Author: Political Desk

Traffic gridlock in Ghana’s capital is costing the national economy an estimated GH¢4.5 billion every year, according to a new policy brief by Glima Research, a Ghana-based consulting firm. The report, titled “The cost of gridlock: a policy brief on Ghana’s Urban Traffic Crisis,” highlights how long hours spent in traffic during peak periods are severely undermining worker productivity, draining household incomes, and diminishing quality of life in Accra and other urban centres. Lead research analyst Andy Sevordzi and geodetic engineer Franklin Owusu-Kwakye co-authored the study, with contributions from statistician Yusif Mohammed and biochemist Rudolph Djirackor. The breakdown of the…

The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has appealed to party members to forgive one another and close ranks following the intense exchanges that characterised the recent election campaign. Speaking at the National Thanksgiving Service organised by the NPP at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) on Sunday, February 15, 2026, Dr Bawumia urged members to let go of any bitterness or hurt stemming from the campaign period. “On this day as we celebrate and give thanks together, I want to ask all of us, from the bottom of my heart, that we forgive each…

Ghana’s telecom operators now face significantly stricter quality standards following new directives from the National Communications Authority (NCA). The regulator, on February 15, 2026, announced revised Quality of Service (QoS) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that take immediate effect, replacing standards that have remained largely unchanged since 2004. Under the updated framework, mobile network operators (MNOs) must maintain a Call Drop Rate (CDR) of less than 1%, down sharply from the previous threshold of ≤3%. Telcos are also required to achieve a Call Connection Success Rate (CCSR) of more than 95%, with successful connections recorded in over 90% of operational cells…

The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the private sector to thrive, create decent jobs, and boost local apparel manufacturing across the country. According to the minister, Ghana remains open and ready for business, and President John Dramani Mahama is fully committed to creating sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. She emphasized that the government will continue to implement policies and initiatives that strengthen the private sector as a key driver of economic growth. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare made these remarks during a one-day working visit to Northshore Apparel Ghana Ltd…

The Minority in Parliament has condemned the government’s decision to slash the cocoa producer price, calling it an unfair and unprecedented blow to hardworking farmers who have long sacrificed for the nation. Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, Dr Isaac Yaw Opoku, voiced strong outrage during a press conference in Parliament on Thursday, February 12, 2026, shortly after Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson announced the reduction. The new farmgate price, effective immediately, stands at GH¢41,392 per tonne (equivalent to GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag), down from the earlier rate of GH¢51,660 per tonne—or GH¢3,625 per bag…

The Government of Ghana has announced a significant downward adjustment to the producer price of cocoa for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season, reducing it from GH¢51,660 per tonne to GH¢41,392 per tonne. The new price, equivalent to GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag, takes effect immediately on Thursday, February 12, 2026, following approval by the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC). Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson made the announcement at a press briefing in Accra, explaining that the revision was driven by prevailing conditions in the international cocoa market. He noted that the adjustment reflects the sharp decline in global…

Ghanaian international and Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey has been charged with two additional counts of rape, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in the United Kingdom. The 32-year-old former Arsenal player now faces accusations involving a fourth woman in total. The new charges relate to alleged offences from 2020, which were first reported to police in August 2025 and followed a separate investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Partey, who previously pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault involving three women, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 13,…

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has revealed that over 71% of Ghanaians are deeply concerned about rising food prices and the escalating cost of living in the country. A survey conducted by the IEA in December 2025, which sampled more than 1,000 respondents across all regions of Ghana, disclosed that 71% of respondents are very concerned about the prices of food and other consumer goods. In a press statement issued on February 11, 2026, the IEA revealed that 68% of respondents approve of how President Mahama is handling his duties, while 22% disapprove and 10 percent have no opinion.…

The Ministry of Education has confirmed that Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education, and Mohammed Adams Sukparu, Deputy Minister for Communications and Digital Technology, are in stable condition following a road traffic accident involving their convoy on the Bolgatanga-Tumu Road. According to an official press release issued today, Thursday, February 12, 2026, the incident took place while the ministers and their teams were travelling to the Upper West Region to attend official engagements. The two were en route to commemorate the 40th anniversary celebrations of Tumu College of Education and Jahan College of Education when the accident occurred. “The Office of…

The Court of Appeal has ordered a retrial in the long-running defamation case filed by veteran journalist Abdul Malik Kweku Baako against businessman and former Assin Central Member of Parliament Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. In a unanimous decision delivered today, February 12, 2026, the appellate court upheld Kennedy Agyapong’s appeal against the 2020 High Court judgment that had ruled in Baako’s favour. The Court of Appeal set aside the High Court ruling, citing a fundamental statutory breach that went to the root of the case, rendering the earlier decision flawed. The court further directed that Kweku Baako refund all payments and…