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 (3rd from right) in a chat with an injured officer admitted to the new block during the ceremony
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John Dramani Mahama inaugurates 85-bed ward at Police Hospital

President John Dramani Mahama has officially inaugurated the Christian Tetteh Yohuno Ward Complex at the Ghana Police Hospital. The new 85-bed facility is designed to significantly enhance healthcare delivery for both members of the Ghana Police Service and the general public. During the ceremony, the President underscored his administration's commitment to prioritizing the welfare of security personnel through targeted investments in health and housing infrastructure. In his address, President Mahama stated that Ghana is currently safer than in previous years, citing a decline in the number of unresolved murders across the country. He noted that the improved security environment has boosted public confidence, sharing an anecdote of a bus driver who expressed a sense of safety when traveling on national highways at night. The President attributed these gains to the diligent efforts of the Ghana Police Service and emphasized the government's role in providing the necessary resources to maintain order. Beyond the medical facility, the President outlined broader plans for police infrastructure modernization. He revealed a request for GH‵300m to construct new police apartments to address the housing deficit within the service. Furthermore, he announced that GH‵200m has been earmarked for the continued expansion of the Police Hospital. These financial commitments are part of a wider strategy to ensure that officers have access to decent living and working conditions while serving the nation. President Mahama also highlighted the critical need for specialized mental health support for police officers, acknowledging the high-stress nature of their duties. He urged the hospital administration to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and patient care at the new facility. This inauguration marks a pivotal step in the government's agenda to strengthen the nation's security architecture by ensuring the physical and mental well-being of those on the front lines.

Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II to chair Accra Green Initiative
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Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II to chair Accra Green Initiative

King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Steering Committee for the Accra Green and Clean Street Initiative. The appointment, made under the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy, places the traditional leader at the head of a strategic effort to transform the environmental landscape of the nation’s capital. The initiative is designed to address long-standing sanitation challenges and enhance the visual appeal of Accra’s major thoroughfares through structured public-private partnerships. A central component of the committee’s mandate is the oversight of the 'Adopt-a-Street' programme. This scheme encourages corporate organizations to sponsor and take responsibility for the maintenance and beautification of specific streets across the city. By leveraging corporate social responsibility, the government aims to secure sustainable funding and management for urban landscaping, lighting, and waste management along key routes that serve as the face of the capital. The Minister for Local Government and Chieftaincy, Mahama Ayariga, emphasized the need for tangible results during the committee's inauguration. He tasked the Ga Mantse and his team with producing clear, actionable deliverables, including the development of comprehensive operational guidelines and a robust strategy for engaging potential private sector partners. The committee is expected to serve as a vital link between traditional authority, government policy, and corporate interests to ensure the programme's long-term viability. The involvement of the Ga Mantse is seen as a significant step in mobilizing community support and cultural authority for urban renewal. As the traditional custodian of the land, his leadership is expected to provide the necessary social capital to drive participation among local businesses and residents. The success of this initiative in Accra is intended to provide a blueprint for similar sanitation and beautification projects across other metropolitan areas in Ghana.

Kojo Bamba was never my driver or bodyguard — Nana B
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Henry Nana Boakye denies Kojo Bamba served as his driver or bodyguard

Henry Nana Boakye, the Second Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has refuted claims that the party’s newly elected First Vice Chairman, Kojo Fosu Boadu, served as his personal driver and bodyguard. The clarification comes amid public discussions regarding the professional background of Boadu, popularly known as Kojo Bamba, following his recent elevation to one of the highest offices within the opposition party. Speaking in a radio interview, Boakye, who is widely known as Nana B, explained that while he and Bamba have a long history of working together, the relationship was never one of domestic or personal service. Instead, Boakye noted that he appointed Bamba to handle security and operations during his own tenures as the NPP National Youth Organiser and subsequently as the National Organiser. He emphasized that their professional partnership has spanned over a decade, characterized by Bamba’s leadership in organizational strategy and security management. The election of Kojo Bamba has faced some scrutiny due to his past association with the Delta Force group. Despite these criticisms, Bamba won the First Vice Chairman position on October 3, 2025, in a significant victory, securing more than 3,100 votes and defeating 12 other candidates. Boakye asserted that Bamba’s qualifications and his track record in party operations were the primary drivers of his success at the polls, rather than any subordinate personal history. As the NPP restructures its leadership to challenge the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2028 general elections, Boakye expressed strong confidence in Bamba’s ability to contribute to the party’s future success. He dismissed suggestions that their previous professional hierarchy would create friction in their current roles as co-executives. Boakye concluded by stressing the need for party unity and collective effort to regain political power from the administration of President John Mahama.

Law Students’ Network warns executive dominance risks constitutional review
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Law Students’ Network warns executive dominance risks constitutional review

The Law Students’ Network (LSN) has raised alarms over the executive branch’s significant influence on Ghana’s ongoing constitutional review process, warning of a fundamental conflict of interest. Speaking at a roundtable organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), LSN President Abraham Kwaku Gyasi argued that the executive should not maintain such high levels of control over reforms that are specifically intended to limit its own powers. The network emphasized that constitutional changes must undergo rigorous public scrutiny rather than being driven by the government of the day. Specific criticisms were directed at the proposal to extend the presidential term from four to five years, with the LSN demanding empirical evidence to justify why such a change is necessary for governance. The group also challenged the government's proposed model for electing District Chief Executives (DCEs), asserting that the current plan retains too much presidential influence over candidate selection. Furthermore, the LSN expressed disappointment over the government's rejection of amendments to judicial appointments and raised concerns about the practice of appointing Members of Parliament as Ministers, which they argue undermines the separation of powers. In a related push for inclusion, the Ghana Youth Federation (GYF) called for direct youth representation on the Constitution Review Implementation Committee (CRIC). GYF President Sharif Ghali emphasized that young people represent a dominant voting demographic and must be part of the decision-making process to ensure reforms reflect modern societal realities. The federation specifically advocated for the harmonization of age requirements, questioning the logic that allows 18-year-olds to vote but prevents them from seeking elective office. While the LSN welcomed certain government-accepted reforms, such as the establishment of an Independent Public Emoluments Commission, the various youth and student groups maintain that the overall process must be more inclusive. They stressed that for the constitutional review to be legitimate and effective, it must adhere strictly to democratic principles and move beyond executive-led initiatives. The discussions at the IEA forum underscore a growing demand for a reform process that empowers local democracy and ensures a fairer distribution of political representation.

A large group of National Democratic Congress (NDC) members and officials stand together for a commemorative photo during a book launch event. The stage features a prominent backdrop with portraits of John Mahama and Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, alongside a collage titled 'Historiographies of the NDC'.
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Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang launches six publications on NDC history

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has officially launched a series of six publications dedicated to documenting the institutional memory and historical journey of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Speaking at the launch event in Accra, the Vice President highlighted the necessity of systematically recording the party’s history to enhance political education and provide a deeper understanding of Ghana’s democratic evolution. The collection includes the party’s constitutional and manifesto scrolls, alongside detailed records of significant milestones achieved since the NDC’s inception. Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that preserving these political records is vital to prevent the loss of significant historical details as time passes. She noted that the publications are intended to serve as authoritative resources for researchers, students, and citizens interested in the party’s contributions to governance. NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah further explained that the initiative gained urgency following the deaths of several key party figures, which highlighted the need to capture the party’s legacy before its founding members and early leaders are no longer available to provide firsthand accounts. The materials offer a comprehensive overview of the NDC’s electoral manifestos and its governance track record over the decades. By making these records accessible, the party hopes to foster more informed and meaningful citizen participation in the political process. During the event, the Vice President also advocated for the wider distribution of these historical materials and encouraged efforts toward the digital preservation of more contemporary records to ensure they remain accessible to future generations in a modern format. Proceeds from the sale of these publications will be directed toward two primary goals: supporting the party’s ongoing reorganization efforts and providing assistance to vulnerable individuals at health facilities. The launch marks a strategic effort by the party to consolidate its intellectual heritage while providing a foundation for academic study and political analysis of its role in shaping modern Ghana.

Yusif Sulemana launches rCOMSDEP mining programme in Western Region
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Yusif Sulemana launches rCOMSDEP mining programme in Western Region

The Ministry for Lands and Natural Resources has officially launched the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP) in the Western Region. Deputy Minister Alhaji Dr. Yusif Sulemana introduced the initiative in the Ahanta West and Mpohor-Fiase areas, describing it as a vital framework to formalise small-scale mining. The programme is designed to ensure that local communities benefit directly from mineral resources while adhering to strict environmental and operational standards. During the launch, Dr. Sulemana urged cooperative operators to adopt professional environmental practices similar to those of large-scale mining companies. He specifically called on miners to allocate a portion of their earnings for land reclamation and the restoration of degraded sites. To formalise these operations, the Deputy Minister presented operational permits to the cooperatives' promoters, mandating that they reserve funds specifically for environmental restoration to mitigate the damage caused by extraction. The initiative forms part of a broader government strategy to register 50 certified Responsible Cooperative Mines across the country by the end of 2026. By bringing small-scale mining into a legitimate, regulated framework, rCOMSDEP aims to curb the influence of external unregulated miners and create sustainable jobs for local residents. Dr. Sulemana emphasized that collaboration between miners, local authorities, and the Ministry will be essential to transforming the sector into a driver of regional development and environmental sustainability.

Kofi Bentil predicts political influence in selection of Chief Justice
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Kofi Bentil predicts political influence in selection of Chief Justice

Kofi Bentil, the Vice President of IMANI Africa, has stated that political considerations and personal presidential preference will significantly influence the appointment of Ghana’s next Chief Justice. Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express, Bentil noted that as the current Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, prepares to retire later this year, President John Mahama will likely seek a candidate who inspires public confidence while being someone the executive feels comfortable collaborating with. Although judicial officers are expected to remain politically neutral, Bentil observed that presidents naturally prefer heads of the judiciary with whom they can maintain a smooth working relationship. Bentil emphasized that while all potential contenders for the position are highly qualified, the selection process involves more than a simple assessment of legal merit. He raised a strategic concern regarding the age of potential appointees, warning that if President Mahama selects candidates nearing their mandatory retirement age, it could grant the executive branch immense power. Such a move would allow the President to appoint multiple Chief Justices within a single term, potentially shaping the leadership of the judiciary for years to come. Bentil noted that while competence is a baseline requirement, loyalty and personal rapport often play decisive roles in these high-level appointments. The selection of a new head of the judiciary is viewed as a critical moment for restoring public trust in the justice system. According to Bentil, the ideal candidate must be someone widely accepted by judges, lawyers, and the general public alike. He also discussed the possibility of the President looking outside the current Supreme Court bench for a successor. While he acknowledged that an appointment from outside the court would be a significant deviation from tradition and is therefore unlikely, he stressed that the primary goal must be to command broad support across the legal fraternity and the wider population. As the retirement of Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie approaches, the focus remains on how President Mahama will balance the need for an independent jurist with the practicalities of political alignment. Bentil concluded that while it is difficult to find a candidate who will satisfy every stakeholder, there are several excellent options currently available to the President. The final choice will serve as a significant indicator of the administration's approach to judicial independence and its commitment to strengthening the third branch of government through credible leadership.

Dominic Ayine proposes duty-lawyer scheme for suspects at police stations
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Dominic Ayine proposes duty-lawyer scheme for suspects at police stations

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dr. Dominic A. Ayine has proposed the establishment of a duty-lawyer scheme at police stations and courts to safeguard the constitutional rights of suspects. Speaking at the launch of the Legal Aid Commission’s 2026 Legal Aid Week in Accra, themed "Justice at Your Doorstep," Dr. Ayine emphasized that legal representation must be accessible from the very beginning of the criminal justice process. He argued that having lawyers present during police investigations and first court appearances is essential to fulfilling the requirements of Article 14(2) of the 1992 Constitution, which protects the rights of those in custody.\n\nThe proposed initiative aims to bridge the gap in legal access for vulnerable and marginalized individuals who often face the justice system without professional guidance. Dr. Ayine called for the expansion of legal aid services beyond regional capitals into district communities through the use of mobile legal clinics. To support this growth, he urged the Ghana Bar Association to encourage more pro bono work among its members and suggested the creation of supervised legal clinics in collaboration with university law faculties to provide basic legal advice to those in need.\n\nBeyond physical representation, the Attorney General highlighted the necessity of modernizing legal aid delivery to increase its reach. This includes the implementation of technology-driven solutions, such as toll-free lines and resources available in local languages, to ensure that language barriers do not impede access to justice. Dr. Ayine also stressed the importance of securing predictable funding and ensuring transparency in legal services. He advocated for regular case reviews for individuals currently in detention without representation and the integration of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms to expedite the resolution of cases.\n\nIn his concluding remarks, Dr. Ayine reiterated that access to justice should not be a privilege reserved for those with financial means but a fundamental right for all Ghanaians. He called for closer collaboration with traditional authorities and robust performance reporting to enhance the Commission's effectiveness in the years ahead. By placing "justice at the doorstep" of every citizen, the government aims to strengthen the rule of law and ensure that the rights of every suspect are protected from the moment of arrest through to final adjudication.

Ashanti Region to get second Passport Application Centre by 2027
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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to open second Ashanti Passport Centre by 2027

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that the Ashanti Region will benefit from a second Passport Application Centre (PAC) to be established in Mampong by the first quarter of 2027. Speaking during a visit to the existing regional centre in Kumasi on October 14, 2026, the Minister explained that the new facility is essential to manage the high volume of applications in the region. He noted that the Ashanti Region currently relies on a single centre despite its large population, whereas Greater Accra is already served by three separate facilities. To further bolster service delivery nationwide, the Ministry has procured 20 new pickup vehicles to enhance the mobility of staff and support the rollout of Mobile Passport Application Centres. Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that these mobile units will become a permanent fixture of the Ministry's operations, aiming to reduce travel burdens for citizens in remote areas and significantly cut down on long queues at permanent offices. Additionally, the Minister revealed that the 2027 budget includes provisions for significant renovations at the Kumasi centre to improve the working environment and furniture for staff. In tandem with these infrastructure developments, the Passport Office has clarified its tiered service options to accommodate different applicant needs. Director of Passports, Yahaya Amantana Mahama, recently defended the introduction of a GH₵2,000 premium service that guarantees 24-hour processing. He noted that this high-speed tier exists alongside more affordable options, including a GH₵700 service for a five-day turnaround and a GH₵350 standard service with a 14-day delivery window. Mr. Mahama assured the public that ongoing operational improvements often allow for passports to be delivered even earlier than these stated timelines. Moving forward, the Ministry is preparing to present a fee structure for the intensified mobile services to Parliament for approval. The expansion in the Ashanti Region and the investment in logistics are part of a broader strategy to decentralize passport acquisition and modernize the application process across Ghana. The Minister reiterated his commitment to staff welfare and efficiency, stating that equipment upgrades and logistical support are critical to maintaining the productivity gains achieved by the Ministry.

Ben Arthur, the Chief Executive of the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), is pictured speaking at a stakeholder engagement session. He stands at a wooden podium with a tablet, positioned beside a banner detailing the transition to the Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC).
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FWSC outlines transition to Independent Public Emoluments Commission

The Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC) has launched a series of consultations regarding the establishment of the Independent Public Emoluments Commission (IPEC). This new body, a key reform initiative, is set to overhaul the determination of public sector remuneration across Ghana. Chief Executive of the FWSC, Dr. George Smith-Graham, indicated that the transition is a strategic move to harmonize allowances and create a more equitable pay structure while ensuring the fiscal sustainability of the national wage bill. During a training workshop for media practitioners, Dr. Smith-Graham explained that the IPEC would serve as the ultimate authority for approving all public sector salary structures. The reform specifically targets existing disparities in the system, which are often caused by variations in allowances and extra-salary benefits rather than basic pay levels. By shifting the focus to a comprehensive remuneration package, the commission aims to provide a more transparent and balanced framework for all public servants. A central point of the discussions was the impact of the reform on labor relations. Dr. Smith-Graham reassured stakeholders that the transition to IPEC will not undermine the right to collective bargaining. Instead, he argued that the new commission will enhance the bargaining process by providing reliable data and clearer standards for negotiations. This approach is intended to help the government attract and retain highly skilled professionals by offering competitive and fair compensation based on objective criteria. As the consultations continue, the FWSC is emphasizing the role of the media in accurately communicating these changes to the public. The commission views the establishment of IPEC as a critical step in modernizing public service efficiency and national economic management. Moving forward, the IPEC is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that public sector pay remains both fair to employees and manageable within the state's budgetary constraints.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa releases GH₵49.72m South Africa evacuation records
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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa releases GH₵49.72m South Africa evacuation records

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has released comprehensive financial records and passenger manifests detailing the expenditure of GH‵49.72 million on the evacuation of Ghanaian citizens from South Africa. This proactive disclosure is intended to address mounting scrutiny and allegations of financial impropriety raised by the Minority caucus in Parliament regarding the scale and cost of the operation. The Minister asserted that this level of transparency is a first for any Foreign Minister in Ghana, providing documented evidence to support the government's accounting of public funds. In his rebuttal to the Minority's claims, Ablakwa specifically addressed discrepancies regarding the number of evacuees. While the Minority had alleged that only 247 passengers were involved in the operation, the Minister’s records indicate that a total of 1,008 Ghanaians returned home via commercial flights. He noted that the Ministry has provided verifiable documents from the airlines to support these figures, suggesting that the opposition’s findings were based on a misinterpretation of flight data and a lack of proper due diligence. The Minister also clarified the disbursement of allowances provided to the evacuees, emphasizing that all payments are backed by receipts. Despite the release of these documents, the administration continues to face criticism from figures such as Kingsley Ofosu Ntiamoah, the former Executive Director of the Ghana Museums and Monuments Board. Speaking on Channel One TV, Ntiamoah characterized the conduct of the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government as inconsistent and unprincipled. He specifically targeted the responses of Minister Ablakwa and Communications Minister Sam George, accusing them of being dismissive and arrogant when faced with public concerns about accountability and the use of taxpayer funds. Minister Ablakwa has dismissed these criticisms as political sensationalism, urging all stakeholders to verify the facts through the provided data. He maintained that the ministry remains open to dialogue, provided it is grounded in accurate information. The ongoing dispute over the evacuation costs highlights the heightened tension between the government and the opposition regarding transparency and the management of national resources under President John Mahama's administration.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin has GH₵15m suit against Sammy Gyamfi dismissed
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Alexander Afenyo-Markin has GH₵15m suit against Sammy Gyamfi dismissed

The Accra High Court has dismissed a GH₵15 million defamation lawsuit filed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin against Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). In a ruling delivered on October 14, 2026, the court cited procedural non-compliance as the basis for throwing out the case. The presiding judge noted that the plaintiff failed to provide sufficient particulars regarding the alleged defamatory statements, which is a fundamental requirement for such legal actions to proceed. The legal dispute originated from public remarks made by Mr. Gyamfi, who reportedly labeled the Effutu Member of Parliament an "extortionist." In his suit, Mr. Afenyo-Markin sought GH₵15 million in damages, contending that the description was malicious and intended to harm his political and professional reputation. However, the court found that the suit lacked the specific details required by law to sustain a defamation claim, leading to its dismissal before the merits of the case could be adjudicated. Following the court's decision, the NDC’s Deputy National Communications Officer, Julius Kwame Anthony, called on the Minority Leader to rectify the legal errors and refile the suit if he wishes to clear his name. Mr. Anthony suggested that instead of appealing the decision on technical grounds, Mr. Afenyo-Markin should initiate a fresh action that meets the court’s requirements to prove that the allegations made by Mr. Gyamfi were false. He argued that the dismissal, if left unaddressed by a substantive trial, would leave the extortion allegations hanging over the lawmaker. In a message of resilience following the ruling, Alexander Afenyo-Markin shared a note of solidarity from the Anlo community in his Effutu constituency. During a local visit, he emphasized themes of loyalty and protection, suggesting that the support of his constituents remains firm despite the legal setback. While the ruling has sparked varied reactions online, it remains to be seen whether the Minority Leader will pursue an appeal or file a new, more detailed lawsuit to address the underlying defamation claims.