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Ghana Passport Visa-Free Countries Reach 50 — More Agreements Expected

By
Ivy Hollys
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visa-free entries

Ghana passport visa-free countries have now reached nearly 50, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa on February 12.

More Visa Waiver Agreements Expected

Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that the number of Ghana passport visa-free countries is expected to increase in the coming months as the government signs additional bilateral agreements.

He assured journalists that Ghanaians should expect positive announcements in March, April, and May.

The visa access arrangements include fully visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival, and e-visa entry options.

Countries Offering Access

Countries currently offering access to Ghanaian passport holders include Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, South Africa, and Qatar, among others.

Most of these destinations permit stays of up to 90 days.

The government believes the expansion will improve travel opportunities, promote trade and enhance Ghana’s global competitiveness.

Korle Klottey Assembly Arrests Five for Open Defecation at Osu Cemetery

By
Ivy Hollys
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open defecation

Open defecation at Osu Cemetery has led to the arrest and arraignment of five individuals before the James Town District Court.

The arrests were carried out by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly as part of intensified enforcement of sanitation by-laws in the municipality.

Court Fines Two, Grants Bail to Three

At their court appearance, two of the persons accused of open defecation pleaded guilty and were each fined GH¢1,200.

Two others initially pleaded guilty with explanation, but later changed their pleas to not guilty. They were granted bail of GH¢3,000 each with two sureties.

The fifth accused also pleaded not guilty and was granted bail under similar conditions.

The case was presided over by Her Worship Anna Akosua Appiah Gottfried Anaafi Gyafi.

Assembly Warns of Tougher Sanitation Enforcement

The Assembly reiterated its commitment to prosecuting sanitation offenders to protect public health and curb the issue of open defecation in the community. They further warned residents to use designated sanitation facilities at all times, stressing that further violations will attract legal consequences.

Ghana cocoa farmgate price reduced by 28% as Government absorbs $150 million COCOBOD loss

By
Ivy Hollys
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Cocobod on black stars sponsorship

Ghana cocoa farmgate price has been reduced by 28 percent for the first time since at least 2020, following a sharp decline in global cocoa prices and mounting arrears owed to farmers.

The announcement forms part of broader reforms within Ghana’s cocoa sector, with the government assuring farmers that outstanding payments will be settled.

Government to Pay Arrears to Cocoa Farmers

The Finance Minister confirmed that Cabinet has directed the Ghana Cocoa Board to immediately pay all affected farmers.

However, questions emerged over how the payment would be financed, given COCOBOD’s well-documented liquidity challenges in recent years.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story, Deputy Finance Minister Thomas Ampem Nyarko revealed that the government will absorb expected losses from cocoa already supplied.

Government to Absorb $150 Million Loss

According to Mr. Nyarko, approximately 50,000 metric tonnes of cocoa beans had already been supplied by farmers before the price reduction.

Because the supply occurred prior to the new Ghana cocoa farmgate price taking effect, farmers will be paid the previous rate of over $5,200 per tonne.

At current market conditions, COCOBOD is projected to incur losses estimated at $150 million, equivalent to roughly GH¢1.6 billion at prevailing exchange rates.

The government has agreed to absorb the full amount, describing it as a necessary fiscal intervention to protect farmers.

The price reduction is expected to generate mixed reactions across Ghana’s cocoa-producing communities.

Alabaster Box and Medikal copyright case continues in court: Alabaster Box Speaks on ‘Welcome to Africa’ Song Dispute

By
Ivy Hollys
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medikal-and-alabaster-box

The ongoing Medikal copyright case involving Ghanaian a cappella group Alabaster Box has taken a new turn as the group confirms the matter is still before the courts.

The legal dispute began in April 2025 after Alabaster Box accused rapper Medikal of using portions of their song Akwaaba in his track Welcome to Africa without authorization.

Speaking in a recent interview, members of the group disclosed that attempts to personally serve Medikal and his management team with a writ of summons initially failed.

According to the group, the court later approved substituted service, which allows legal documents to be delivered through alternative means. They say that the process has now been completed, and the case is progressing through the legal system.

Alabaster Box explained that before pursuing legal action, they attempted to resolve the matter privately. After discovering that the song allegedly sampled their work, they reached out to Medikal’s camp.

However, the group claims they were directed to an intermediary instead of engaging directly with the artiste. They later sought legal representation due to the sensitive nature of the dispute.

According to the Alasbaster box, communication broke down shortly after their lawyer initiated contact with the rapper’s team.

The case remains ongoing, and neither party has issued detailed public commentary on the court proceedings.

Canada School Shooting attack: Eight Dead in British Columbia Tumbler Ridge Attack

By
Ivy Hollys
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canada school shooting attack

At least eight people have been killed in a tragic Canada school shooting attack in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.

Authorities say an 18-year-old woman is suspected to have carried out the attack, which has shocked the small Canadian mountain community.

Police report that the suspect allegedly killed her mother and stepbrother at a residence before proceeding to a local school, where the shooting occurred.

Among the victims were a female teacher, three 12-year-old girls, and two boys aged 12 and 13. The other two victims were relatives of the suspect who were found at the residence.

The family of 12-year-old Kylie Smith has publicly confirmed that she was among those killed in the attack.

Police have identified the suspect as Jesse Van Rootselaar, an 18-year-old former student who reportedly dropped out of school about four years ago.

Authorities say they are still investigating the motive behind the attack. Police also disclosed that they had previously interacted with the suspect regarding mental health concerns.

Rising Food Prices in Ghana 2026: 71% of Citizens Express Concern—IEA Survey

By
Ivy Hollys
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iea statistics on food prices

A new survey by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) shows that rising food prices in Ghana in 2026 remain a major concern for citizens.

According to the report, 71 percent of respondents said they are “very concerned” about increasing food prices and the overall cost of living.

The survey, conducted in December 2025, sampled more than 1,000 respondents across all regions of Ghana. The findings were released in a press statement dated February 11, 2026.

Aside from food inflation, the survey revealed that unemployment and illegal mining remain major national concerns. About 46 percent of respondents identified unemployment as a pressing issue, while 30 percent pointed to illegal mining as a significant challenge.

The IEA stated that the survey was conducted to assess public opinion on economic pressures one year after the 2024 general election and to evaluate public perception of President John Dramani Mahama’s performance.

Despite widespread concerns about the cost of living, the survey found that 68 percent of respondents approve of the president’s performance. Meanwhile, 10 percent expressed no opinion.

The think tank noted that although some macroeconomic indicators appear to be improving, many households continue to experience financial difficulties.

The IGP has promoted 12,802 officers in 2026

By
Ivy Hollys
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igp on promoting ghana police officers in 2026

The Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has promoted 12,802 officers. The promotions, which took place between January and the first week of February 2026, cover ranks from Lance Corporals to Chief Inspectors.

According to the IGP’s Secretariat, the promotions were aimed at clearing a backlog, with some dating back between five and ten years. The update was released after multiple media requests for clarification.

The Secretariat explained that the promotions were conducted in accordance with the Police Service Regulations, 2012, also known as Constitutional Instrument 76.

Under Regulation 37 of the law, police promotions are based on performance assessments, seniority, years of service, and promotion examinations. The regulation also allows for special recommendations in cases involving bravery or outstanding service.

The clarification follows media reports suggesting that the promotions by the IGP were influenced by nepotism.

However, the IGP’s Secretariat has dismissed the allegations, stating that the process was supervised by unit, district, divisional, and regional commanders across all 25 police regions in Ghana.

Officials explained that commanders nationwide were instructed to submit names of officers due for promotion, forming the basis of the exercise.

Cocaine Smuggling at Kotoka Airport: NACOC Arrests Manufacturing Company Manager

By
Ivy Hollys
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nacoc
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Operatives of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) have arrested a senior manufacturing company manager over alleged cocaine smuggling at Kotoka Airport.

The suspect, whose identity has not yet been officially disclosed, is accused of concealing cocaine inside a consignment of packaged gari intended for export.

The arrest was made at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) following what authorities describe as an intelligence-led operation.

Sources at the airport indicate that the suspect is believed to be in charge of production at the manufacturing company linked to the shipment. Security officials reportedly intercepted the consignment after receiving intelligence about possible drug trafficking activity.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling operation. NACOC is also working to establish whether the suspect is part of a larger drug trafficking network.

The latest arrest forms part of efforts by Ghanaian authorities to clamp down on narcotics trafficking through the country’s major entry and exit points.

Medicinal Hemp Cultivation in Ghana To Begin After Parliament Approves Licensing Regime

By
Ivy Hollys
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cannabis licenses to be rolled out soon

Ghana is set to begin licensing for medicinal hemp cultivation, marking a major milestone in the country’s regulated cannabis industry after Parliament approved the legal framework for controlled cultivation and use. The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has announced plans to implement Ghana’s licensing regime for medicinal and industrial hemp cultivation under strict regulatory standards.

In a press release dated February 11, 2026, signed by Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, NACOC confirmed that it will operationalize the nationwide licensing regime for controlled cultivation, processing, and use of cannabis with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content not exceeding 0.3% for medicinal hemp and industrial purposes.

Under the new regime, licenses for medicinal and industrial hemp cultivation will be issued only to qualified entities that satisfy stringent requirements. These include robust security protocols, reliable product traceability systems, strict quality assurance standards, and full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, NACOC emphasized.

The Commission cautioned prospective applicants to deal exclusively with NACOC’s Cannabis Regulations Department (CRD) and follow official procedures. It warned against engaging with individuals or organizations claiming to facilitate or expedite licensing outside official channels.

NACOC also reiterated that recreational cannabis use remains illegal in Ghana and that the Commission will work closely with key ministries and regulatory bodies—including the Ministry of Interior, Ghana Standards Authority, and the Food and Drugs Authority—to ensure effective monitoring, implementation, and enforcement of the new framework.

This move aligns Ghana with global trends towards regulated industrial hemp cultivation and positions the sector for potential economic and medicinal development. Industrial hemp, the variety of cannabis permitted under the new law, is distinguished by its low THC content and broad applications, including medicine, textiles, biodegradable products, and more.

Food insecurity in Ghana 2026: I will write to GSS to locate affected persons—Hon. Eric Opoku

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Hon. Eric Opoku

Concerns over food insecurity in Ghana 2026 took center stage in Parliament as the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, assured lawmakers that the government is building food buffers and will rely on data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) to support vulnerable individuals across the country.

The assurance came during the 5th sitting of the 1st meeting of the 2nd session of the 9th Parliament of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, following a question from the member of Parliament for Damongo, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, on the rising threat of hunger.

Hon. Samuel Jinapor referenced a new Ghana Statistical Service report released today, which indicates that food insecurity in Ghana in 2026 has worsened, rising from 35.3 percent in 2024 to 38.1 percent in 2025.

According to the report, about 13 million Ghanaians are at risk of hunger this year, a development the MP described as alarming and contradictory to claims of national food self-sufficiency.

Hon. Jinapor questioned what assurances the minister could give to ensure that these 13 million people do not slip into hunger.

Responding to the concerns over food insecurity in Ghana in 2026, Hon. Eric Opoku said the government is not disputing the data provided by the GSS but is focused on targeted interventions.

“As we speak, we are building a food buffer,” the minister stated. “I will write to the Ghana Statistical Service to give us the locations of individuals that are food insecure so that from our buffer, we can supply them with food.”

He explained that identifying the geographical locations of affected individuals is critical to addressing food insecurity in Ghana in 2026 effectively.

“If we truly have 13 million people who are food insecure, we must know their locations so that we can make them food secure,” Hon. Opoku added.

The minister further revealed that significant financial resources are required to stabilize the food system, particularly in the rice sector.

“According to my technical team, we need no less than 600 million Ghana cedis to mop up excess food in the system, especially paddy rice.” 

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