Ghana Minute.
Thursday, 18 June 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Thursday, 18 June 2026
Accra—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Home All stories from today — updates as new items land
Politics

Mahama launches Ghana National Research Fund with GH¢100 million seed

The News

President John Mahama has unveiled the Ghana National Research Fund to accelerate Ghana's development as a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy, with an initial GH¢100 million seed fund for 2026 to support competitive research grants, doctoral and postdoctoral programmes, and strategic innovation initiatives aligned with national priorities.

Why it matters

President Mahama launches Ghana National Research Fund with GH¢100 million seed to drive innovation and knowledge-economy development aligned with national priorities.

6 hours ago · Joy Online →

Politics

  1. Mahama launches Ghana National Research Fund with GH¢100 million seed

    President John Mahama has unveiled the Ghana National Research Fund to accelerate Ghana's development as a knowledge-driven, innovation-led economy, with an initial GH¢100 million seed fund for 2026 to support competitive research grants, doctoral and postdoctoral programmes, and strategic innovation initiatives aligned with national priorities.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. NDC chairman expects Big Push roads to finish on time

    Michael Aidoo, Western North Regional Chairman of the NDC, expressed confidence that road contractors will complete Big Push projects on schedule, citing improved progress after a recent ministerial visit. He also commended the government's 24-hour economy market initiative in the region and urged youth awaiting appointments to remain patient.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. TI-Ghana calls for stronger RTI Act enforcement

    Transparency International Ghana has called for stronger enforcement of the Right to Information Act and enhanced accountability mechanisms to combat corruption and improve transparency in governance. The organisation said weak implementation of legal and institutional frameworks continues to limit citizens' access to public information and undermine anti-corruption efforts.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. Mahama assures Bono chiefs of infrastructure investment share

    President John Dramani Mahama received a delegation from the Bono Regional House of Chiefs and assured them of a significant share of road construction projects under the Government's Big Push Infrastructure Initiative, noting that the region has received a substantial allocation in Phase One and that additional roads are being scoped for Phase Two starting next year.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online →

  5. President Mahama receives credentials of seven new envoys

    President John Dramani Mahama received credentials from ambassadors and high commissioners representing Russia, Malta, Poland, Indonesia, Panama, Armenia, and Tanzania. Mahama highlighted Ghana's healthy relationships with their respective countries and invited them to identify areas of meaningful cooperation, including investment opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, energy, and other sectors as part of Ghana's economic transformation agenda.

    2 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

  6. President Mahama, appointees donate GH¢6.1m to MahamaCares fund

    President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and other government appointees have donated GH¢6.1 million to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) through salary deductions, fulfilling a pledge to cede six and one month's salaries respectively.

    2 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

  7. Nigeria Ministry denies education platform cyberattack report

    The Federal Ministry of Education has denied reports that the Nigeria Education Management Information System was hacked, stating the platform remains secure. The ministry attributed a temporary warning message some users saw to an SSL certificate configuration issue at the hosting level, not a security breach.

    2 hours ago · The Chronicle →

  8. Nigerian government rejects IMF tax recommendations on fuel, telecoms

    Nigeria's Federal Government denied reports that it has adopted or is considering new taxes on telecommunications and petroleum products following the IMF Article IV Consultation Report. The government clarified that IMF recommendations are not binding policy and that the VAT waiver on petroleum products remains in place.

    2 hours ago · The Chronicle →

  9. Yilo Krobo Municipality reports infrastructure and service improvements

    The Yilo Krobo Municipality has achieved significant infrastructure expansion and improvements in public service delivery within the first year of the NDC administration, according to the MCE. Key accomplishments include completion and commissioning of healthcare facilities, and the assembly's focus on healthcare, education, sanitation, roads, agriculture, and employment creation.

    2 hours ago · The Chronicle →

Business

  1. SSNIT considers leasing loss-making hotels rather than selling

    SSNIT's Director-General says the Trust is considering leasing out some loss-making hotel assets as part of a turnaround plan, while assuring that it will not sell any hotel investments. He highlighted that Labadi Beach Hotel remains one of SSNIT's strongest investments, having paid ¢17.8 million in dividends for 2024.

    8 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Bosomtwe Community Bank posts 128% profit growth in 2025

    Bosomtwe Community Bank PLC recorded a 128.04% growth in profit before tax for 2025, with profit rising from GH¢12.09 million in 2024 to GH¢27.59 million. The board has proposed a dividend-per-share of GH¢0.10p, giving shareholders a 20% return on the current share price of GH¢0.50p.

    8 hours ago · Business & Financial Times →

  3. Stanbic Bank rewards FIFA World Cup campaign winners

    Stanbic Bank Ghana, in partnership with Visa, rewarded customers who won its FIFA World Cup Experience Campaign and launched a new Local Card Usage Initiative to accelerate digital payments and reward local spending.

    9 hours ago · Business & Financial Times →

  4. Kasapreko's rise from overlooked beverage player to major manufacturer

    Kasapreko, once dismissed as a small local beverage company in Ghana's industry, has grown significantly to record revenue of approximately GH¢3.5 billion by 2025, surpassing competitors like Accra Brewery and recently listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange with heavily oversubscribed investor interest.

    2 hours ago · Joy Online →

  5. BoG Governor calls on banks to fund entrepreneurs, boost exports

    Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, urged commercial banks to increase support for entrepreneurs and export-oriented businesses to transform economic stability into broad-based prosperity. He called on banks to develop innovative financial products and position themselves as strategic partners in economic development, noting that the banking sector's total assets expanded by 26.6 per cent to GHS493.9 billion in April 2026.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online →

  6. Trump says Apple agreed to work with Intel on US chip manufacturing

    U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Apple had agreed to work with Intel to design and build its chips in the United States. Intel had reached a preliminary deal to make some chips for Apple following discussions lasting more than a year, according to the Wall Street Journal.

    7 hours ago · Joy Online →

  7. La Palm Royal Beach Hotel returns to profit after years of losses

    The director-general of SSNIT announced that La Palm Royal Beach Hotel has returned to profitability for the first time in years as efforts to revive struggling hotel investments show early signs of working. SSNIT has no plans to sell any of its hotel investments despite performance challenges at some assets.

    7 hours ago · Joy Online →

  8. SSNIT plans expansion of Labadi Beach Hotel amid profit surge

    SSNIT plans to expand Labadi Beach Hotel by increasing its number of rooms, citing strong financial performance and consistent dividend payouts. The Director-General stated that SSNIT will not sell stakes in the hotel, and expects higher dividend payments this year after the hotel posted profit before tax in excess of ¢67 million in 2024.

    7 hours ago · Joy Online →

  9. Ecobank Ghana posts 28% profit growth to GH¢3.03bn in 2025

    Ecobank Ghana PLC recorded a profit before tax of GH¢3.03 billion in 2025, up 28.3 per cent from GH¢2.4 billion in 2024, with total revenue of GH¢5.2 billion driven by net interest income, trading income and fee-based earnings.

    2 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

  10. Bank of Ghana converts Rural Banks to Community Banks

    The Bank of Ghana has announced the conversion of all Rural and Community Banks into Community Banks under the Revised Microfinance Sector Framework to strengthen community-level financial intermediation and expand access to inclusive financial services. Existing Rural Banks have automatically become Community Banks and must complete statutory name changes and regulatory alignment by December 31, 2026.

    2 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

  11. EBID President Donkor wins African development finance award

    Dr George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chair of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, has been selected to receive the Distinguished African Development Finance Leadership Award for Regional Integration and Economic Transformation at the 16th African Business Leadership Awards 2026, in recognition of his contributions to development finance and regional economic integration in West Africa.

    2 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

  12. Eni Ghana partners with Italian agency on sustainable development

    Eni Ghana has signed a Letter of Intent with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation to advance sustainable development initiatives in Ghana, focusing on education, TVET, agriculture, WASH, community health, nutrition, and economic diversification in host communities.

    2 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

  13. Ghana's producer inflation rises to 5.8% in May

    Producer inflation climbed to 5.8% in May 2026 from 2.7% in April, driven mainly by rising costs in mining and quarrying, manufacturing, and transport sectors, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. Mining and quarrying inflation jumped from 5.6% in April to 11.0% in May.

    2 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

  14. Bank of Ghana converts rural banks to community banks

    The Bank of Ghana has announced the conversion of all Rural Banks into Community Banks as part of sector reforms to modernise the microfinance sector and expand financial inclusion. Institutions must complete statutory name changes and regulatory adjustments by December 31, 2026.

    2 hours ago · The Chronicle →

  15. NAFCO posts GH¢91.7 million profit, up from GH¢19 million loss

    The National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) achieved a financial turnaround in 2025, recording a net profit of GH¢91.7 million compared to a GH¢19 million loss in 2024, driven by governance reforms including a new Procurement Department, strengthened Internal Audit, and Board reconstitution. The company also paid GH¢20.3 million in taxes, its highest annual tax contribution in 16 years.

    2 hours ago · The Chronicle →

Mining & Energy

  1. US-Iran peace deal triggers fall in global oil prices

    Oil prices fell after the U.S. and Iran signed an interim agreement to end the Iran war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and waive U.S. sanctions on Tehran's oil. Brent crude futures dropped 1.12% to $78.66 a barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell 1.28% to $75.81 a barrel as markets priced in a faster-than-expected return of Iranian barrels.

    8 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Resource Governance Forum challenges GoldBod land reclamation project

    The Forum for Responsible Resource Governance has described the Ghana Gold Board's planned nationwide land reclamation initiative as unlawful, arguing that the agency lacks statutory authority to undertake the project under its establishing legislation. GoldBod announced the estimated GH¢36.35 million project in partnership with the Ghana Armed Forces and Forestry Commission to restore lands degraded by illegal mining.

    2 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. FRRG demands transparency over GH¢36.35m GoldBod reclamation budget

    The Forum for Responsible Resource Governance has called on the Ghana Gold Board to answer questions about funding, approval processes, and implementation details for its proposed GH¢36.35 million land reclamation, rehabilitation and reforestation programme, citing concerns about transparency and accountability given the scale of expenditure.

    3 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. Gold Fields secures US$107m environmental reclamation bond

    Gold Fields Ghana has secured approximately US$107 million in environmental reclamation bonds to guarantee the restoration of mined lands and ensure funding for mine rehabilitation and closure activities. The company's Principal Specialist for Mine Closure emphasised that the bond reflects Gold Fields' commitment to environmental responsibility beyond regulatory compliance, with sustainability a core pillar of its business model.

    6 hours ago · Business & Financial Times →

Agriculture & Land

  1. Rice farmers halt planting over 700,000-tonne unsold stock

    Ghana's rice farmers have abandoned fields for the 2026 planting season because they remain burdened with more than 700,000 metric tonnes of unsold paddy rice from last year, lack planting capital, and say government has made no tangible intervention despite promises. A former director of the Peasant Farmers Association reported that tractors are idle across major rice-producing valleys in the North, Volta, and Oti Regions, with farmers owing equipment operators and unable to service debts incurred to buy paddy rice on credit.

    7 hours ago · Business & Financial Times →

  2. GoldBod, GAF, and Forestry Commission restore Tano-Nimri Forest Reserve

    The Ghana Gold Board, Ghana Armed Forces, and Forestry Commission have signed an agreement to reclaim and restore degraded lands in the Tano-Nimri Forest Reserve, establishing a national reclamation model that combines engineering capacity, enforcement standards, and ecological restoration to address devastation from illegal mining activities.

    8 hours ago · Business & Financial Times →

  3. Tomato traders urge farmer training to boost local production

    Tomato traders at Tema Central Market have called on government and agricultural stakeholders to strengthen farmer training programmes in modern cultivation practices to improve local production and reduce dependence on imports. They cite supply disruptions from Burkina Faso and the need for better post-harvest handling and packaging to reduce losses and improve quality.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire harmonise cocoa producer pricing policies

    Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire have agreed to implement interventions to promote a sustainable cocoa economy by harmonising producer pricing policies through a common framework, guaranteeing farmers fair remuneration, and strengthening scientific cooperation on disease management.

    3 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

Society

  1. Driver and passenger unhurt as tree falls on taxi

    A tree fell onto a moving taxi on Golf Hills Road in Okaikwei North Municipality on Wednesday afternoon, temporarily blocking traffic. Both occupants escaped unharmed, and NADMO and police personnel cleared the obstruction to restore traffic flow.

    9 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Two men arraigned for alleged Ashaiman trader robbery and assault

    Two young men have been arraigned before court for allegedly robbing and assaulting a 29-year-old trader at Ashaiman early on June 13, 2026. The accused allegedly attacked the complainant near Ashaiman Pesewa Plaza, assaulting her and making off with her mobile phone, with the second suspect allegedly waiting on a motorbike to facilitate their escape.

    2 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. Police arrest two men with suspected stolen vehicle spare parts

    Two men, John Atsu and Puplampu Jonathan, were arrested at Ashaiman Roundabout at about 2:55 a.m. on June 16, 2026, with automobile spare parts including clutch boosters, fuel injectors, mounting top lights and headlights that they could not document as their own.

    2 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. 70-year-old Wa primary school bulldozed overnight for market site

    Tindamba Primary School, a 70-year-old institution in Wa that educated thousands of residents including a future Supreme Court justice, was demolished at about 2 a.m. on a Saturday to make way for a market as part of government's 24-hour economy policy, despite public opposition and initial intervention by the Local Government Minister.

    5 hours ago · Joy Online →

  5. Missionary defies order to vacate Adaklu mountain disaster zone

    A white missionary, Reverend Jacob Reddekopp, is refusing to leave the foot of Adaklu mountain despite a directive from the Volta Regional Minister to vacate after a mudslide on May 20, 2026 damaged homes and vehicles. The mountain has been declared a disaster zone and should be condemned by NADMO, but Reddekopp's private school remains closed while he remains on the premises, citing uncertainty about where to relocate.

    5 hours ago · Joy Online →

  6. NCCE, UNFPA, Canada launch civic campaign against GBV in Anloga

    The National Commission for Civic Education and UNFPA have launched a comprehensive civic engagement initiative in Anloga District funded by Global Affairs Canada. The programme deploys community meetings, outreach at markets and lorry stations, mobile van broadcasts, and men's club engagements to address gender-based violence, adolescent pregnancy, and harmful norms.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online →

  7. NADMO warns Wenchi Assembly to urgently improve drainage systems

    A NADMO zonal officer has called on the Wenchi Municipal Assembly to improve drainage systems and prevent settlement in waterways to avert flooding, warning that a major disaster is inevitable if the assembly fails to address the poor drainage infrastructure.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online →

  8. Sekondi-Takoradi Mayor defends waste management record amid criticism

    The Mayor of Sekondi-Takoradi has rejected responsibility for poor sanitation conditions in the metropolis, citing inherited structural and financial challenges in waste management. His defence follows criticism from the Western Regional Minister and Local Government Minister, who have called for improvement within two weeks.

    2 hours ago · The Chronicle →

  9. High Court sentences man to death for kidnap and murder

    A High Court of Kogi State has sentenced to death a man prosecuted by the Department of State Services for kidnapping and murdering his neighbour. The court found Jibrin Halilu guilty of conspiracy and kidnapping in connection with the March 2023 abduction and killing of hotel proprietor Uche Andrew Offo, despite the family paying a N2.5 million ransom.

    2 hours ago · The Chronicle →

  10. Police charge influencer for posting false security alarm

    The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arraigned social media influencer Akaninyene Udo ('AK Philo') for allegedly posting a threatening message with an image of an armed bandit captioned "Eket get ready for us." The Commissioner of Police stated that creating, publishing, or spreading false security alerts and deceptive information that could cause public alarm is a criminal offense.

    2 hours ago · The Chronicle →

  11. EPA reaffirms styrofoam ban, calls for green innovation

    Ghana's Environmental Protection Authority says it will proceed with an absolute ban on single-use styrofoam food packaging and is urging the food industry to embrace the opportunity for green innovation, promoting sustainable alternatives such as paper-based packaging, biodegradable materials, and traditional leaf wrapping.

    5 hours ago · Business & Financial Times →

Culture

  1. Vagla Kachana festival celebrates traditions of Kunlog community

    Kunlog, believed to be the second oldest Vagla community in the Sawla-Tuna-Kalba District of Ghana's Savannah Region, hosts the Kachana festival centred on the Kacha-Na deity. The festival is overseen by the Kunlog Heuhin, the supreme traditional ruler, with management of the deity delegated to the Kacha-Hin or Kacha Koro office, currently held by Chorsor Moshie.

    4 hours ago · Joy Online →

Sport

  1. Ghana's World Cup presence builds national brand beyond sport

    Football's World Cup platform offers Ghana emotional diplomacy and international visibility, reaching billions of viewers and serving as a soft power tool for national branding that politics and traditional diplomacy struggle to achieve.

    7 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Ghana beats Panama 1-0 in opening 2026 World Cup match

    Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a stoppage-time goal from Caleb Yirenkyi at Toronto Stadium. Head coach Carlos Queiroz praised his players for their resilience and tactical discipline, saying they "won the game with our brains" despite Panama dominating possession and creating more chances.

    8 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. Black Stars assure Mahama of World Cup opener readiness

    Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew and head coach Carlos Queiroz assured President Mahama during a Zoom call that the team is fully prepared and determined to secure victory in their World Cup opener against Panama. Mahama expressed confidence in the squad and urged them to remain united and play with determination.

    9 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. Ghana beats Panama 1-0 in 2026 World Cup opener

    Ghana secured a dramatic late victory over Panama in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring in the fifth minute of stoppage time to secure a 1-0 win in Toronto at BMO Field. The Black Stars, who were largely outplayed for most of the match, struck on the break to snatch all three points despite Panama enjoying 65% possession in the first half.

    9 hours ago · Joy Online →

  5. Colombia defeats Uzbekistan 3-1 in World Cup Group K

    Colombia opened their World Cup Group K campaign with a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan at the Estadio Azteca, with goals from Daniel Munoz, Luis Diaz, and Jaminton Campaz. Uzbekistan, tournament debutants, mounted a spirited second-half response but were ultimately overcome by Colombia's greater quality in front of a crowd of over 80,000.

    7 hours ago · Joy Online →

  6. Ghana beats Panama 1-0; Queiroz optimistic for World Cup

    Ghana defeated Panama 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal in their World Cup campaign. Coach Carlos Queiroz said his players showed they were ready to pay the price required for wins, and expressed confidence that "we can count on Ghana to do something" at the tournament, though he expressed concerns about the physical handling of Ghana players and the availability of goalkeeper Ati Zigi for their next match against England.

    8 hours ago · Joy Online →

  7. Ivory Coast forward Wahi under investigation for sports betting corruption

    Ivory Coast World Cup forward Elye Wahi is at the centre of an investigation into suspected sports corruption after unusual betting patterns were detected around a yellow card he received in a Ligue 1 match. A 23-year-old Ligue 1 player was taken into custody on May 29 as part of an investigation into suspected organised fraud, organised sports corruption, handling stolen goods, and money laundering.

    8 hours ago · Joy Online →

  8. Rabiot criticises MetLife Stadium pitch quality

    France midfielder Adrien Rabiot described the pitch at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as "more like an artificial surface" after France's 3-1 World Cup win against Senegal, echoing similar complaints from Brazil's Vinicius Junior about the pitch drying out quickly in the heat.

    2 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

  9. Canada denied Partey entry; Ghana protests World Cup ban decision

    Canadian authorities denied entry to Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the nation's World Cup opener against Panama on June 17, sparking legal and diplomatic controversy. Ghana's foreign affairs ministry and football association protested the exclusion of an unconvicted athlete as unfair and discriminatory, while Canada has cited privacy protocols and FIFA deferred to Canada's sovereignty over its borders.

    3 hours ago · The Chronicle →

  10. Hull City faces points deduction risk after Premier League promotion

    Hull City's promotion to the Premier League via the play-off final victory has created a £6m overspend under profit and sustainability rules, putting the club at risk of a six-point penalty unless they sell players before the month's end.

    3 hours ago · The Chronicle →

World & Region

  1. Ryanair flight departs Athens without 20–50 stranded passengers

    A Ryanair flight from Athens to London Luton left without 20 to 50 passengers on Sunday due to passport control delays, the latest incident since the EU's Entry Exit System began tracking non-EU citizens in the Schengen area. Airports attributed congestion to "additional processing requirements," though Ryanair blamed border delays.

    10 hours ago · Joy Online →

  2. Prince Harry and Meghan to visit UK with children in July

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are expected to bring their two children, Archie (seven) and Lilibet (five), to the UK in July, marking their first family visit in four years. It remains unclear what security arrangements will be in place or whether King Charles will meet his grandchildren.

    10 hours ago · Joy Online →

  3. UN invests $113 million in Ghana across 34 agencies

    The UN country team in Ghana improved its programme delivery rate to 80 per cent in 2025, investing US$113.3 million across 34 agencies in seven joint programmes spanning poverty reduction, health, education, security, disability and gender equality, and climate finance. Key outcomes included moving 950,000 people out of multidimensional poverty and reducing maternal mortality from 310 to 234 deaths per 100,000 live births.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online →

  4. South African unions tell workers to avoid anti-migrant protests

    South Africa's largest labour unions, including COSATU which represents around 2 million people, have urged workers not to participate in anti-immigrant protests ahead of a June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups and warned that workers who skip work to attend protests will not be protected and risk their employment.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online →

  5. West African engineering bodies push for unified standards

    The West African Federation of Engineering Organisations is intensifying calls for harmonised engineering standards and stronger professional integration across the sub-region to support infrastructure development, energy expansion, digital transformation and climate resilience. WAFEO will feature the renewed focus at its 2026 Conference and Annual General Meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone, bringing together regulators, professional bodies, policymakers, academics and industry leaders to translate regional frameworks into actionable measures.

    2 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

Ghana Minute