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.

Collins Adomako-Mensah — Ranking Member on the Energy Committee
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PURC Tariff Hikes Spark Political Backlash and Calls for ECG Operational Reform Amid Declining Budget Transparency

Ghana's political landscape is currently dominated by a sharp backlash against the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission’s (PURC) decision to increase utility tariffs, coupled with alarming reports of declining national budget transparency. Effective July 1, 2026, electricity tariffs are set to rise by 3.49% while water costs will increase by 0.85%. This move has drawn fierce criticism from the Minority Caucus in Parliament, who describe the adjustments as a "betrayal" of promises to lower the cost of living. The hikes come at a sensitive time as recent data from the International Budget Partnership reveals that Ghana’s Open Budget Survey (OBS) score has plummeted to 25%, down from 30% in 2023, signaling a significant regression in the accessibility of fiscal information and public participation. Collins Adomako-Mensah, Ranking Member on the Energy Committee, led the Minority’s charge by questioning the rationale behind the increases, particularly given government claims of a stronger cedi and reduced inflation. He highlighted that electricity tariffs have cumulatively increased by 26.82% since January 2025, far outstripping wage growth. This sentiment was echoed by Samuel Dubik Mahama, the former Managing Director of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), who argued that tariff hikes are a "stop-gap" measure that fails to address the utility’s fundamental operational failures. Mahama, along with Effia Member of Parliament Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, emphasized that the focus should be on fixing revenue leakages and improving metering software rather than placing an unsustainable financial burden on consumers for inefficiencies they did not create. Adding a structural perspective, Dr. Kojo Asante of CDD-Ghana has called for increased private sector participation and competition within the electricity distribution sector to drive efficiency and lower costs. Asante argued that the current monopoly structure protects governance failures, forcing the public to pay for mismanagement. This lack of accountability is reflected in the 2025 OBS report, where Ghana’s transparency score of 22% fell drastically short of the 61% global benchmark for sufficient information. With only five out of eight critical budget documents available online, civil society groups like SEND Ghana are demanding stricter adherence to the Public Financial Management Act to ensure that parliamentary oversight—which currently sits at a low 28%—is restored. As the debate intensifies, media platforms are broadening the discussion to include other political tensions, such as the internal NPP controversy surrounding Kennedy Agyapong and his comments on the stalled Afari Military Hospital project. These overlapping issues of utility costs, budget secrecy, and political accountability highlight a growing demand for transparency in how the state manages both its fiscal resources and its service providers. The next steps for the government and PURC will likely involve defending the tariff calculations in the face of calls for greater transparency and demonstrating a commitment to the operational reforms advocated by both political rivals and industry experts.

Alexander Afenyo-Markin — Minority Leader
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Judicial Disputes and Press Freedom Debates Intensify Following Rulings on Former Chief Justice Torkornoo and Editor Larry Dogbe

Ghana’s legal and political landscape is currently dominated by high-profile judicial challenges and a growing debate over the limits of press freedom. Central to these developments is the ongoing legal battle of former Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, who has recently filed a motion in the Supreme Court to review a May 28 ruling regarding her removal from office for alleged misbehaviour. This follows a significant blow to her legal efforts after the ECOWAS Court of Justice dismissed her claims against the Republic of Ghana, upholding the legality of her removal. Torkornoo’s legal team argues that the Ghanaian Supreme Court violated principles of natural justice by proceeding with her case after her lawyer had withdrawn, an action they claim renders the previous orders null and void. The Torkornoo case has sparked a sharp divide in political and legal circles. Suame Member of Parliament John Darko has characterized the removal proceedings as inherently political rather than strictly legal, suggesting a predetermined agenda was at play. Conversely, Alexander Twum-Barimah, Deputy Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), defended the process, asserting that all constitutional procedures were followed, including providing Torkornoo ample opportunity to respond to petitions. Beyond the Supreme Court and ECOWAS rulings, Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai revealed that Torkornoo has also initiated multiple cases at the High Court, which she is currently seeking to consolidate as part of her broader strategy to challenge her dismissal by President John Dramani Mahama. Simultaneously, the conviction of Larry Dogbe, the Managing Editor of The Herald, has brought the issue of media liberties to the forefront of national discourse. Dogbe was recently convicted of contempt of court for breaching an injunction related to publications about a corporate dispute involving businessman Kevin Okyere. While he was initially handed a custodial sentence, the Accra High Court granted him a 10-day conditional bail to allow for an appeal. His lawyer, David Annan, has confirmed that the appeal process is already underway, refuting suggestions that the defense was delayed. The case has drawn commentary from civil society, with Dr. Kojo Asante of CDD-Ghana and PRINPAG President David Tamakloe emphasizing that while media freedom is vital, journalists must respect judicial orders while pursuing legal remedies. These legal tensions have resonated within Parliament, where Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has made a passionate plea for the house to act as a guarantor of press freedom and civil liberties. Amidst concerns over recent arrests of opposition figures, Afenyo-Markin cautioned against the suppression of dissent, arguing that a healthy democracy must embrace criticism. While Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga condemned the use of hate speech and calls for violence, the consensus among observers is that the intersection of these legal rulings and political statements represents a critical test for Ghana's democratic integrity. As the Supreme Court prepares to hear Torkornoo’s review and the appellate court considers Dogbe’s case, the outcomes are expected to set significant precedents for judicial independence and the rights of the press in Ghana.

Adu-Boahene transferred GH¢49.1m from BNC account to private company — Witness
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Minority Caucus Seeks Clarity as Former MASLOC CEO Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu Begins Sentence at Nsawam Prison

The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has formally demanded transparency regarding the detention of Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC). Following 15 days of uncertainty regarding her whereabouts, Rashid Tanko Computer, the CEO of GIFEC and Deputy Director of Elections for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), confirmed that the former official is currently in the custody of the Ghana Prisons Service. Tamakloe-Attionu reportedly commenced her 10-year prison sentence at the Nsawam Medium Security Female Prison on June 24, 2026, after spending several days at the Police Hospital following her return to the country. Tamakloe-Attionu’s incarceration follows a landmark legal process that saw her convicted in absentia in 2024 for multiple charges, including stealing, money laundering, and conspiracy to cause financial loss to the state. Her return to Ghana on June 9, 2026, marked the nation's first successful extradition from the United States in over a decade. The former CEO had initially left the country for medical treatment but failed to return, prompting the formal extradition request. While her location is now confirmed, the Minority Caucus and NDC leadership have emphasized the need for due process and clear communication from security agencies to prevent public speculation. As the nation watches the MASLOC case, other high-profile financial misconduct trials continue to unfold in the Accra High Court, signaling a period of intense legal scrutiny for former public officials. In a related development, testimony recently concluded from the fourth prosecution witness in the trial of Kwabena Adu-Boahene, the former Director-General of the Bureau of National Communications (BNC). Investigators from the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) revealed that approximately GH¢49.1 million was allegedly misappropriated through unauthorized transfers from BNC accounts to a private company owned by Adu-Boahene and his wife, highlighting a pattern of discrepancies in the management of state-linked funds. The intersection of these cases highlights a broader push for accountability within Ghana’s public sector. For Tamakloe-Attionu, the legal battle is not yet over, as a ruling on an appeal regarding the legitimacy of her trial is scheduled for July 30, 2026. Meanwhile, the Adu-Boahene trial continues to expose gaps in the oversight of National Security Council accounts. Together, these developments underscore the complexities of Ghana's judicial efforts to recover state funds and ensure that high-ranking officials are held to account for financial mismanagement, regardless of their political affiliation or the duration of their time abroad.

President John Dramani Mahama (6th from left) with other dignitaries at the Ghana Civil Society Forum 2026
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President Mahama Accelerates 'Big Push' Infrastructure and Industrial Revival During 'Resetting Ghana' Tour

President John Dramani Mahama has intensified his 'Resetting Ghana' tour with a high-profile working visit to the Central Region, focusing on large-scale infrastructure development and industrial revitalization. Central to this tour is the 'Big Push' program, an ambitious initiative aimed at modernizing Ghana's road networks and public services. During his visit, which included stops in Cape Coast, Assin Breku, and Apam, the President emphasized a shift toward direct citizen engagement, bringing government policy discussions directly to traditional leaders and local communities. This approach aims to ensure the administration remains responsive to grassroots needs while highlighting ongoing reforms and policy interventions. A significant portion of the tour was dedicated to inspecting ongoing road projects, such as the rehabilitation of the Kafodzidzi–Abransa and Apam–Mumford roads. President Mahama issued a firm directive to road engineers and contractors, tying payment approvals to strict adherence to high-quality standards. To bolster contractor confidence and maintain project momentum, he assured that payments for certified works would be processed within approximately two weeks of completion, provided the projects meet stipulated timelines and durability requirements. This 'payment for performance' model is intended to prevent premature road failures and ensure value for money as the government seeks to enhance national connectivity and support trade. Beyond infrastructure, the President addressed the future of Ghana’s industrial sector, specifically the revival of the Komenda Sugar Factory. He revealed that negotiations are advanced with a prospective investor to restart production, a move that could significantly reduce Ghana’s reliance on imported sugar. While the investor has proposed a ban on refined sugar imports to protect local output, Mahama indicated that any such policy would be phased and strictly dependent on the factory’s demonstrated capacity to meet national demand. These industrial efforts are complemented by the sod-cutting for a '24-Hour Economy' market in Assin Breku, showcasing a broader strategy for job creation and economic modernization through local production. The tour's themes of self-reliance were further echoed during the President’s address at the Ghana Civil Society Forum, where he called for a new development compact focused on domestic resource mobilization. This shift aims to move Ghana away from external aid dependence toward financing development through local innovation and strengthened state institutions. This national vision extends to the Savannah Region, where the Regional Minister, Salifu Be-Awuribe, confirmed that President Mahama has approved plans for a new university in Damongo and the upgrade of Damongo Hospital to a teaching facility. These initiatives represent a coordinated effort to address regional disparities and build a more resilient, self-sufficient Ghanaian state.

Kennedy Agyapong Faces NPP Disciplinary Committee Amid Internal Crisis and Calls for Party Reunification
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Kennedy Agyapong Faces NPP Disciplinary Committee Amid Internal Crisis and Calls for Party Reunification

The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has officially referred Assin Central Member of Parliament and former presidential aspirant Kennedy Ohene Agyapong to its National Disciplinary Committee. The decision, announced by National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye on June 25, 2026, follows a joint meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Council in Accra. Agyapong stands accused of making "anti-party comments" that threaten internal cohesion, particularly through public criticisms of the leadership following the party's defeat in the 2024 general elections. The committee, chaired by Kwasi Amoako-Atta, has been given a two-week mandate to investigate the petitions and report its findings, which could lead to potential sanctions or dismissal. The charges against Agyapong stem from his outspoken remarks regarding government performance and alleged corruption. Specifically, Agyapong has raised concerns over the stalled Afari Military Hospital project and hinted at irregularities within the Agenda 111 hospital initiative. While party loyalists staged protests outside the NEC meeting venue demanding his expulsion, Agyapong’s camp has retaliated by calling for accountability from other regional and national leaders. The situation has grown increasingly complex with legal practitioner Raph Agyapong claiming his brother has already severed ties with the party, while political scientists like Dr. Amakye Boateng of KNUST have advised the firebrand politician to remain within the NPP if he still harbors presidential ambitions. Amidst this disciplinary turmoil, other party stalwarts are advocating for a broader reconciliation strategy to rebuild the NPP ahead of the 2028 elections. Former MP and flagbearer aspirant Ing. Francis Addai-Nimoh has publicly endorsed the return of former National Chairman Awentami Paul Afoko, suggesting his "3Rs Agenda"—Reunite, Rebuild, and Recapture—is the best hope for the party. Addai-Nimoh argued that the NPP's primary threat is not the NDC, but its own internal divisions and the alienation of grassroots members. Other figures, including Suame MP John Darko and Yaw Opoku Mensah, spokesperson for Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, have urged for calm and evidence-based discipline rather than public attacks that could further destabilize the organization. Despite the high-level friction, the NPP is proceeding with its administrative reorganization at the local level. Vetting processes for constituency executive positions recently commenced in Hohoe and Krachi East, with 32 aspirants in each constituency vying for various leadership roles. These local elections, scheduled for July 2026, are seen as critical steps in revitalizing the party's grassroots structure. As the National Disciplinary Committee prepares its report on Agyapong, the NPP finds itself at a crossroads, forced to balance the need for internal discipline with the imperative of maintaining a broad, inclusive coalition to regain political power in the next electoral cycle.

Frank Afriyie — NDC Member of Parliament for Afadzato South
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President Mahama Advances Ministerial Vetting and Strategic Appointments Amidst Growing Sanitation Crisis and Heightened Party Reorganization

Ghana’s political landscape is currently defined by a surge of executive activity as President John Dramani Mahama’s administration accelerates the vetting of ministerial nominees and makes key institutional appointments. The Appointments Committee of Parliament has commenced public hearings for 13 deputy ministerial nominees, including John Dumelo for Food and Agriculture and Dr. Clement Apaak for Education, as well as Lydia Lamisi Akanvariba for Public Sector Reforms. Simultaneously, the President has confirmed substantive roles for three Deputy Comptrollers-General of the Ghana Immigration Service and declared Friday, July 3, 2026, a public holiday to observe Republic Day. This governance push coincides with the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission's announcement of a new public sector pay policy, expected by October 2026, which aims to standardize emoluments through an independent commission. However, the administration faces mounting pressure over a severe sanitation and flooding crisis in Accra. Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim and environmental leaders like Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye have highlighted that the termination of waste management contracts with Zoomlion has led to 45,000 job losses and exacerbated drainage issues, turning several city suburbs into disaster zones. While the Bosome Freho District Assembly has attempted to mitigate local sanitation challenges by inaugurating 100 street sweepers with increased allowances, broader infrastructure concerns persist. Afadzato South MP Frank Afriyie has warned of a looming water crisis by 2025 due to illegal mining, while John Dumelo argued during his vetting that improved cocoa pricing is essential to prevent farmers from leasing lands to illegal miners. On the partisan front, both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are undergoing significant internal reorganizations. The NPP is currently conducting constituency executive elections across the country, with intense activity reported in Akan, Nkwanta South, and Ho Central. Notably, Bekwai MP Ralph Poku-Adusei has sponsored nomination forms for all local aspirants to eliminate financial barriers to leadership. Meanwhile, the NDC has focused on the legacy of its founder, Jerry John Rawlings. During commemorations of what would have been Rawlings’ 79th birthday, legal expert Tsatsu Tsikata and other party stalwarts urged the NDC to uphold the principles of probity and accountability, warning against using the party for personal aggrandizement. Legal and security issues have also taken center stage, most notably the shooting incident involving former MP Sarah Adwoa Safo during a leadership dispute within the Kristo Asafo Mission. While Safo recovers from gunshot wounds, her family has called for the re-arrest of those involved, citing inadequate charges. In Parliament, Assin North MP James Gyakye Quayson is advocating for the swift passage of the Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill to allow the diaspora to hold political office, while Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi has appealed to the Supreme Court to quash a contempt ruling against him. These developments, ranging from legislative reforms to internal party dynamics, underscore a pivotal period of transition and accountability in Ghana’s Fourth Republic.

Johnson Asiedu Nketiah — NDC National Chairman
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Ghana Intensifies Galamsey Crackdown as Calls for Legal Reforms and Environmental Vigilance Grow

Ghana’s battle against environmental degradation has reached a critical juncture, marked by a wave of enforcement actions, legislative proposals, and high-level political rhetoric. In the Savannah Region, authorities have seized at least 18 excavators from illegal mining sites, signaling a renewed commitment to halting the destruction of water bodies and farmlands. This physical crackdown is being mirrored in the halls of Parliament and on the political campaign trail, where leaders are advocating for more robust institutional frameworks and community-led resistance to safeguard the nation’s natural resources for future generations. Savannah Regional Minister Salisu Be-Awuribe confirmed the confiscation of the machinery during recent operations, emphasizing that while mining remains a vital pillar of the Ghanaian economy, it must be conducted within the strict confines of the law. The minister noted that many operators continue to work without necessary permits, leading to irreparable ecological damage. Supporting a more structured approach to this crisis, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the Member of Parliament for Mampong, has called for the formalization of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) through a Legislative Instrument (L.I.). Ampratwum-Sarpong argues that a clear legal mandate is essential to insulate anti-galamsey efforts from political interference and ensure a sustainable, cross-administration response to the menace. The discourse on environmental protection has also taken a grassroots turn, with Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging communities to exercise "positive defiance." Addressing a gathering in Kumasi, Nketiah described local residents as the primary custodians of their land and encouraged them to resist any influences—political or foreign—that contribute to environmental ruin. Meanwhile, on the international stage, Ghana is making significant strides in climate finance. The government is nearing the issuance of forest carbon credits under the J-REDD+ programme. According to Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources Yusif Sulemana, this initiative seeks to link global climate finance with sustainable agriculture, positioning Ghana as a leader in forest conservation ahead of the COP30 and COP31 summits. Beyond environmental issues, the Ghanaian political and legal system is grappling with significant questions of accountability within state institutions. In a notable legal proceeding, the trial of former National Service Authority (NSA) Deputy Executive Director Gifty Oware-Aboagye continues. Eric Nyarko, the former Head of Accounts, recently testified regarding a controversial hire purchase scheme with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB). Nyarko distanced himself from the data used in the scheme, revealing that investigators had raised alarms about payments allegedly being made to non-existent service personnel. The case highlights the ongoing challenges of ensuring transparency and integrity within government partnerships and social intervention programs. Together, these developments underscore a period of heightened scrutiny over how Ghana manages its resources and public institutions. Whether through the seizure of mining equipment, the pursuit of international carbon markets, or the prosecution of alleged administrative misconduct, the common thread is a demand for stronger governance and institutional independence. As the nation moves toward upcoming elections and global climate milestones, the effectiveness of these legislative and judicial actions will be pivotal in determining Ghana’s environmental and socio-political stability.

Clement Apaak — Deputy Minister of Education
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Parliament and Gender Ministry Drive Major Social Reforms for Disability Rights, Gender Equity, and Vulnerable Groups

The Parliament of Ghana and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection have announced a series of legislative and policy reforms aimed at strengthening social justice and human rights. Central to these efforts is a comprehensive review of the Persons with Disabilities Act (2006), with lawmakers and advocates pushing to align national laws with international standards. Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, a leading voice in the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability, emphasized that the reform is a matter of fundamental human rights rather than charity. During the National Day of Persons with Disabilities, themed "From Act to Action," stakeholders called for the swift passage of a revised bill to eliminate persistent barriers in education, employment, and healthcare for over two million Ghanaians living with disabilities. Supporting these legislative goals, the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), led by President Joseph Atsu Homadzi, has urged policymakers to move beyond rhetoric toward enforcement. Notable progress has already been recorded, including the provision of free tertiary education for 1,500 students with disabilities and the proposed establishment of a five percent employment quota across both the public and private sectors. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Gender and the Finance Ministry are developing a robust incentive package to ensure compliance with the Affirmative Action Act, 2024 (Act 1121). These incentives, which include tax benefits and preferential access to government contracts, are designed to encourage the private sector to revise human resource policies and enhance gender equity in the workplace. In addition to gender and disability reforms, the government is addressing operational challenges within the Ghana School Feeding Programme. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, has formally requested the removal of taxes on payments made to caterers. This proposal follows a recent increase in the feeding grant from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2 per child per meal, with the tax exemption intended to ensure that the full value of the grant translates into improved meal quality for students. The Ministry argues that relieving the tax burden on caterers is essential for the sustainability and nutritional impact of the social intervention program. Furthermore, the government is expanding its social protection agenda to include the protection of individuals accused of witchcraft, a practice that predominantly targets elderly women and children. Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, announced a community-led strategy to combat the stigma and violence associated with these accusations. By involving traditional and religious leaders in educational dialogues and revising existing laws to meet international human rights standards, the ministry aims to provide better support services for victims while addressing the root causes of such discrimination. Collectively, these initiatives represent a significant push by the Ghanaian government to foster a more inclusive and equitable society for all vulnerable populations.

Dr Richard Fiadamo — Local governance expert
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Ghana Strengthens Local Governance Framework Amid MMDCE Appointment Delays and Rising Constituency Tensions

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has submitted a landmark report to President John Dramani Mahama recommending the upgrade of 20 districts to municipal status and 12 municipalities to metropolitan status, including Techiman. This administrative expansion is coupled with the enforcement of stricter protocols under the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936). The new measures mandate regular engagement between Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) regarding planning, budgeting, and development oversight. Minister Ibrahim emphasized that the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) will be utilized to ensure equitable resource distribution based on service pressure and community need, fostering a more collaborative approach to local development. Despite these structural advancements, local governance experts like Dr. Richard Fiadamor have warned of a 'governance paralysis' caused by delays in official MMDCE appointments following the revocation of previous appointments on January 8, 2025. This uncertainty is reportedly hindering the ability of General Assemblies to meet, initiate capital projects, or coordinate regional security. Amidst these challenges, the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly achieved a significant milestone by electing Lambert Akunzebe as its Presiding Member. This election follows a period of persistent deadlocks and is viewed as a critical step toward restoring functional governance and unity within the Upper East Region's administrative hub. However, the sector has also been marred by reports of executive high-handedness and political interference. In Awutu Senya East, MCE Seth Sabah Serwonoo Banini and NDC Regional Chairman Dr. Richard Kofi Asiedu allegedly led a group to storm Obaatanpa Radio, assaulting staff and locking the premises following a broadcast regarding internal NDC disputes. The station has since filed a formal complaint with the police, citing a grave threat to media freedom. Similarly, the MCE of La Nkwantanang-Madina, Ibrahim Fuseini Faila, alleged that officials from Jubilee House attempted to halt essential demolition exercises aimed at clearing waterways, highlighting the friction between local enforcement and national political interests. On the social and urban front, the government is navigating complex redevelopment projects in the Greater Accra Region. In Maamobi, residents and traders are protesting a six-week relocation deadline from the Kaasuankuda market site, citing lack of essential services at the proposed new location. Simultaneously, traders at the 31st December Makola Market are being urged to move to temporary spaces to facilitate the modernization of the market structures. Complementing these urban changes, the Rent Control Department has announced a nationwide crackdown on landlords demanding more than six months' rent advance, while religious leaders, including Apostle Dr. Eric Nyamekye, have called for tougher sanitation laws to address the country's recurring flooding crisis. These combined efforts reflect a broader, albeit contested, push toward modernizing Ghana’s local governance and infrastructure.

Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, Minister for the Interior
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Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak Revokes All Gun Permits Amid Sweeping National Security Reforms

In a major move to overhaul public safety, Ghana’s Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced the revocation of all existing firearm permits across the country. This directive requires every licensed gun owner to undergo a fresh registration process under a significantly stricter safety regime. The decision comes in response to a concerning rise in firearm-related suicides and criminal activities involving legally registered weapons. Under the new framework, applicants must successfully complete mandatory mental health assessments, drug screenings, and firearms competency training—measures designed to close long-standing gaps in the national arms registry and ensure that only fit individuals possess lethal weapons. The Ministry's crackdown extends specifically to the private security sector, where firms have been found exploiting legal loopholes to arm their personnel. Minister Muntaka reaffirmed that under the Police Act of 1970 and 1992 regulations, private security companies are strictly prohibited from using firearms, being limited instead to non-lethal equipment like tasers or pepper spray. The Minister warned that firms using guards with personal firearm permits for business operations face severe penalties, including the potential loss of their operating licenses. This effort to disarm private guards is part of a broader strategy to ensure that only the state's security forces bear lethal arms, following the recent surrender of 4,038 unregistered firearms during a national gun amnesty program. However, the blanket nature of the license revocation has sparked significant debate among security experts and advocacy groups. The Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA), led by Madam Theodora Williams Anti, criticized the move as overly broad, arguing it penalizes responsible gun owners rather than targeting the roots of gun violence. Similarly, security consultant Richard Kumadoe likened the mass revocation to canceling all driver’s licenses to stop bad driving, warning that the lack of clear transitional guidelines could create legal uncertainty for both citizens and law enforcement. These critics are calling for a more evidence-based approach and the strengthening of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons Act to prevent illicit arms proliferation. These legislative and regulatory shifts occur against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny regarding Ghana’s security apparatus and port controls. While the Interior Ministry is currently training regional ministers on the new National Security and Intelligence Agencies Act 2026 (ACT 1168) to prevent the partisan use of security forces, other agencies are facing transparency challenges. The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) recently admitted to procedural failures at the port that allowed a 320kg shipment of methamphetamine, valued at $208 million, to reach Australia undetected. Together, these developments signal a period of intensive reform as the government seeks to bolster domestic stability and international security standards.

Ras Mubarak
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Ghana’s Anti-Corruption Fight Intensifies Amid National Cathedral Probe and Declining Transparency Rankings

Ghana is facing a critical juncture in its governance and accountability landscape, highlighted by a series of high-profile corruption investigations and a sharp decline in international transparency scores. Central to this crisis is the National Cathedral project, which has seen its estimated cost balloon from $100 million to $400 million. President John Mahama’s Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) committee is currently investigating allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption involving key figures, including former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta. The project, once intended as a national monument, now serves as a symbol of unfulfilled promises and fiscal opacity, with the government hinting at a potential abandonment of the site due to insufficient private funding and mounting public outcry. Institutional and legal experts are calling for a radical overhaul of Ghana’s anti-corruption framework to address these systemic failures. Private legal practitioner Andrew Appiah Danquah and former Auditor General Daniel Yaw Domelevo have both advocated for stronger enforcement mechanisms, such as mandatory lifestyle audits and the consolidation of fragmented anti-corruption laws. Domelevo specifically criticized the current practice of submitting asset declarations in sealed envelopes without verification, calling instead for a transparent system that tracks wealth accumulation in real-time. Similarly, former MP Ras Mubarak has proposed an "Unexplained Wealth Law," modeled after UK legislation, to empower authorities to seize assets that cannot be justified by an official's known income. The urgency of these reforms is underscored by a significant decline in Ghana’s global standing regarding fiscal transparency. The latest Open Budget Survey (OBS) scored Ghana a mere 22 out of 100 on its transparency index, placing the country among the lowest-performing nations globally. Harriet Nuamah Agyemang, Country Director of SEND Ghana, noted that the delayed publication of budget documents has severely restricted public engagement and oversight. This decline correlates with data from CIVICUS, which has downgraded Ghana’s civic space from "Narrowed" to "Obstructed" since 2022, suggesting that a shrinking environment for civil society is directly hampering the fight against corruption. Public sentiment reflects these institutional challenges, with the percentage of Ghanaians believing corruption has "increased a lot" rising from 20% in 2017 to 69% in 2022. In response, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng is scheduled to deliver a keynote lecture on February 28, 2025, focused on suppressing state capture and reforming democratic structures to foster accountability. As the government faces pressure from both domestic advocates and international monitors, the coming months will be pivotal in determining whether the state can implement the necessary legal restructurings—including ensuring the independence of the Office of the Special Prosecutor—to restore public trust and stabilize the nation's fiscal governance.

Kenyan Protests and Zimbabwean Constitutional Changes Signal Deepening Political Tensions Across Africa
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Kenyan Protests and Zimbabwean Constitutional Changes Signal Deepening Political Tensions Across Africa

A wave of political volatility is sweeping across Africa as governments grapple with civil unrest and legislative maneuvers to consolidate power. In Kenya, a massive security operation was launched this week to suppress demonstrations marking the anniversary of the 'Gen Z' uprising against economic hardship and corruption. Police in Nairobi blocked major routes, deployed tear gas, and made hundreds of arrests to prevent activists from memorializing the more than 127 people killed during two years of periodic unrest. While President William Ruto has acknowledged the right to protest and announced a $15 million compensation fund for victims of human rights abuses, critics and organizations like Amnesty International have condemned the heavy-handed police presence as an affront to democratic freedoms. The tension is compounded by the looming 2027 elections and public frustration over unfulfilled economic promises. Simultaneously, Zimbabwe’s Senate has approved controversial constitutional amendments that could allow President Emmerson Mnangagwa to remain in office until 2030. The changes, which increase presidential terms from five to seven years and shift the selection process to parliament rather than a popular vote, have been labeled a 'constitutional coup' by the opposition. Supporters argue the move will ensure national stability, but activists fear it entrenches the dominance of the ruling Zanu-PF party, which has held power since 1980. This legislative shift occurs amidst reports of intimidation and violence against dissenters, raising significant concerns about the future of electoral integrity in the country. In a landmark legal development, Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, was acquitted of all bribery charges by a London court after a 13-year investigation led by the UK’s National Crime Agency. Alison-Madueke, who served from 2010 to 2015, consistently denied allegations that she accepted kickbacks to fund a luxurious lifestyle. Following the jury's verdict, she described the ordeal as traumatic, while legal experts suggest the acquittal highlights the immense challenges of prosecuting high-profile international corruption cases. The ruling has reignited debates across the continent regarding the accountability of public officials and the effectiveness of international judicial processes. Regional stability faces further tests in South Africa and North Africa. South African authorities are coordinating with private security firms to manage planned anti-immigration protests, known as the 'Great Liberation March,' set for late June. President Cyril Ramaphosa has vowed to tackle xenophobic violence as the country faces rising resentment over undocumented migration and high unemployment. Meanwhile, Tunisia’s judiciary has upheld an eight-year prison sentence for anti-racism activist Saadia Mosbah, a move seen as part of a broader crackdown on NGOs. In a rare moment of consensus, Libyan factions have agreed on a presidential election law through UN-brokered dialogue, aiming for a transition by February 2027. On the global stage, the United States remains embroiled in political and economic conflict as President Donald Trump seeks $87.6 billion from Congress for military operations in Iran despite significant domestic opposition. Trump has also ordered investigations into major energy companies for alleged price gouging and received Supreme Court backing to reinstate strict asylum restrictions at the border. These international shifts, ranging from legal battles in London to security crackdowns in Nairobi, underscore a period of intense institutional pressure as leaders worldwide face growing demands for accountability and economic relief.