Politics
Latest politics stories from Ghana's newsrooms
politics|
Mahama’s 2028 Intentions Gain Majority Support Amid Contentious Parliamentary Recall and National Cathedral Audit
Recent polling data from Global InfoAnalytics reveals that a significant majority of Ghanaians—65%—support President John Dramani Mahama’s decision not to seek a third term in the 2028 general elections. The survey, conducted in late July 2026, shows broad agreement across party lines, including 76% of New Patriotic Party (NPP) supporters and 59% of National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters. While the President’s public stance has quelled much of the debate, groups such as Ghanaians for Progress (GHAPRO) continue to advocate for a third term, citing "unfinished business" and the need for exceptional leadership. This public discourse comes as the administration navigates a busy legislative and accountability agenda early in the President's current term. Simultaneously, a political row has erupted over Speaker Alban Bagbin’s decision to recall Parliament from its recess for an extraordinary sitting from August 24 to August 28, 2026. While the Speaker cited "urgent parliamentary business" under Order 58(4) of the Standing Orders, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Deputy Minority Whip Habib Iddrisu. The MP for Tolon labeled the recall a "waste of taxpayers' money," arguing that the primary agenda—the approval of two ministerial nominees—is not an emergency. Iddrisu noted that the ministries in question have functioned without substantive heads for nearly a year, suggesting the matters could have waited until the scheduled resumption in October. Accountability remains a central theme as Minister of State Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that the forensic audit report on the National Cathedral project was submitted to the Attorney General on August 7, 2026. The report is currently under review to determine subsequent legal actions. This development follows a scathing critique by Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine, who argued that funds allocated for the Cathedral should have been used to complete hospitals under the Agenda 111 initiative. Dr. Ayine emphasized that the construction of a religious facility should have been handled with more care, referencing a PwC report that suggested the diverted funds could have significantly benefited national healthcare infrastructure. On the development front, the government is moving forward with significant infrastructure and social commitments. The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources announced the final phase of the Appiatse Redevelopment Project, set to begin in mid-September 2026, which will provide new homes for 69 households displaced by the 2022 explosion. Concurrently, the Ministry of Transport has commissioned a six-month feasibility study for a coastal water transport route between Keta and Axim. However, local challenges persist; farmers in Bolgatanga have expressed disappointment over failed World Bank-funded irrigation projects, and traders at the Konkomba Yam Market are urging the Accra Metropolitan Assembly to reconsider demolition plans for a new "24-hour economy" market project to avoid disrupting food supply chains.
politics|
Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie and National Peace Council Lead Renewed Push for Institutional Integrity and Public Trust
In a series of coordinated efforts to bolster Ghana’s democratic resilience, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie and the National Peace Council (NPC) have issued strong calls for institutional reform and ethical leadership. Speaking at the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service of Ghana’s congress in Fiapre, Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie warned that poor court administration, delays, and staff misconduct are directly eroding public confidence in the judiciary. He emphasized that the public evaluates the entire justice system based on their interactions with administrative staff, urging for a more professional approach to facilitate justice delivery. Simultaneously, the NPC convened an inter-party dialogue in Accra to foster trust among political parties and promote responsible communication, reinforcing that Ghana’s peace depends on the collective commitment of political actors to manage differences constructively. While leadership focuses on institutional trust, the Minority in Parliament has raised sharp concerns regarding the government’s management of athlete welfare. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Ranking Member of the Committee on Youth and Sports, demanded an independent investigation into reports of systemic neglect during the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The MP highlighted disturbing claims, including late airline ticket deliveries without luggage allowances, delayed provision of competition kits, and unclear per diem payments for athletes and the Black Queens. This call for transparency is echoed in the social sector by the Mental Health Society of Ghana (MEHSOG), which is demanding that government agencies and district assemblies publish the names of disability fund beneficiaries to prevent the misappropriation of funds and ensure that support reaches those truly in need. Addressing the foundational role of ethical leadership, the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has intensified its engagement with youth leaders in the Northern Region. Alhaji Aliyu Mohammed, the NCCE Northern Regional Director, urged young people to reject corruption and embrace accountability, noting that the country’s future depends on a departure from the unfulfilled promises of the past. These efforts are being complemented by the launch of the Civil Society Coalition Against Transnational Crime, which aims to combat human trafficking and cybercrime through community-led prevention. Additionally, the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, has called for a shift toward more professional and sustainable water-service delivery to ensure that vulnerable rural populations have reliable access to safe drinking water. Together, these developments highlight a broader national movement toward strengthening accountability and governance under the administration of President John Mahama. From the judiciary to sports administration and rural infrastructure, the recurring theme remains the urgent need for transparency and ethical conduct to restore public trust in state institutions. As civil society and government agencies implement these recommendations, the focus shifts to whether these structural reforms will result in tangible improvements in service delivery and social cohesion, or if they will face further challenges from systemic inefficiencies and economic pressures.
politics|
Mahama Administration Defends Economic Record Amidst IFS Critiques on 2026 Budget Execution and Revenue Shortfalls
Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Senior Presidential Advisor, has robustly defended President John Mahama’s administration, asserting that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lacks the credibility to lecture the current government on economic management. Speaking in August 2026, Mogtari highlighted the significant progress achieved under the leadership of Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson. She dismissed recent criticisms from the Minority Caucus regarding the operations of the Ghana Gold Board and urged citizens to remain supportive of the administration's trajectory, claiming the country is making steady economic strides despite the political rhetoric from the opposition. However, this optimistic political stance faces scrutiny from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS). In its comprehensive assessment of the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, the IFS expressed disappointment over a GH35.6 billion shortfall in government spending during the first half of the year. Dr. Said Boakye, the Executive Director of the IFS, pointed out that the government failed to reach its projected expenditure of GH172.54 billion, largely due to low revenue inflows. A specific point of contention was the administration’s failure to adequately capture revenue from the small-scale mining sector, a missed opportunity that the IFS argues could have funded critical infrastructure projects necessary for national development. The economic challenges identified by the IFS appear to mirror frustrations in the tourism and creative sectors. While international arrivals have increased nineteen months into President Mahama’s term, actual tourism receipts have reportedly declined. Ambitious initiatives like the "Black Star Experience" have yet to translate into the economic renaissance promised to local creators, who remain disillusioned by stagnant copyright administration and delayed funding. Conversely, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) provided a more stable outlook, announcing plans to grow its active membership to 2.8 million by 2028, with assets under management currently reaching GH35.4 billion. Amidst these fiscal debates, NPP flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has focused his message on youth empowerment, emphasizing that young Ghanaians deserve enhanced opportunities to secure jobs and start businesses. While the Ministry of Transport is currently reviewing reports to address urban congestion and modernize rail and bus systems, the political landscape remains dominated by the government's budget execution. With approximately 29 months remaining in his term, the Mahama administration faces the dual challenge of fulfilling its cultural and infrastructure promises while addressing the fiscal gaps highlighted by economic watchdogs.
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