The Bekwai Circuit Court has sentenced two men to a combined 40 years’ imprisonment with hard labour for their roles in a violent robbery at Kyekyewere near Obuasi in the Ashanti Region. The convicts, Francis Oppong, alias Kwame Abuu, a resident of Kyekyewere, and Francis Nyamekye, alias Amearo, were found guilty after a full trial on charges of conspiracy to commit robbery, aiding and abetment of robbery, and robbery, contrary to Sections 23(1), 20(1), and 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). Presiding Judge, His Honour Mr Isaac Appeatu Esq., on 5th January 2026, handed Oppong a 15-year...
SSNIT Raises Pensions By 10% With Boost For Low-Income Retirees
The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has increased monthly pensions by 10 per cent for 2026, with the adjustment designed to provide greater relief for pensioners on lower incomes. Under the new indexation, all pensioners on the SSNIT Pension Payroll as of December 31, 2025, will receive a fixed increase of six per cent, alongside a redistributed amount of GH¢91.56 drawn from the remaining four per cent. Announcing the increase at a press conference in Accra last Thursday, SSNIT said the redistribution was intended to cushion low-earning pensioners amid prevailing economic conditions. The Trust explained that the redistribution...
Zelenskyy Says US Security Guarantee Deal “Essentially Ready” Amid Paris Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that an agreement on a security guarantee from Washington is “essentially ready” to be finalised by US President Donald Trump, following several days of negotiations in Paris. In a post on X on Thursday, Zelenskyy described the document as a cornerstone of any settlement to end the war, noting it would ensure Washington and other Western allies support Ukraine if Russia launched another invasion. “The bilateral document on security guarantees for Ukraine is now essentially ready for finalisation at the highest level with the president,” he said. Zelenskyy explained that the Paris talks, involving...
Minority Accuses Mahama Government of US$214m Loss in Gold-for-Reserves Programme
The Minority in Parliament has accused the Mahama administration of recklessly expanding the Gold-for-Reserves initiative, blaming the government for what it describes as a US$214 million loss recorded within nine months. Addressing the press on Thursday, January 8, Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, said the development reflects a major lapse in economic governance and oversight. Labeling the situation a “US$214 million scandal,” Madam Appiagyei argued that the amount—equivalent to about GH¢2.6 billion—could have been channelled into building hospitals, equipping schools and providing storage facilities for farmers, but was instead lost through what she termed...
GBC Appeals for Government Support to Clear GH¢13.6m Electricity Debt
The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has called on the government to step in and settle an outstanding electricity debt of GH¢13.6 million, describing it as a legacy liability that arose from shared state infrastructure. The appeal was made during President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to the state broadcaster, where the Director-General, Prof. Amin Alhassan, explained the circumstances behind the arrears. He noted that the debt dates back several years to a period when multiple state institutions relied on a common power supply at GBC’s premises. According to Prof. Alhassan, agencies including the military, police and national security services previously drew...
Ofori-Atta’s Lawyers Move to Block Deportation After US Detention
Lawyers for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta are preparing to contest moves that could see him deported to Ghana, following his detention by United States immigration officials for overstaying his visa. Mr Ofori-Atta was taken into custody on Tuesday by officers of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), initiating a legal process that could result in his removal. His legal team, however, says steps are already underway to avert that outcome. Speaking to JoyNews, a member of the former minister’s legal team, Frank Davies, confirmed that their counterparts in the US have filed a petition seeking an extension of his...
Former NPP Parliamentary Candidates Endorse Dr Bawumia Ahead of Primaries
A large group of New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidates from the 2024 general elections has formally declared support for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of the party’s presidential primaries slated for January 31, 2026. The endorsement, announced at a press conference on Thursday, January 8, 2026, strengthens internal backing for Dr Bawumia, who served as the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate and is seeking re-election to lead the party into the next general polls. The former candidates described their collective move as a strong signal of unity and cohesion within the party, noting that the majority of frontline representatives chosen in...
Asantehene Visits Bank of Ghana, Calls for Economic Prudence and Lower Interest Rates
His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, paid a landmark visit to the Bank of Ghana’s Head Office at Bank Square on Wednesday, 7 January 2026, accompanied by a delegation of over 20 paramount and divisional chiefs. The revered monarch was warmly received by Governor Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama and senior officials of the central bank. In his remarks, the Asantehene lauded the Bank’s headquarters as “a monument to our generation,” urging management to inspire staff to match the grandeur of the edifice with visionary service. Acknowledging the Bank’s pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s economic trajectory, Otumfuo Osei Tutu...
Ghana Ends 2025 with Record Low Inflation, Signaling Economic Stability
Ghana wrapped up 2025 with a significant economic milestone as headline inflation dropped to 5.4% in December, marking the twelfth consecutive month of decline. This latest figure represents a sharp fall from 6.3% in November and a dramatic year-on-year drop from 23.8% in December 2024. The Ministry of Finance described the development as a major win for the economy, highlighting the growing confidence it brings to households and businesses. “Prices are rising much more slowly than a year ago, giving households and businesses greater stability to plan, spend, and invest with confidence,” the Ministry stated. Food inflation also saw a...
GPRTU Says Fare Cuts Will Depend on Broader Cost Conditions
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has indicated that any revision of transport fares will be undertaken when circumstances allow, despite growing calls on operators to reduce charges following recent declines in fuel prices. The union’s stance comes as energy policy analysts and industry watchers renew appeals for transport operators to pass on savings from lower pump prices to passengers. Although fuel costs have eased in the latest pricing window, GPRTU maintains that the overall cost structure of transport services has not shifted significantly. According to the union and some commercial drivers, critical inputs such as vehicle servicing, spare...