that specific compliance rules for libel cases were not met, meaning the proceedings could not continue under the current writ. Following the court’s decision, the Minority Leader has faced internal pressure from within the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Private legal practitioner and NPP member Ross Osei Owusu has called for Afenyo-Markin to step down from his leadership position if he is unable to legally clear his name. Owusu stressed the necessity of a full exoneration, arguing that the allegations of extortion are too serious to remain unaddressed. This development has become a significant topic of national debate, featuring prominently on current affairs programs such as JoyNews’ Newsfile. While the current suit has been thrown out, the legal path remains open for Afenyo-Markin to correct the procedural errors and refile the action. The case continues to draw public attention to the broader issues of political accountability and the conduct of state officials. As the Minority Leader evaluates his next steps, the political implications of the unresolved allegations remain a point of contention during the current administration of President John Mahama.

President John Dramani Mahama speaking during the commissioning of the new envoys.
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John Dramani Mahama applies for Ghana to join BRICS as partner

President John Dramani Mahama has officially applied for Ghana to join the BRICS economic bloc, seeking to enter as a partner country. The move, announced during the swearing-in ceremony for four new ambassadors, aims to enhance development partnerships and deepen South-South cooperation. The formal application was initiated on October 6, 2026, as part of a strategic effort to widen opportunities for trade and investment while leveraging the bloc for national economic growth. President Mahama emphasized that the bid is intended to diversify the nation’s international ties while maintaining strong relationships with traditional partners. He noted that the global economic environment is evolving, requiring Ghana to adapt its strategies to remain competitive. By engaging with the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—the government seeks to leverage new platforms for industrialization and improve its standing in the international market. The President charged the newly commissioned ambassadors with the responsibility of promoting Ghana's BRICS engagement in their host countries. He specifically highlighted the need for strategic economic diplomacy that produces measurable benefits for Ghanaians. This includes supporting local businesses in accessing foreign markets and attracting investments that align with the nation's priority of transforming natural resources into finished goods to create lasting employment. This application represents a significant step in Ghana’s foreign policy, focusing on industrialization and job creation. President Mahama reiterated that the partnership would provide a foundation for long-term economic stability and international cooperation. The government intends to use this partner status to build a pathway toward eventual full membership, ensuring that the country’s development goals are supported by a diverse array of global economic alliances.

A street view in Cape Coast, Ghana, depicting daily economic activity with local storefronts, street vendors under orange umbrellas, and various vehicles including a Toyota pickup truck. The scene shows the bustling urban environment and typical trading infrastructure found in the region.
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Cape Coast residents applaud Ghana's bid to join BRICS trade group

Residents and traders in Cape Coast have expressed strong support for the Ghanaian government’s formal application to join BRICS, a group comprising major emerging economies. The move is seen by many in the coastal city as a strategic step toward expanding the nation’s economic horizons beyond traditional Western markets. According to local sentiment, membership in the bloc—which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—could unlock significant trade opportunities and attract fresh foreign direct investment into critical sectors of the Ghanaian economy. The enthusiasm in Cape Coast follows a statement from the Foreign Minister, who clarified that the partnership is intended to diversify Ghana’s international alliances. The government maintains that joining BRICS is not a departure from established diplomatic relationships but a supplementary effort to strengthen global economic ties. For traders in the Central Region, the prospect of reduced trade barriers and enhanced cooperation with some of the world's fastest-growing economies represents a potential boost for local commerce and industrialisation efforts. Despite the general optimism, some residents have voiced concerns regarding the potential diplomatic and economic implications of the bid. Specifically, there are questions about how this shift might affect Ghana's long-standing relations with Western powers, most notably the United States. Local business owners have also called on the government to provide more clarity on its strategy to safeguard national interests and ensure that local industries are protected from any adverse competition that might arise from closer integration with BRICS nations. As the application process moves forward, the demand for transparency remains high. Citizens in Cape Coast are urging the Mahama administration to engage in broader public consultation to explain the long-term benefits and risks associated with membership. The outcome of this bid is widely expected to shape Ghana's foreign policy and economic trajectory for years to come, as the nation seeks to balance its traditional alliances with new global partnerships.

Thirty NDC aspirants file nominations for Upper West regional roles
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Thirty NDC aspirants file nominations for Upper West regional roles

Thirty aspirants have successfully filed their nomination forms at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) regional office in Wa, seeking various executive positions in the Upper West Region. This step marks a significant phase in the party's internal reorganization as it prepares for the upcoming regional delegates conference. The filing period saw a surge of interest from party members dedicated to strengthening the NDC's structure and leadership as part of a broader strategy for regional dominance. The regional chairmanship race has emerged as a focal point of the contest, with Sombawiere Samba filing to challenge the incumbent regional chairman, Abdul Nasir Saani. Other prominent filings include Boniface Tienaah, who is contesting for the vice-chairmanship. These aspirants have centered their campaigns on themes of grassroots empowerment and enhancing party infrastructure to ensure the NDC remains a formidable force in the region, focusing specifically on retaining existing parliamentary seats. Beyond the top-tier roles, the nominations cover a wide range of regional executive duties. The aspirants are unified by a common objective: to reorganize the party effectively at the local level. The enthusiasm observed at the party's regional office during the filing process reflects a high level of engagement among the membership and a drive for both leadership renewal and consolidation of party gains. Following the submission of forms, a total of 60 aspirants are expected to undergo a vetting process scheduled for this Friday. This vetting is a mandatory requirement to ensure all candidates meet the party's strict eligibility criteria before they proceed to the regional delegates conference scheduled for next month. The outcome of these elections is expected to shape the NDC’s strategic direction and grassroots mobilization efforts in the Upper West Region for the coming years.

Mahama Ayariga unveils Jimi reclamation project for flood management
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Mahama Ayariga unveils Jimi reclamation project for flood management

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has unveiled the Jimi Land Reclamation and Watercourse Rehabilitation Project, a strategic initiative aimed at addressing the dual challenges of flooding and land degradation in Ghana. This project forms part of a broader government strategy to improve drainage systems and enhance environmental sustainability across the country. By focusing on the restoration of degraded landscapes, the ministry seeks to mitigate the impact of heavy rains on local communities and protect vital infrastructure. In a detailed update regarding the project’s objectives, Mr. Ayariga emphasized that the rehabilitation of watercourses is critical for ensuring efficient water flow and reducing the risk of perennial flooding. The Jimi project specifically targets areas where land degradation has compromised natural drainage channels, leading to increased vulnerability during the rainy season. The Minister noted that restoring these ecosystems is not only an environmental necessity but also a socio-economic imperative to safeguard the livelihoods of residents who are frequently displaced or disadvantaged by flood events. The initiative is expected to significantly improve the living conditions of the beneficiary communities by creating a safer and more stable environment. Mr. Ayariga reiterated that the government remains committed to sustainable development practices that balance current needs with the preservation of natural resources for future generations. As the ministry moves forward with the Jimi Land Reclamation Project, it serves as a key component of the national agenda to build climate-resilient infrastructure and promote responsible land management across Ghana’s diverse landscapes.

Henry Nana Boakye denies pressuring Foreign Minister over service passport
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Henry Nana Boakye denies pressuring Foreign Minister over service passport

Henry Nana Boakye, the Second Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has officially denied allegations that he pressured the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to retain a service passport. The rebuttal comes in response to claims made by the Majority Caucus, which suggested that Boakye was among those attempting to circumvent a standing directive for former officials to return official travel documents following the change in administration. Providing details on the matter, Boakye clarified that his only engagement with the Foreign Ministry regarding his travel documents was a request to transfer a valid United States visa from his service passport to his ordinary passport. He explained that after being informed of the complex bureaucratic procedures required for such a transfer, he chose to abandon the process. He stressed that his intention was never to keep the service passport and that he had already moved to comply with the requirement to surrender official documents. Boakye further criticized the allegations as a baseless attempt to create a political distraction. He argued that it would be illogical to seek the retention of a document that is no longer valid for his use under the current government. By addressing the claims directly, the NPP executive sought to reaffirm his adherence to the protocols governing the transition of power and the return of state property by outgoing officials, calling on political actors to focus on more pressing national concerns.

Donald Trump cancels livestream of Fort Hood shooter’s execution
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Donald Trump cancels livestream of Fort Hood shooter’s execution

United States President Donald Trump has reversed a controversial plan to livestream the upcoming execution of Nidal Hasan, the former military psychiatrist responsible for the 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood. While the execution remains scheduled to be carried out by a firing squad on December 3, 2026, the President announced on Truth Social that the broadcast component has been cancelled. This decision follows significant backlash from international bodies and domestic advocacy groups, marking a pivot in the handling of what will be the first U.S. Army execution in more than 60 years. The initial proposal to broadcast the execution drew sharp criticism from the United Nations and various human rights organisations, who described the plan as "abhorrent." Public sentiment in the United States also showed strong opposition, with polls indicating that 80% of American adults were against the livestream. The Pentagon has confirmed its alignment with the President’s revised directive, noting that the original plan was highly controversial and potentially in violation of existing military regulations regarding the privacy and dignity of judicial proceedings. Despite the cancellation of the public broadcast, the families of Hasan’s victims will still be permitted to attend the execution in person. President Trump emphasised that the survivors and relatives of the 13 people killed in the 2009 attack deserve to witness justice firsthand. In his announcement, the President also expressed his ongoing support for capital punishment in the case, while mentioning he had not previously been aware that Hasan is currently paralysed. The use of a firing squad, a method not used by the U.S. Army since the mid-20th century, underscores the gravity of the crimes committed. The case has reignited a broader national debate over the transparency of the military justice system and the ethics of state-sanctioned executions. By removing the livestreaming element, the administration has returned to more traditional protocols for capital punishment, even as the method of execution remains a point of intense public interest. As the December 2026 date approaches, legal experts suggest the case will continue to serve as a significant touchstone for discussions on military law and the application of the death penalty in the modern era.

A photograph showing two men shaking hands across a meeting table while exchanging a brown envelope. The man on the left wears a sash in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) colors, while supporters in the background wear 'EBK' branded white t-shirts and caps.
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Dr. Stanley Nelvis Glate files nomination for NDC Volta regional secretary

Dr. Stanley Nelvis Glate, a senior lecturer at Ho Technical University, has officially filed his nomination to contest the vacant Volta regional secretary position of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The vacancy in the regional leadership arose following the appointment of the previous secretary, James Gunu, as the Volta regional minister in the current administration of President John Mahama. Dr. Glate’s entry into the race marks a significant step in the party’s efforts to reorganize its regional secretariat. Campaigning under the theme "A Fresh Drive for Volta NDC," Dr. Glate has outlined a platform centered on administrative reform and enhanced grassroots engagement. He advocates for a more accessible and responsive regional secretariat, aiming to improve communication between the party’s leadership and its constituents. Dr. Glate believes that modernizing the secretariat’s operations is essential for maintaining the NDC’s strength and responsiveness in its traditional stronghold. The contest for the regional secretary position also features Bright Kwashie Ege, the current acting regional secretary, who has filed his nomination to secure the role on a substantive basis. Mr. Ege’s campaign emphasizes his experience in the acting role, focusing on executive welfare, decentralized administration, and infrastructure development. The race highlights a choice for delegates between Dr. Glate’s vision for organizational reform and Mr. Ege’s focus on administrative continuity and the "Reset Agenda" vision of the party leadership. In addition to the secretary race, other regional positions are being contested, including that of the deputy regional organiser, where the incumbent Elliot Wogbe is seeking re-election. These internal polls, scheduled for next month, are a key component of the NDC’s broader strategy to strengthen its structures across the country. The outcome will determine the leadership team responsible for coordinating party activities and mobilizing support in the Volta Region ahead of future political cycles.

Kojo Bonsu presents credentials to Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel
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Kojo Bonsu presents credentials to Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel

Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, has officially presented his letters of credence to the President of Nepal, Ram Chandra Paudel, in a formal ceremony held in Kathmandu. The event marks a strategic step in deepening diplomatic relations between the two nations, with Ambassador Bonsu representing Ghana’s interests in Nepal while concurrently serving his primary mission in Beijing. During the presentation, Ambassador Bonsu conveyed fraternal greetings from President John Mahama to the Nepalese leader and the people of Nepal. President Paudel commended the Ambassador’s proactive efforts in promoting Ghana across the Asian region and expressed Nepal's readiness to collaborate more closely with the West African nation. The discussions underscored the shared values of both countries as members of the Global South, emphasizing the importance of South-South cooperation in addressing contemporary global challenges. Specific areas of bilateral interest identified during the meeting include agricultural technology, tourism, and education. Ambassador Bonsu highlighted Ghana’s commitment to exploring Nepalese expertise in high-altitude agriculture and proposed the establishment of educational scholarship programmes and cultural exchange initiatives. Both leaders noted the cultural similarities between their peoples, which they believe provide a solid foundation for more robust social and economic ties. The diplomatic mission is expected to pave the way for formal agreements that will facilitate trade and technical partnerships in the coming years. By strengthening ties with Nepal, the Mahama administration continues its strategy of expanding Ghana's diplomatic footprint and influence within Asia. Both countries have expressed optimism that this renewed engagement will result in tangible mutual benefits, particularly in the sectors of sustainable tourism and agricultural innovation.

Michael Kpakpo Allotey leads demolition of unauthorized Agbogbloshie pigsty
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Michael Kpakpo Allotey leads demolition of unauthorized Agbogbloshie pigsty

Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey has personally supervised the demolition of an unauthorized pigsty at Agbogbloshie that was significantly hindering local sanitation efforts. The structure was identified as a major obstruction to the ongoing National Emergency Waste Evacuation Exercise, which is designed to clear accumulated refuse and improve drainage in the capital. The enforcement action follows a period of monitoring by city officials who identified the facility as both a health hazard and a logistical bottleneck. The demolition was carried out by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) after the pigsty's operators failed to comply with several notices, including a final warning to voluntarily remove the structure. According to city officials, the facility was operating without the necessary permits and was in direct violation of the AMA’s Control of Animals By-law, 2017. This regulation mandates specific standards for animal husbandry within the metropolis to ensure that such activities do not compromise public health or urban planning. Mayor Allotey emphasized during the exercise that his administration would not tolerate illegal structures that undermine the assembly's commitment to a cleaner city. He noted that while the AMA supports local businesses, compliance with sanitation laws is non-negotiable, particularly when such structures interfere with essential public services like waste evacuation. The Mayor reiterated that maintaining public health remains a top priority and that similar enforcement actions would continue across the city to ensure all residents and business owners adhere to established bylaws.

Mahama Ayariga announces redevelopment of Aboabo Market in Tamale
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Mahama Ayariga announces redevelopment of Aboabo Market in Tamale

Mahama Ayariga, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has announced government plans to redevelop the Aboabo Market in Tamale into a modern trading facility. The initiative is designed to upgrade the market's infrastructure to better support the regional economy and improve the daily environment for both traders and customers. This announcement follows a site assessment and direct engagement with local stakeholders to ensure the project meets the community's specific needs. The redevelopment project aims to provide modern amenities while strictly adhering to a policy of non-displacement. Minister Ayariga emphasized that the current vendors will not be moved to make way for the new structures; instead, the focus is on enhancing the existing space to facilitate smoother business operations. He highlighted that well-designed and efficient markets are essential pillars for economic growth and are a key component in the government’s strategy to achieve a 24-hour economy. During his visit to the market, Ayariga held extensive consultations with market leadership to align the government’s vision with the practical requirements of the traders. By integrating these perspectives, the Ministry hopes to create a facility that not only increases the volume of trade but also provides a safer and more hygienic environment. The project is expected to stimulate job creation within the Tamale metropolis, serving as a hub for commercial activity in the northern region.