EC Schedules Ayawaso East Parliamentary By-Election for March 3, 2026

EC Schedules Ayawaso East Parliamentary By-Election for March 3, 2026

The Electoral Commission (EC) has announced that a parliamentary by-election will be held in the Ayawaso East Constituency on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, following the death of the sitting Member of Parliament, Mahama Naser Toure.

In a statement dated January 16, 2026, the Commission explained that the seat has become vacant in line with Article 112(5) of the 1992 Constitution (as amended), making it mandatory to conduct a by-election.

The EC said it will receive nomination forms from prospective candidates at the Ayawaso East Municipal Office of the Commission at North Ridge from Monday, February 9, to Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Nominations will be accepted daily between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm.

Interested candidates are required to download nomination forms from the EC’s official website between Friday, January 16, and Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

According to the Commission, completed nomination forms may be submitted personally by the candidate or by either the proposer or seconder to the Returning Officer within the stipulated period.

Each candidate’s nomination must be proposed and seconded by two registered voters in the constituency and supported by 18 additional registered voters who assent to the nomination. The forms must also be duly endorsed with the candidate’s consent.

Candidates are required to submit two copies of a recent bust-size passport photograph with a red background, clearly showing the full face and ears, at the time of filing.

The filing fee has been fixed at GH¢10,000 per candidate. However, female candidates and persons with disabilities (PWDs) will pay a reduced fee of GH¢7,500. All nomination forms must be submitted in quadruplicate.

The Electoral Commission has urged prospective candidates and the general public to take note of the guidelines and comply fully with all nomination requirements to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.

NPP Primaries: Kwame Asumadu Advocates Peaceful, United Party in Akwatia

NPP Primaries: Kwame Asumadu Advocates Peaceful, United Party in Akwatia

The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Akwatia by-election candidate, Kwame Asumadu, has appealed to party members and Ghanaians to uphold peace, unity, and discipline ahead of the NPP’s presidential primaries scheduled for January 31.

Mr. Asumadu made the call while speaking to the media after a peace walk to mobilise support in the Akwatia Constituency of the Eastern Region. He urged supporters to reject violence, bitterness, and internal division before, during, and after the primaries, stressing that political leadership must be anchored in unity rather than conflict.

According to him, leadership is ordained by God and should be pursued with humility, respect, and a commitment to the collective good of the party and the nation.

Mr. Asumadu noted that the strength of the NPP has always rested in its ability to remain united, particularly at critical moments such as the selection of a presidential candidate. He therefore called on party members to place the interest of the NPP above individual ambitions and work together to strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

He further emphasised that peaceful internal processes are essential to maintaining public confidence in the party and positioning it as a credible alternative for governance.

Some NPP members who took part in the walk explained that the exercise was aimed at energising the grassroots and promoting reconciliation within the party. They noted that the call for peace and unity is especially significant as the party seeks to heal internal divisions following its defeat in the September by-election.

Participants expressed optimism that the message of unity will help consolidate support and foster harmony as the party prepares for the upcoming primaries.

Semenyo shines, wins Man of the Match on Man City debut

Semenyo shines, wins Man of the Match on Man City debut

Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo enjoyed a dream start to life at Manchester City after being named Man of the Match in the Citizens’ 10–1 thrashing of Exeter City in the third round of the FA Cup.

The Ghanaian attacker, who joined City from AFC Bournemouth just days ago, was handed his first start and made an instant impact. Semenyo scored a goal and also set up a teammate as City cruised to victory at the Etihad Stadium.

He was later withdrawn in the 64th minute and replaced by Ghanaian-born Belgian international Jeremy Doku, after putting up a strong performance that excited the home fans.

It was a special night for Ghana as Semenyo was not the only player of Ghanaian descent to make his mark. 17-year-old Ryan McAidoo, another Ghanaian-born youngster, also found the net on his senior debut for Manchester City.

The emphatic win sealed City’s qualification to the next round of the FA Cup and capped a memorable debut outing for Semenyo, who will be hoping to build on this performance in the coming games.

Adabraka Jewellery Shop Robbery: Police arrest two more suspects, retrieve weapons

Adabraka Jewellery Shop Robbery: Police arrest two more suspects, retrieve weapons

The Ghana Police Service has arrested two additional suspects in connection with the recent robbery attack on a jewellery shop at Adabraka, following intelligence-led operations in Ashaiman.

The suspects have been identified as Hamza Agerego, also known as Nene Bawku or Lambert, and Alhassan Elliasu, popularly called Arab Man. They were arrested on January 7, 2026, at different hideouts in Ashaiman.

According to police sources, Hamza Agerego was first picked up and detained at the Katamanso District Police Headquarters over his alleged involvement in the robbery. Further investigations and intelligence gathering later led officers to the second suspect, Alhassan Elliasu, who was also arrested in Ashaiman.

A search conducted at the suspects’ premises resulted in the retrieval of several dangerous weapons and items, including two pump-action guns, 43 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, 239 BB cartridges, four bulletproof vests, a pair of black boots, a black face mask, two cutlasses, two Samsung mobile phones, an iPhone 13, a wristwatch, and a CCTV monitor.

Both suspects are currently in police custody, assisting with ongoing investigations, and are expected to be arraigned before court in the coming days to face the law.

NPP Set for their January 31, 2026 Presidential Primaries

NPP Set for their January 31, 2026 Presidential Primaries

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is fully prepared for its presidential primaries on Saturday, January 31, 2026, with all key preparatory processes successfully completed and attention now shifting to voting day.

Party officials say that balloting for positions on the ballot paper has been carried out, determining the order in which aspirants will appear when delegates cast their votes. Among the five contestants, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong secured position number one, followed by Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum and Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.

Preparations have included a nationwide voter register exhibition and verification exercise to ensure accuracy in the Electoral College list ahead of the primaries. Officials also organised the printing and distribution of ballot papers, completed security planning, and emphasized party discipline including barring private security from voting centres to ensure an orderly process.

Aspiring flagbearers have ramped up their campaigns and outreach to delegates in recent weeks, with calls for unity and peaceful conduct ahead of the vote. Kennedy Agyapong has publicly appealed for peace across the party as the competition intensifies.

Political analysts and party supporters are watching closely, with some observers projecting strong support for former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia in the primaries.

A total of 214,812 delegates are expected to participate in the voting, underscoring the scale and significance of the internal election.

With all administrative and organisational hurdles now behind it, the NPP is focused on ensuring that voting day unfolds smoothly and transparently, as delegates prepare to elect the candidate who will lead the party into the 2028 general election.

Ghana’s Semenyo Joins Manchester City in €65m Deal

Ghana’s Semenyo Joins Manchester City in €65m Deal

Ghana Black Stars forward Antoine Semenyo has completed a blockbuster move to English champions Manchester City in a deal reportedly worth €65 million.

The 25-year-old attacker makes the switch after an impressive run in the Premier League, where his strength, work rate and eye for goal made him one of the standout Ghanaian performers in England. His move to the Etihad Stadium ranks among the most expensive transfers involving a Ghanaian player.

Manchester City moved decisively to beat competition from other top European clubs, with head coach Pep Guardiola identifying Semenyo as a perfect fit for his high-intensity, possession-based system. The Ghana international is expected to provide cover across the wings and through the middle.

Reacting to the move, Semenyo described the transfer as a dream come true, saying he is proud to represent Ghana at the highest level of club football and eager to make the nation proud.

The transfer has sparked excitement among football fans across Ghana, with many hailing the move as a major step forward for the Black Stars ahead of upcoming international competitions.

Semenyo becomes the latest Ghanaian to wear the Manchester City shirt, further raising Ghana’s profile on the European football stage.

SSNIT Announces 10% Pension Increase for 2026

SSNIT Announces 10% Pension Increase for 2026

The Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has announced a 10 percent increase in pensions for 2026 to help pensioners cope with the rising cost of living, while also making sure the pension scheme remains strong.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Chief Actuary of SSNIT, Evelyn Adusei, said the increase is in line with the National Pensions Act, 2008, which requires pensions to be reviewed every year.

She explained that the 10 percent increase will not be shared equally among all pensioners. Instead, SSNIT is using a system that favours low-income pensioners.

Under the new arrangement, all pensioners will receive a 6 percent increase on their pensions, plus a fixed amount of GH¢91.56 added to their monthly pay. This means pensioners who earn less will see a bigger percentage increase.

For instance, the minimum monthly pension will go up from GH¢300 in 2025 to GH¢409.56 in 2026, representing an effective increase of about 36.5 percent. Those on the highest pensions will receive an increase of just over 6 percent.

Mrs. Adusei said the new pension adjustment will cost SSNIT an extra GH¢660 million, bringing total pension payments in 2026 to almost GH¢7 billion, excluding payments to new pensioners and lump sum benefits.

She also announced that the minimum pension for new pensioners starting in 2026 will increase from GH¢300 to GH¢400.

SSNIT further indicated that about 70 percent of pensioners will receive an effective increase of 10 percent or more under the new pension structure.

Minority Says Ghana’s Security Has Gotten Worse Under Mahama as Crime Increases

Minority Says Ghana’s Security Has Gotten Worse Under Mahama as Crime Increases

The Minority in Parliament has warned that Ghana’s security situation has become worse under President John Dramani Mahama, with rising crime making many Ghanaians live in fear.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, January 8, during a review of the President’s first year in office, Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, blamed the situation on what she described as the politicisation of the police and neglect of the country’s security services.

According to her, cases of armed robbery and other violent crimes have gone up in the past year, reducing public confidence and making people feel unsafe in their own communities.

“Ghanaians are now sleeping with one eye open. Our once peaceful country is slowly being taken over by fear and uncertainty,” she said.

Madam Appiagyei stated that one year into President Mahama’s return to office, the country is facing serious security problems, adding that even figures from the Interior Minister confirm the worrying trend.

She disclosed that between January and July 2025 alone, about 628 armed robbery cases and 314 murder cases involving illegal firearms were recorded.

“Today, many Ghanaians do not feel safe in their own homes. The duty of protecting lives and property has weakened because the police service has been politicised and the security sector has been neglected,” she added.

Ghana, UK Move to Elevate Relations to Strategic Partnership – Foreign Minister

Ghana, UK Move to Elevate Relations to Strategic Partnership – Foreign Minister

Ghana and the United Kingdom have begun steps to upgrade their bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership, the Minister for Foreign Affairs has announced.

The announcement followed a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs between Ghana’s Foreign Minister and the British High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Christian Rogg. During the meeting, both sides reviewed what the Minister described as increasingly buoyant relations and aligned priority areas for cooperation ahead of 2026, in line with the vision of President John Dramani Mahama.

According to the Minister, discussions focused on expanding collaboration across key sectors, including security, trade, job creation, health, education, governance, and constitutional review.

He further highlighted Ghana’s interest in a government-to-government framework aimed at improving the protection and working conditions of Ghanaian health professionals currently working, or seeking to work, in the United Kingdom.

The Minister also advocated for Ghanaian students and professionals to be exempted from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and its associated fees, noting that English has long been Ghana’s medium of instruction.

Expressing optimism about the partnership, the Minister said it would deepen cooperation and deliver tangible benefits for both countries.

Police nab over 100 suspects in special operations across Accra

Police nab over 100 suspects in special operations across Accra

The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has arrested 132 suspects and recovered several items, including motorcycles, following a series of special swoops and motor traffic operations across Accra.

At a press conference on December 23, the Regional Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Juliana Obeng, stated, “The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested a total of 132 suspects and retrieved various exhibits, including narcotics, suspected stolen items, and motorcycles, during special swoop and motor operations conducted across multiple jurisdictions in the metropolis. These efforts form part of our sustained drive to combat crime this Christmas and beyond.”

She detailed some of the operations, noting that on Thursday, December 18, police from the Kotobabi District under the Nima Division carried out a swoop at Alojo near Merciful Hotel Annex, resulting in the arrest of four suspects.

Another operation occurred on Sunday, December 21, led by the Railways District Command of the Accra Central Division, targeting identified criminal hideouts and resulting in 15 arrests.

Superintendent Obeng added that a motor traffic operation on Friday, December 19, in East Legon and the Airport Division, led to the seizure of 36 motorcycles. Riders committing minor offences were issued warning letters, while others are being processed for court. Similar operations were carried out in other parts of the metropolis.

“All suspects arrested are currently undergoing screening. Those found culpable will be presented in court, while individuals not linked to criminal activity will be released,” she said.

The recovered items have been retained and, where necessary, forwarded to the Police Forensic Laboratory for analysis.

Reaffirming the command’s commitment to public safety, Superintendent Obeng urged the public to support police efforts. “The command encourages citizens to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and credible information to help keep Accra safe,” she added.