Ghana Minute.
Saturday, 25 April 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Saturday, 25 April 2026
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Archive Minute from Saturday, 25 April 2026
Politics

Mahama visits Nsawam Prison, pledges reforms and inmate support

The News

President Mahama attended a worship service at Nsawam Medium Security Prison on April 25, 2026, and announced plans to fast-track parole processes with at least 1,000 inmates expected to be released in July through amnesty, alongside pledges to improve recreational infrastructure and address healthcare challenges in the prison system.

Why it matters

Major criminal justice reform: President Mahama pledges amnesty for at least 1,000 inmates and prison infrastructure improvements during Nsawam Prison visit.

11 hours ago · Joy Online →

Politics

  1. Mahama visits Nsawam Prison, pledges reforms and inmate support

    President Mahama attended a worship service at Nsawam Medium Security Prison on April 25, 2026, and announced plans to fast-track parole processes with at least 1,000 inmates expected to be released in July through amnesty, alongside pledges to improve recreational infrastructure and address healthcare challenges in the prison system.

    11 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. EOCO clarifies Atokple was not declared wanted person

    The Economic and Organised Crime Office filed an affidavit at the Adenta High Court clarifying that Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple and the directors of Sesi-Edem Company Ltd were not declared wanted persons. EOCO stated that no formal "wanted" notice was issued against them on its official website, and that a March 30th press release did not constitute a formal wanted declaration but was a response to media discussions.

    13 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. Sam Jonah praises Otumfuo's global peace leadership and influence

    Businessman Sam Jonah has praised Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's leadership as a model for global peace, citing his 27 years of commitment to dialogue and conflict resolution. Jonah highlighted the Asantehene's 2019 UN address on the culture of peace, positioning him as a global voice needed in an increasingly volatile world.

    16 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. Lawyer proposes lethal force law against illegal miners in Ghana

    Lawyer Kwame Boafo Akuffo Esq has called for an Act of Parliament that would authorize the use of lethal force against illegal miners operating in Ghana's forest and water bodies, arguing that galamsey has reached a national security and public health emergency level requiring what he described as "a drastic measure." He proposed deploying surveillance drones to monitor designated mining areas, with enforcement including elimination of offenders who refuse to comply with warnings.

    19 hours ago · Joy Online →

  5. MP Owiredu says Free Zones CEO should have been dismissed

    Abirem MP Charles Owiredu has criticised the CEO of the Ghana Free Zones Authority for her comments targeting the Church of Pentecost Chairman, saying she should have been dismissed. This follows the Pentecost leader's remarks about galamsey disrupting baptism practices in rivers, to which the CEO responded by telling him to stay in his clerical lane, though she later apologised.

    19 hours ago · Joy Online →

Business

  1. Turq-Stones CEO Agyapong named among 100 influential African leaders

    Dromeryda Agyapong, founder and CEO of Turq-Stones Limited, has been recognised as one of the 100 Most Influential African Leaders in 2026, in recognition of her work in Ghana's construction and real estate sector and her philanthropic leadership through La Mére Foundation.

    10 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Access Bank Ghana launches Access U platform for youth

    Access Bank Ghana has launched Access U, a youth-focused banking platform designed to provide financial services and support tailored to young people's lifestyles and ambitions. The bank positioned the initiative as a financial ecosystem offering guidance, opportunity, tools, and networking to support users at different life stages.

    12 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. Three Ghanaians win Webby Award for AI governance platform

    Kwaw Fletcher Frimpong, Dominic Damoah, and Phelimon Hini's Human In The Loop platform won the People's Voice Award for Best Responsible AI Implementation at the 30th Annual Webby Awards, winning through public voting among over 940,000 participants casting more than 4.6 million votes from over 13,000 entries across 70 countries.

    16 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. Ghana launches $270 million artificial intelligence strategy

    President John Dramani Mahama announced a National AI Strategy on April 24 with $250 million to establish an AI Center and $20 million for short-to-medium-term implementation. Ambassador Kojo Bonsu praised the commitment as visionary leadership that positions Ghana to lead in the digital age.

    14 hours ago · Daily Guide →

Mining & Energy

  1. Blue Water Guards showing limited impact in galamsey fight

    The Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana says the government's Blue Water Guards initiative, launched to protect water bodies from illegal mining pollution, is not delivering expected results and has limited visible impact. He urged a reassessment of the programme, arguing resources could be better deployed to established institutions like the Police and Minerals Commission.

    10 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Energy Ministry installing 3,000 new transformers nationwide

    The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition is installing 3,000 new transformers to strengthen electricity distribution and improve reliability across the country, according to the Ministry's Spokesperson Richmond Rockson.

    17 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. December 2024 power cuts were generation capacity issue

    The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition's Spokesperson stated that December 2024 power outages under the previous government stemmed from weaknesses in generation capacity rather than distribution, with constraints in electricity production placing pressure on the national grid.

    18 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. Energy ministry official blames previous government for infrastructure investment gaps

    Richmond Rockson, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, said critical investments needed to strengthen Ghana's energy infrastructure were not sufficiently made during the Akufo-Addo government, contributing to challenges in meeting demand and maintaining stability.

    18 hours ago · Joy Online →

  5. RCOMSDEP coordinator describes galamsey fight as holistic approach

    The National Coordinator of RCOMSDEP says the Mahama administration's approach to combating illegal mining combines regulation, community engagement, and alternative livelihood programmes, going beyond enforcement to address root causes. The government has brought together civil society and local communities, and as of April 2026, the campaign has intensified with new technological deployments and increased law enforcement operations.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online →

Agriculture & Land

  1. RCOMSDEP coordinator names greed as root cause of galamsey

    The National Coordinator of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme identified greed as the central driver of illegal mining in Ghana, noting that rising global gold prices and pursuit of livelihood opportunities have intensified the problem.

    19 hours ago · Joy Online →

Society

  1. A Rocha Ghana deputy director criticises govt's galamsey enforcement approach

    Daryl Bosu, Deputy Director of A Rocha Ghana, has accused the government of sidelining Act 995's provisions on prosecuting illegal miners, saying authorities have opted to deport foreign offenders instead of prosecuting them, which he argues undermines the law's intent and reflects insufficient commitment to tackling galamsey.

    9 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Uncovered illegally mined pits breeding malaria in Amansie West

    The Amansie West District recorded over 36,000 malaria cases at outpatient departments in 2024, rising to more than 38,000 in 2025, with cases among children under five increasing from 8,000 to 10,000 in the same period. Health authorities attribute the rise to uncovered pits left by illegal mining activities, which serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

    10 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. Panacea Pharmacy donates medicines to Mamprobi Hospital on Malaria Day

    Panacea Pharmacy Limited donated essential medicines to Mamprobi Hospital in Accra as part of World Malaria Day activities, with the company stating that access to quality treatment should not depend on patients' ability to pay. The gesture is intended to address challenges faced by uninsured and low-income patients who face treatment delays due to medication costs.

    12 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. Executive Women Network celebrates decade advancing female leadership

    The Executive Women Network, founded on April 19, 2016, by six women leaders, has grown to nearly 200 members over ten years, working to advance women's leadership and influence in Ghana's corporate, policy and governance spaces.

    15 hours ago · Joy Online →

  5. Accra–Salaga bus crash kills two, injures several

    Two persons are feared dead and several others injured after a Marcopolo bus overturned on the Nkonya Wurupong–Kwamekrom stretch in Oti Region early Saturday. The injured were conveyed to Kpando Hospital, and preliminary reports suggest the two deceased were a couple travelling for a family introduction ceremony.

    17 hours ago · Joy Online →

  6. Zoomlion investigates waste concerns after PAC hearing in Asante Akyem South

    Zoomlion Ghana Limited investigated sanitation concerns raised by the MCE of Asante Akyem South Municipality at a Parliament Public Accounts Committee hearing on April 21, 2026, including reports of refuse spillages and deteriorated waste containers. The company dispatched a team to the municipality on April 22 to assess the situation and address the allegations.

    17 hours ago · Joy Online →

  7. Illegal mining threatens water access, lawyer warns of future conflict

    Private legal practitioner Kwame Akuffo has warned that destruction of Ghana's water bodies through galamsey could lead to serious conflict over access to clean water if urgent action is not taken, describing it as an existential threat to the right to life. He argued that the government is spending money treating polluted water and that prevention would be more effective and less costly.

    19 hours ago · Joy Online →

  8. Galamsey fight uncoordinated and failing, says Daryl Bosu

    A Rocha Ghana's deputy director says the country's efforts against illegal mining are failing due to poor coordination among state agencies, despite appearing organized on paper. Fieldwork in affected regions shows worsening conditions, forest destruction, and water quality degradation continue despite government interventions.

    20 hours ago · Joy Online →

  9. JoyNews Impact Makers Awards 2026 celebrates self-funded community changemakers

    The JoyNews Impact Makers Awards 2026 will honour Ghanaians using personal resources to address social challenges, recognising individuals who have self-funded initiatives such as building classrooms, schools, and health clinics in underserved communities. The event is scheduled for May 15, 2026, at Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra.

    20 hours ago · Joy Online →

  10. Lawyer urges stronger action against illegal mining in Ghana

    Private legal practitioner Kwame Boafo Akuffo has called for more aggressive and decisive state action against galamsey (illegal mining), criticizing the current approach as too slow and ineffective. He argues that illegal mining endangers lives and natural resources, and urged a shift from what he termed a "Presbyterian approach" to enforcement toward more drastic measures.

    20 hours ago · Joy Online →

  11. JS Construction awards female scholarships, donates printer to Kumasi Technical

    JS Construction has launched a three-year full scholarship scheme for two female students in construction-related programmes at Kumasi Technical University and donated an industrial multifunctional printer to support examination processes. The company is also set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Faculty of Built and Natural Environment covering the scholarship scheme and structured internship opportunities.

    21 hours ago · Joy Online →

  12. Panacea Pharmacy donates medicines to Mamprobi Hospital on Malaria Day

    Panacea Pharmacy Limited donated essential medicines to Mamprobi Hospital in Accra to mark World Malaria Day, with the company emphasizing that access to quality treatment should not depend on a patient's ability to pay. The gesture aims to address challenges faced by low-income patients and those without health insurance who struggle to afford prescribed drugs.

    12 hours ago · Joy Online →

Culture

  1. Sam Jonah praises Asantehene's leadership model for global peace

    Sam Jonah, Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, has commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's leadership at a 27th anniversary gala in Kumasi, describing his commitment to dialogue and mediation as a credible alternative to confrontation-driven global politics and a model the world should emulate.

    13 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. University of Ghana Vice-Chancellor calls term "vernacular" derogatory

    Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, has said that labeling African languages or local dialects as "vernacular" is derogatory and an affront to African culture. She argued the term discourages local dialects as recognized means of communication and is made worse by enforcement of discipline against such languages in schools.

    15 hours ago · Joy Online →

Sport

  1. Man City reach record fourth consecutive FA Cup final

    Manchester City came from behind to beat Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final, with goals from Jeremy Doku and Nico Gonzalez securing a comeback victory. The win takes City to a record fourth consecutive FA Cup final on 16 May, keeping alive their hopes of a domestic treble after already winning the Carabao Cup this season.

    11 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Rashford scores as Barcelona extends La Liga lead

    Marcus Rashford scored as Barcelona defeated Getafe, extending their advantage over Real Madrid to 11 points with five games remaining in their pursuit of a second-successive La Liga title. The on-loan Manchester United forward struck in the second half, capitalizing on their rivals' draw the previous night.

    12 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. Arsenal beat Newcastle to return to league top

    Eberechi Eze's first-half goal secured a 1–0 win for Arsenal over Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium, moving the Gunners three points clear at the top of the Premier League, though they have played a game more than Manchester City. The victory came after Arsenal had dropped to second place following Manchester City's midweek win against Burnley.

    12 hours ago · Joy Online →

World & Region

  1. Anti-colonial activist Kemi Seba detained in South Africa

    Kemi Seba, a 45-year-old pan-African activist known for opposing French influence in Africa and backing West African military leaders, is currently detained in South Africa after his arrest while allegedly attempting to flee to Europe via Zimbabwe. He is wanted in Benin for "inciting rebellion" following his alleged support for the country's foiled coup in December 2025.

    7 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Trump cancels US envoys' Pakistan trip for Iran war talks

    Donald Trump cancelled a planned trip by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to Pakistan for talks on the Iran war, saying it would waste "too much time." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi had held talks with mediator Pakistan but said he was yet to see whether the US was "truly serious about diplomacy," as diplomatic efforts remain stalled over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear ambitions.

    8 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. Mexico says deceased US agents lacked permission to operate

    Mexico's government said two US agents (reportedly CIA) who died in a car crash last weekend had not been authorised to operate in the country, with neither having formal accreditation to participate in operational activities. The incident occurs amid tension between Mexico and the US over counter-narcotics operations, with President Sheinbaum insisting that foreign officials can only operate on Mexican soil with prior federal clearance.

    9 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. Asantehene urges global powers to end conflicts, heed civilian suffering

    At the World-Meets-in-Ghana Executive Gala, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, called on world leaders to end ongoing conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, and listen to the silent suffering of innocent civilians caught in war zones, emphasising that the true scale of devastation remains largely unmeasured.

    14 hours ago · Joy Online →

  5. Armed groups launch coordinated attacks across Mali

    Explosions and gunfire have erupted in Mali's capital Bamako and across the country as armed groups launch apparently coordinated attacks. Witnesses report attacks around Kati military base, Gao, Kidal, and Sevare, with analysts describing it as the largest jihadist attack in years.

    14 hours ago · Joy Online →

  6. Ghana condemns South African xenophobia, urges restraint

    Ghana's Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned xenophobic attacks in South Africa and appealed to Ghanaians to avoid retaliatory strikes against South African businesses. Minister Ablakwa summoned South Africa's Acting High Commissioner and urged Ghanaians to show maturity and restraint despite viral reports of attacks on foreign nationals.

    20 hours ago · Joy Online →

  7. Ghana relocates citizen after xenophobic attack in South Africa

    Ghana's government announced it is relocating Emmanuel Asamoah, a Ghanaian legally residing in South Africa, after he was subjected to a xenophobic attack by a vigilante group. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said consular measures were taken to ensure his safety, and he commended South African authorities for their response.

    20 hours ago · Joy Online →

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