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.

'My comment was inappropriate' – MP apologises after telling schoolgirl he would marry her
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MP Yakubu Mohammed Faces Disciplinary Petitions and Public Outcry Over Inappropriate Remarks to Schoolgirl

Ahafo Ano South East Member of Parliament, Yakubu Mohammed, is at the center of a growing national controversy following inappropriate remarks made to a nine-year-old primary school pupil during a recent educational visit to Parliament. In a video that quickly went viral, Mohammed was captured complimenting the student’s appearance and joking that he would marry her when she grew up. The incident has sparked significant public outrage, with critics arguing that such comments from a public official are not only unprofessional but also reinforce harmful stereotypes and undermine the safety of children in official environments. In response to the backlash, Mohammed issued an unqualified apology on July 31, 2026, acknowledging that his remarks were "inappropriate" and "unfortunate." He explained that the comments were intended as a "playful cultural jest" rooted in the traditional joking relationship between the Mossi and Dagomba ethnic groups. However, the MP admitted that cultural nuances do not justify such language when directed at a minor. He expressed deep regret for the discomfort caused to the child, her family, and The Citasel School, and he announced that he has initiated efforts to apologize personally to the affected parties to reaffirm his commitment to children's rights. Despite the apology, political figures and advocates are calling for institutional accountability. Akosua Manu, a Gender and Social Protection Advisor and former NPP parliamentary candidate, has officially petitioned Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin to investigate the MP’s conduct. Manu argues that the remarks breached parliamentary standards and violated provisions of the Children’s Act, necessitating a formal inquiry and potential sanctions. Similarly, Obaa Yaa Frimpong, Chairperson of the NPP-USA Branch, characterized the apology as insufficient, describing the incident as an institutional failure in Parliament’s duty of care toward visiting students. Human rights organizations have also demanded structural reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Rights Accountability Network Africa (RANA) has urged Parliament to implement comprehensive child safeguarding protocols and has recommended that MP Yakubu Mohammed be barred from official engagements involving children until he completes accredited safeguarding training. Rev. Hornam Adzraku-Kevi of the Purim African Youth Development Platform further stressed that leaders must inspire girls to value education and leadership over physical appearance, urging a shift in how public officials interact with the youth. As the Speaker considers the petitions, the incident has highlighted a significant gap in the protection of minors within public spaces in Ghana. Advocates are pushing for the matter to be referred to the Privileges Committee for a formal reprimand and for the introduction of mandatory child safeguarding training for all Members of Parliament. This case serves as a critical reminder of the influence leaders wield over young citizens and the institutional responsibility to ensure that state environments like Parliament remain safe, professional, and inspiring spaces for the next generation of leaders.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa — Minister of Foreign Affairs, addressing the press
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President Mahama’s Administration Accelerates Public Sector Reforms and Citizen Protections Amidst Regional Volatility

The Government of Ghana, under the leadership of President John Mahama, has initiated a comprehensive suite of public sector reforms and humanitarian interventions designed to strengthen national stability and improve service delivery. Central to these efforts is the successful evacuation of 1,242 Ghanaians from Libya, Cambodia, and Côte d’Ivoire this year, an operation led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address irregular migration, human trafficking, and recruitment fraud. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also moved to dispel misinformation regarding Ghana’s international standing, confirming that the reciprocal visa-free travel arrangement with South Africa remains fully intact. These diplomatic efforts are being complemented domestically by the National Public Sector Reform Strategy (NPSRS II). Spearheaded by Minister of State Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba, the strategy aims to fully digitize public services to enhance efficiency, reduce corruption, and streamline processes at key agencies like the DVLA and the Passport Office. On the industrial and economic front, the administration is focusing on revitalizing strategic state assets while tackling the national housing deficit. Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah recently clarified that the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO) is not for sale, but is instead negotiating a US$700 million capital infusion to clear legacy debts and potentially expand its workforce from 800 to 5,000 employees. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, led by Minister Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has launched the VIRAL Model Assessment. This initiative, in partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank, seeks to diagnose the housing ecosystem and create a sustainable framework for affordable housing. However, these developmental goals face warnings from economic experts like Professor Godfred Bokpin, who noted that persistent power outages and infrastructure gaps require an estimated US$10 billion in annual investment to prevent Ghana from sliding toward a "failed state" status. Social protection and democratic integrity remain high on the executive agenda, with Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang calling for urgent pension reforms. Addressing the African Pension Supervisors Association, she emphasized that 85% of the continent’s workforce remains outside formal retirement protection and advocated for using mobile money and digital IDs to include informal sector workers. This call for inclusion resonates with warnings from Presidential Adviser Goosie Tanoh, who highlighted the global decline of democratic values and the rise of authoritarianism. Tanoh urged Ghanaians to commit to inclusive governance and peaceful dialogue to resolve internal conflicts in areas such as Bawku and Sawla-Kalba, ensuring national cohesion remains a priority. Additionally, legal reforms are gaining momentum, with former Chief of Staff Nana Ato Dadzie endorsing the proposed Tribunal Bill to enhance judicial accountability and institutional evolution. These domestic initiatives occur against a backdrop of significant political unrest across Africa. In Uganda, the health of opposition leader Kizza Besigye has reached a critical state after he collapsed during a treason trial, prompting outcries over political persecution. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, tensions are rising following court rulings that may pave the way for President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, a move the opposition labels as "high treason." Similarly, Nicaragua faces deepening authoritarianism with proposed term extensions for Daniel Ortega. Amidst these regional challenges, Ghana continues to emphasize regulatory discipline; the Parliamentary Select Committee recently affirmed its confidence in the National Petroleum Authority’s oversight, while the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) has issued stern warnings against the illegal sale of railway lands. These combined actions reflect the Mahama administration’s strategy of balancing economic industrialization with robust democratic and social safeguards.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino looks at US president Donald Trump during a press conference at the 2026 World Cup
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Global Security and Governance Strains: From Mediterranean Maritime Attacks to International Sports Boycotts

International stability is facing multifaceted challenges as regional conflicts expand and global governance structures come under intense pressure. A significant escalation occurred at Egypt’s Damietta port, where a drone attack ignited fires on the US-owned Energos Winter and the Greek-owned GasLog Salem. While emergency crews successfully contained the blazes without casualties, the incident marks Egypt’s first direct involvement in the broadening US-Iran conflict, which has now reached the Mediterranean. Analysts suggest the strike was a tactical message from Iran, coinciding with intensified US military operations against Iranian-backed positions in the region and joint US-Saudi airstrikes in Iraq. The attack on this vital liquefied natural gas (LNG) hub has raised immediate concerns regarding maritime security and global energy market volatility. In the United States, the administration is navigating a shift in both technological and economic policy. President Donald Trump has announced plans for increased federal oversight of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, citing cybersecurity breaches at OpenAI and the strategic necessity of remaining competitive against China. This move toward regulation marks a departure from previous hands-off approaches to tech innovation. Simultaneously, the Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady between 3.5% and 3.75%, with Chairman Kevin Warsh citing persistent inflation and Middle East tensions as primary factors for the hold. On the health front, the administration has unfrozen $600 million for Gavi, the global vaccine alliance, following commitments from the organization to transition away from mercury-containing vaccines—a move championed by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to address safety concerns while maintaining international health engagements. Governance crises are also manifesting in Europe and the world of international sports. In Spain’s North African territory of Ceuta, a humanitarian emergency has been declared after more than 1,500 migrants arrived by sea from Morocco, overwhelming local reception centers. Meanwhile, the world of football is nearing a historic fracture; UEFA’s 55 member associations have unanimously voted to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if President Gianni Infantino proceeds with plans to sell stakes in the tournament to private investors. Critics argue the $4.2 billion venture, titled FIFA Forward Enterprise, undermines the integrity of the sport for commercial gain. These converging crises—from maritime warfare to the potential collapse of international sports cooperation—highlight a period of profound transition and volatility in global political affairs.

Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas Demands Responsible Citizenship Amid Governance Reforms and Scholarship Secretariat Scandal
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Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas Demands Responsible Citizenship Amid Governance Reforms and Scholarship Secretariat Scandal

Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, former African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, has issued a powerful call for a shift in Ghana’s democratic culture, asserting that true democracy extends far beyond the ballot box. Speaking at the Mfantsipim Sesquicentennial Lecture in Accra, Dr. Chambas argued that the success of a democratic nation relies on a foundation of responsible citizenship, accountability, and a collective refusal to normalize corruption. He emphasized that for democracy to flourish, educational institutions must prioritize character formation and ethical education from childhood, ensuring that future generations are prepared to protect and enhance democratic principles rather than merely inheriting them. This call for institutional integrity comes amid a series of revelations concerning the mismanagement of public funds at the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat. Ghana's High Commissioner to the UK, Sabah Zita Benson, has alleged that reckless expenditure during the previous administration (2020–2025) led to over £37 million in unpaid tuition and stipends for Ghanaian students abroad. Leaked documents further suggest that the Secretariat exceeded its authority by paying £56,000 for a 16-year-old student to attend a high school in the United Kingdom. High Commissioner Benson noted that the current government under President John Mahama is working to clear these inherited debts, having already processed £3 million toward arrears to support affected students. On the legislative front, efforts to reform Ghana’s legal and social frameworks are gaining momentum. Former Chief of Staff Nana Ato Dadzie has expressed strong support for the proposed Tribunal Bill, suggesting it will enhance accountability within the justice system, while also calling for internal reforms within the Ghana Bar Association. Concurrently, Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has assured the public that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill will be reintroduced for further consideration. The Speaker indicated that key clauses regarding sentencing would be amended before the bill is potentially passed in late July 2026, urging citizens to avoid politicizing the process. Security and human rights also remain central to the national discourse, as state agencies and civil society organizations ramp up efforts to combat transnational crime. The International Justice Mission (IJM) reported that over 1,200 victims of human trafficking were rescued in 2025, yet legal challenges remain, with only eight convictions resulting from 127 reported cases. In response, the Ghana Civil Society Coalition Against Transnational Crime is set to launch in August 2026. This initiative aims to address the rising threat of digital-enabled trafficking, where victims are lured by fake job and scholarship offers on social media and subsequently forced into cyber-fraud operations. Looking forward, Ghana is aligning its national policies with broader regional goals for empowerment and development. During the 2026 ECOWAS Gender Development Centre briefing, government officials reaffirmed their commitment to the Affirmative Action Act, seeking to increase female representation and institutional capacity across West Africa. By integrating ethical education, as advocated by Dr. Chambas, with robust legal reforms and social protections, Ghana aims to build a more resilient democracy that balances individual freedoms with the responsibilities of national development.

OSP has delegated authority to prosecute - Supreme Court rules
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Supreme Court Affirms Office of the Special Prosecutor's Authority as Speaker Bagbin Sets July Deadline for Anti-LGBTQ Bill

In a landmark legal and political development, the Supreme Court of Ghana has upheld the constitutionality of the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP), ruling that its power to prosecute is valid under the delegated authority of the Attorney-General. The decision, arising from a suit filed by Noah E. Adamtey, clarifies that the OSP’s functions do not violate Article 88 of the 1992 Constitution, which grants the Attorney-General exclusive prosecutorial oversight. While the ruling ensures the OSP can continue its operations, it emphasizes that the Attorney-General retains the ultimate right to discontinue any prosecution initiated by the office. Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu praised the verdict as a vital constitutional safeguard, noting that it prevents potential abuses of power by ensuring the OSP remains accountable to the executive’s chief legal officer. On the legislative front, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has provided a firm assurance to the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, regarding the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill. Speaker Bagbin stated that the controversial 'Anti-LGBTQ Bill' will be reconsidered and passed before the parliamentary recess on July 31, 2026. The Speaker emphasized that while key sentencing provisions require review to ensure they align with legal standards, the passage of the bill should not be politicized, as it reflects the cultural and religious values of the Ghanaian people. This commitment comes amid ongoing national debate and international scrutiny regarding the bill's human rights implications. In the judiciary, several high-profile cases have reached critical junctures. An Accra High Court dismissed an application by Faiza Seidu Wuni, wife of former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, to travel abroad for her son’s medical treatment, citing a lack of evidence that the care was unavailable in Ghana. Both Aludiba and Wuni face charges of stealing and money laundering, with the trial set to continue in July 2026. Separately, the Adabraka District Court has remanded two suspects, Bright Aweh and Thomas Zigah, in connection with the murder of Immigration Officer Stephen King Amoah, pending a DNA report and formal advice from the Attorney-General’s Office. Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) has urged citizens to be more proactive in challenging rights violations, highlighting a successful case of a person with disabilities as proof that legal action can reform institutional practices. National security and environmental enforcement also remain at the forefront of government activity. In the Ashanti Region, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has intensified its anti-galamsey operations, successfully impounding nine excavators in the Obuasi Municipality. Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive Faustilove Appiah Kannin has called for the designation of specific lands for community mining to provide legal alternatives to illegal activities. Concurrently, in the Northern Region, a massive security detail of 400 police personnel has been deployed to Yendi for the enskinment of the Kpampakuya Naa on July 31. This event, expected to be attended by President John Mahama, is being closely monitored to ensure peace following recent warnings from the Tema Police Command against chieftaincy-related violence and land guard activities across the country.

Jonathan Manu Akpabeh — Oti Regional Secretary of the NPP
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NPP Internal Polls: Leadership Urges Unity Amidst International Branch Elections and Regional Contests

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has intensified its internal reorganization efforts across its international and local branches, marked by both successful transitions and brewing disputes. In Germany, Dr. William Yamoah, Chairman of the branch’s Elections Vetting Committee, has cleared 22 aspirants to contest various executive positions in the upcoming August 8, 2026, polls. Dr. Yamoah emphasized the need for issue-based campaigns and unity, urging candidates to uphold party values to ensure a cohesive front ahead of future national elections. Similarly, in Italy, the party successfully elected Prince Boateng as the new Branch Secretary unopposed during a conference in Modena. Boateng has outlined a five-pillar agenda focused on reconciliation and financial sustainability to strengthen the party’s international presence. However, the reorganization process has not been without friction, particularly in the Spain branch where a legitimacy crisis has emerged. While the Election Committee Chairman, Kwabena Frimpong, maintains that the July 25, 2026, elections in Logroo were free, fair, and transparent, chairmen from seven chapters have boycotted the results. These disgruntled members have petitioned the NPP National Headquarters to nullify the outcome, alleging manipulation of the voter register and breaches of electoral guidelines. Mr. Frimpong has dismissed these claims, characterizing the petitioners as "bitter losers" and insisting that the participation levels exceeded the required quorum. At the regional level, the NPP in Oti has cleared 30 aspirants for its executive elections, with Regional Secretary Jonathan Manu Akpabeh calling for a "family approach" to campaigning. He discouraged hate speech and character assassination, though tension remains following the disqualification of Yussif Nabin Gbande for the Youth Organiser position. In the Central Tongu Constituency, the electoral process is also under scrutiny as chairmanship aspirant Guggisberg Fiagbenu petitioned the Electoral Commission over alleged procedural breaches, specifically regarding a disputed ballot paper counted without his agent's representation. These internal contests are further complicated by external labor tensions, such as those in the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG) in the Oti Region, where the disqualification of a chairmanship candidate over salary disputes has sparked member unrest. Amidst these partisan movements, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) has issued a stern directive to maintain political neutrality within the academic sector. GTEC has ordered all senior public officials in tertiary institutions, including Vice-Chancellors and Registrars, to resign from any political party positions or face removal from their public offices. This directive aims to uphold the Political Parties Act, 2000, and ensure that the management of education remains free from political interference. Simultaneously, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is seeing new entrants into the political arena, such as former student leader Abraham Norman Nortey, who has declared his bid for the Domeabra-Obom parliamentary seat for the 2028 elections, signaling that both major parties are already positioning themselves for the next general election cycle.

Re-introduction of road and bridge toll agreement approved by Parliament
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Parliament Approves Sweeping Cocoa and Infrastructure Reforms as Government Defends 2026 Mid-Year Budget

In a series of decisive legislative moves, Ghana’s Parliament has passed the landmark Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Bill 2026 and a new electronic road tolling agreement, anchoring President John Mahama’s economic agenda. These reforms, alongside four new tax bills, aim to stabilize the national economy through modernized revenue collection and enhanced support for the agricultural sector. During the ongoing 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, the administration has framed these measures as essential steps toward fiscal discipline and value-for-money investment, while the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) continues to challenge the government over unfulfilled job creation promises and regional development gaps. The Ghana Cocoa Board Bill 2026 represents a major shift in the industry, mandating that cocoa farmers receive at least 70% of the Free on Board (FOB) export price. Defended by Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Nyarko Ampem, the bill moves COCOBOD away from its traditional reliance on expensive international syndicated loans toward a more sustainable local financing model. The legislation also designates cocoa farms as protected lands to combat the scourge of illegal mining (galamsey) and requires that 50% of all cocoa produced be processed domestically to add value and create jobs. Despite its passage, Minority members, including Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, expressed concerns over the speed of the bill's approval, arguing that such significant changes required more extensive stakeholder consultation with farmers’ groups and civil society. Complementing the agricultural reforms, Parliament approved a 20-year concession agreement with Rock Africa Limited to reintroduce road and bridge tolls through a modernized electronic collection system. This public-private partnership covers 66 locations nationwide, with the government slated to receive 70% of the gross revenue. Simultaneously, the passage of the Excise, Customs, Income Tax, and VAT (Amendment) Bills seeks to streamline the tax regime. Notable changes include the abolition of a 20% duty on locally produced fruit juices to support the agro-processing sector and the exemption of the national daily minimum wage from income tax, providing targeted relief to low-income earners and local manufacturers. The legislative progress comes amidst a sharp exchange in the House during the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review. Ketu North MP Eric Edem Agbana defended the administration's expenditure, arguing that fiscal discipline should not be mistaken for a lack of investment in national development. This was countered by Okaikwei Central MP Patrick Yaw Boamah, who questioned the government’s priorities, citing unfulfilled promises to create 800,000 jobs and delays in payments to public-sector workers. Additionally, the NPP has demanded an explanation for the exclusion of the Upper East Region from the $500 million World Bank-funded Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project (GMACP), signaling that regional equity remains a potent political flashpoint as the government moves forward with its 2026 fiscal plan.

President Mahama Unveils GH"8 Million Trust Fund and Memorial Activities for Families of Helicopter Crash Victims
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President Mahama Unveils GH"8 Million Trust Fund and Memorial Activities for Families of Helicopter Crash Victims

President John Dramani Mahama has presented a comprehensive state support package to the families of eight senior government officials who lost their lives in a helicopter crash in August 2025. During a ceremony held at the Jubilee House on July 30, 2026, the President emphasized that while no amount of financial compensation could replace the lives of dedicated public servants, the nation bears a sacred responsibility to care for their dependents. The victims, who included the Minister for Defence and the Minister for Environment, died while on an official mission in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region. The support package includes the establishment of trust funds and premium healthcare coverage for the 27 children left behind by the deceased officials. The government will deposit GH"1 million into dedicated accounts for the children of each of the eight victims to ensure their education and long-term welfare are secured. Additionally, the families have been enrolled in a premier tier of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which provides an annual health insurance cover valued at GH"3 million. President Mahama also presented "Legacy Boxes" to the bereaved families, which included personal letters he wrote to each child, encouraging them to pursue excellence as a tribute to their parents' sacrifices. Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, outlined a series of national events to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy. These commemorative activities include the Dr. Edward Omane Boamah Memorial Lecture at Burma Hall on August 4, followed by a National Inter-Faith Memorial Service and the unveiling of a memorial cenotaph at the UPSA Auditorium on August 6. The anniversary observations will conclude on August 7 with a nationwide blood donation drive, which the government urges all citizens and organizations to support in honor of the "Departed Eight." This initiative reflects the administration's commitment to honoring the legacy of those who serve the state at the highest levels. President Mahama and Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang are expected to lead the various commemorative services, reinforcing a message of national unity and resilience. By securing the educational and health needs of the victims' children, the government aims to provide a sustainable support system that transcends immediate mourning and ensures the victims' contributions to Ghana's development are never forgotten.

Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice-President, interacting with Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie (2nd from left), Chief Justice; Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine (left), Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, and Dr Justice Srem-Sai (right), Deputy Attorney-General, at the 150th anniversary celebration of the Supreme Court. Picture: ELVIS NII NOI DOWUONA
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Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie Launches E-Filing System as Supreme Court Celebrates 150th Anniversary

The Supreme Court of Ghana has marked its 150th anniversary with a Grand Durbar, signaling a transformative era for the country’s judiciary. During the celebrations, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie announced the commencement of a comprehensive electronic filing (e-filing), authentication, and service system starting October 1. This initiative, part of a broader e-justice agenda, aims to modernize the legal landscape, beginning with the Supreme Court before expanding to the Court of Appeal and High Courts. The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and Attorney-General Dr. Dominic A. Ayine, who underscored the judiciary's role in sustaining democratic accountability. Alongside technological advancements, the Chief Justice revealed that a thorough review of court rules has been finalized—the first such update in over two decades. These reforms are designed to simplify complex legal processes and align them with the needs of modern litigation. The objective is to reduce the costs associated with litigation and enhance accessibility to justice for all Ghanaians. Attorney-General Dominic Ayine emphasized that these reforms are critical for bolstering public trust in the judicial system, ensuring that the courts remain a transparent and efficient pillar of the state. The anniversary also served as a platform for critical reflection on the judiciary’s structure. Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of Asogli State, called for a formal review of the process for appointing Supreme Court judges. He specifically criticized the absence of a constitutional upper limit on the number of justices, arguing that the current framework leaves the court vulnerable to political manipulation. Togbe Afede stressed that for the judiciary to maintain its independence and public confidence, structural reforms are necessary to prevent any perceived interference by the executive branch. Highlighting the human element behind the court’s operations, the President of the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG), Samuel Afotey Otu, reminded stakeholders that the Supreme Court’s success depends on more than just its justices. Speaking at the durbar, Mr. Otu advocated for greater recognition of judicial staff, whom he described as the "unsung heroes" ensuring the court's smooth day-to-day operation. He called for increased investment in human capital and infrastructure to support a motivated workforce capable of upholding the high standards of justice required for Ghana’s future. As the Supreme Court enters its next century and a half, the convergence of digital reform, procedural updates, and calls for structural integrity marks a pivotal moment. The successful implementation of court automation is expected to significantly reduce delays, while the ongoing dialogue regarding appointment caps reflects a maturing democracy seeking to insulate its highest court from partisan influence. These collective efforts by the bench, the bar, and judicial staff aim to foster a more responsive and reliable legal system that remains the final bulwark of justice in Ghana.

President Mahama heads to Jamaica for four-day official visit
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President Mahama Bolsters Diplomatic Ties with Gabon and Jamaica as Parliament Honors National Icons

President John Dramani Mahama has moved to significantly strengthen Ghana’s international standing through a series of high-profile diplomatic engagements, including hosting Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and announcing an upcoming state visit to Jamaica. During President Nguema’s three-day official visit to Accra, the two leaders signed crucial Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) focusing on political consultations and the training of diplomats. At a state dinner held at the Jubilee House, President Mahama praised the deepening cooperation between the two nations, emphasizing that shared goals in infrastructure development and resource management would drive mutual prosperity and regional stability. The visit by the Gabonese leader also carried a strong symbolic weight as President Nguema paid homage to Ghana’s political history. He laid a wreath at the graveside of the late President Jerry John Rawlings, describing him as an icon of African patriotism whose legacy continues to inspire governance across the continent. This sentiment was echoed in broader bilateral talks that touched on agriculture, security, and climate action. President Mahama has since accepted a reciprocal invitation to visit Gabon, signaling a new era of strategic partnership aimed at fostering cultural ties and trade between the two African nations. Transitioning from continental to diasporic relations, President Mahama is scheduled to undertake a four-day official visit to Kingston, Jamaica, in early August. This mission is designed to revitalize Ghana’s historical ties with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and follows Ghana's recent support for Jamaica after a significant natural disaster. A centerpiece of the trip will be the President’s participation in a high-level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies, where he will advocate for global support regarding the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. The itinerary includes an address to the Jamaican Houses of Parliament, bilateral talks with Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and attendance at Jamaica’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations. On the domestic front, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin recently visited the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Sharubutu, to commend his role in maintaining national unity. During the meeting, the Speaker announced plans to support the ‘Sunset Fund,’ an education trust fund, and addressed the ongoing legislative process regarding the LGBTQ bill, indicating that Parliament intends to revise the bill in accordance with the Chief Imam’s advice. Simultaneously, the Ghanaian political landscape saw tributes to former President John Evans Atta Mills, with MP Hajia Zuweira Mohammed Ibrahimah hailing his selfless leadership, while legal expert Nana Ato Dadzie addressed public discourse by affirming that the constitution strictly limits the presidency to two terms, dismissing recent debates regarding future eligibility.

Supreme Court strikes down electoral college system political parties use in selecting parliamentary, presidential candidates
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Supreme Court Mandates "One Member, One Vote" in Landmark Ruling Abolishing Party Delegate System

In a landmark decision that fundamentally alters Ghana's political landscape, the Supreme Court has declared the delegate-based electoral college system used by political parties unconstitutional. By a 5-2 majority, the court ruled that every registered party member in good standing must be allowed to vote in presidential and parliamentary primaries, citing Article 55(5) of the 1992 Constitution. This directive effectively ends the long-standing practice where a small pool of delegates selected national candidates, and the court has given political parties a one-year deadline to amend their constitutions and implement a direct mass electoral system. The government of President John Mahama has formally endorsed the ruling. Attorney-General Dr. Dominic Ayine announced that the decision aligns with recommendations from the Constitutional Review Committee to ensure equal voting rights within parties. To facilitate these reforms, the government plans to establish an independent Political Parties Regulatory Commission. This new body is expected to take over the registration and regulatory functions currently held by the Electoral Commission, while also introducing legislation to manage campaign financing and transparency through a proposed Democracy Fund. Reaction from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been mixed. While Rashid Tanko Computer, the NDC’s Deputy Director of IT and Elections, expressed confidence that the party's robust membership database makes the transition feasible within the one-year timeframe, other officials were more cautious. Deputy General Secretary Mustapha Gbande and Nii Lantey Vanderpuye warned of the immense financial and logistical burdens associated with nationwide primaries. Gbande noted that while the move promotes democracy, the costs of mobilizing millions of voters could be prohibitive, potentially leading to "excess democracy" that strains party resources. Governance experts and academics have also weighed in on the ruling's potential impact. Dr. Kojo Asante of CDD-Ghana praised the decision as a victory for internal party democracy that could reduce the corruption inherent in influencing small delegate pools. However, Professor Alidu Mahama Seidu and Professor Isaac Owusu-Mensah cautioned that the new system could triple campaign costs, as candidates must now reach a significantly larger voter base. Additionally, Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim raised concerns that a purely population-based voting system might marginalize minority ethnic groups in Parliament by favoring candidates from larger communities. As political parties begin the complex task of restructuring their internal processes, the ruling sets the stage for a significant shift in how power is exercised within Ghana’s democratic framework. While the decision aims to empower the grassroots, the debate over financing remains contentious. The NDC has already rejected the idea of state funding for political parties, arguing that public resources should remain focused on healthcare and education. With the one-year implementation clock ticking, the Electoral Commission is now mandated to ensure that all future internal elections comply with this new standard of universal suffrage.

Government accepts fixed November date for Presidential Elections, 30-Day Supreme Court timeline for petitions
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Attorney General Dominic Ayine Announces Sweeping Constitutional Reforms Including Five-Year Terms and Elected Local Executives

Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine has formally presented the government’s White Paper on the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) recommendations, signaling a transformative era for Ghana’s governance. Announced on July 30, 2026, the proposed reforms include extending presidential and parliamentary terms from four to five years and capping ministerial appointments at 60 to prevent executive overreach. To ensure smoother transitions and more effective policy assessment, the government has also accepted a fixed election date in the first week of November. A national referendum is slated for 2027 to approve entrenched provisions, with the necessary amendment bills expected to be finalized by October 2026. In a historic shift toward executive accountability, the government has accepted recommendations that President John Mahama pay taxes on his salary and allowances while in office, though retirement benefits and pensions will remain exempt. To broaden the democratic space, the eligibility age for presidential candidates is set to be lowered from 40 to 35 years. Furthermore, the size of Parliament will be capped at 300 members, utilizing a hybrid system where 276 members are elected through traditional constituencies and 24 seats are reserved for proportional representation to ensure the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu clarified that the proposed five-year term extension will only apply to future administrations and not to President Mahama’s current tenure. Judicial and electoral reforms form a core component of the new proposals, aiming to enhance the efficiency of the legal system and the stability of the state. The Supreme Court will be capped at 19 justices, and the Chief Justice will now serve a single, non-renewable 10-year term to ensure predictable leadership transitions. To mitigate the tension following general elections, the government has mandated that presidential election petitions must be filed within 14 days of the results and resolved by the Supreme Court within a strict 30-day window. Additionally, the government has moved to allow dual citizens to hold various public offices, including seats in Parliament, though they remain barred from the positions of President and Vice President. The reforms also address long-standing human rights and decentralization concerns. Ghana is set to formally abolish the death penalty, replacing it with life imprisonment for serious crimes, a move Dr. Ayine described as a commitment to international human rights standards. At the local level, the government has approved the direct election of all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), moving away from the presidential appointment system to enhance local accountability. To further empower the public, a 'citizen-initiative' mechanism will be introduced, allowing Ghanaians to propose constitutional amendments directly if they secure the support of 10% of registered voters. While the government views these changes as essential for stability, some critics argue that the term extension might reduce the frequency of leader accountability to the electorate.