Ghana Minute.
Sunday, 28 June 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 28 June 2026
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Archive Minute from Sunday, 28 June 2026
Politics

Ghana assumes RMU Board leadership, pledges governance reforms

The News

Ghana has taken over the leadership of the Regional Maritime University Board of Governors following a handover from Sierra Leone, with Ghana's Minister of Transport pledging to strengthen governance, address infrastructure deficits, and reposition the institution as Africa's premier maritime training hub.

28 June 2026 · Joy Online

Politics

  1. Ghana assumes RMU Board leadership, pledges governance reforms

    Ghana has taken over the leadership of the Regional Maritime University Board of Governors following a handover from Sierra Leone, with Ghana's Minister of Transport pledging to strengthen governance, address infrastructure deficits, and reposition the institution as Africa's premier maritime training hub.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Mahama directs strict quality checks before road project payments

    President Mahama has instructed road engineers and contractors on Government "Big Push" infrastructure projects to ensure all road works meet highest quality standards before payments are approved, saying this will guarantee value for money, enhance durability, reduce travel costs, improve safety, and prevent premature road failure. He made the directive during an inspection of phase-two of the Kafodzidzi–Abransa road rehabilitation in the KEEA Municipality, cautioning that "we will not accept substandard work" and emphasizing that payments will be tied to verified quality and completion milestones.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Vice President calls for stronger protection of informal workers

    Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has called for greater protection of informal sector workers, who make up about 78 per cent of Ghana's workforce but remain largely outside formal labour protections. She urged that their concerns be integrated into national labour policies and said proposed reforms including the Labour Bill, 2026 would strengthen labour administration and industrial relations.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. NCCE holds Constitution Quiz Competition for basic schools

    The Korle Klottey Municipal Office of the NCCE organised a 2026 Constitution Quiz Competition for selected basic schools to promote constitutional awareness and civic responsibility, with Liberty Avenue Two Basic School winning the contest among five participating schools.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. GJA calls on Parliament to enact dedicated defamation law

    The General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association has called on Parliament to enact a dedicated defamation law, saying the current reliance on common law principles leaves journalists vulnerable to litigation and creates uncertainty for media practitioners, the judiciary, and the public. He argues that a comprehensive law would provide clear standards for what constitutes defamation, available legal defences, remedies for complainants, and applicable sanctions.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Powerful figures weaponizing defamation suits against journalists

    Ghana Journalists Association General Secretary Dominic Hlordze warns that powerful individuals are increasingly using defamation lawsuits to intimidate journalists and silence investigative reporting, targeting those perceived as lacking financial resources to defend themselves in court. More than 15 defamation and related cases are currently pending against journalists and media organisations across the country.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Ghana's lack of defamation law leaves journalists vulnerable to intimidation lawsuits

    A UniMAC lawyer warns that Ghana's reliance on common law rather than codified defamation legislation creates legal uncertainty and allows powerful individuals to weaponize courts through Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) intended to burden and silence journalists rather than seek justice.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Rising defamation suits threaten investigative journalism in Ghana

    The Ghana Journalists Association warns that a rising tide of defamation lawsuits is forcing journalists out of reporting and into courtrooms, with over 15 cases currently pending against journalists and media houses. The GJA General Secretary cited the financial burden of litigation as a significant deterrent that undermines journalism's core function of holding power to account.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Adwoa Safo seeks to move shooting case from Circuit to High Court

    Former Dome-Kwabenya MP Sarah Adwoa Safo has petitioned the Attorney-General to transfer a criminal case involving an alleged shooting incident from Adenta Circuit Court to the High Court, arguing the court lacks jurisdiction because the principal offence is a first-degree felony triable only on indictment before the High Court. The accused face charges including use of offensive weapons, possession of firearms and explosives, participation in vigilante activities, discharge of firearms in a public place, and causing unlawful damage.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  10. NPP demands transparency on government's refurbished locomotives purchase

    The NPP's Minority Transport Policy Committee has questioned the government's acquisition of two refurbished diesel locomotives and 20 freight wagons, calling for full disclosure of their age, cost, operational history and long-term value. The Committee described the locomotives as British Rail Class 56 engines manufactured between 1976 and 1983, previously operated by Colas Rail, and argued that transparency is essential to determine whether the acquisition represents value for money.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

Business

  1. World Bank raises Ghana 2026 growth forecast to 4.8%

    The World Bank has increased Ghana's GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 4.8%, up 0.2 percentage points, though this represents a slowdown from 2025's 6.0% growth. The forecast for 2027 has been raised to 4.9% and 2028 to 5.0%, outpacing the Sub-Saharan Africa average.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Government treasury bills auction records 60% oversubscription at higher cost

    Ghana's government received bids worth GH¢7.3 billion against a GH¢4.5 billion target in its treasury bills auction, accepting GH¢6.01 billion, but interest rates rose to nearly 13% for the first time since January 2026 as investors demanded higher compensation.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Tech firms raise device prices, cite AI-driven chip costs

    Apple and Microsoft have raised prices on devices and consoles years old, blaming increased demand for chips from AI data centres. Apple raised tablet and laptop prices by nearly 20%, while Microsoft is raising Xbox Series S and X console prices by at least $100 from August, marking its third increase in just over a year.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Clinton Consultancy wins Ghana Leading Firm award at Global 100

    The Law Office of Clinton Consultancy has been named "Leading Firm in Law Practice in Ghana for 2026" at the Global 100 Awards, recognizing its work in corporate law, litigation, regulatory compliance, banking and finance, maritime law and cross-border legal services.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Ghana honours leading businesses at third annual achievement awards

    Ghana's 3rd Ghana Outstanding Business Achievement Awards ceremony on June 26, 2026, at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra celebrated corporate excellence and recognized organizations and individuals driving economic growth. Diplomats, policymakers, and business leaders attended the event, which highlighted the role of businesses in fostering innovation, creating employment, and strengthening Ghana's global competitiveness.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Litina Travel hosts Made-in-Ghana World Cup expo in Boston

    Litina Travel and Tours staged a two-day Made-in-Ghana FIFA World Cup 2026 Expo in Boston on June 22 and 23, bringing together Ghanaian manufacturers, entrepreneurs, and investors to showcase Ghanaian businesses to international markets. The event, attended by Ghana's Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry and Ambassador to the USA, coincided with Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup group-stage match against England.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Ghana's economic recovery offers Africa lessons on domestic debt markets

    At a BIS roundtable in Basel, the Bank of Ghana's Governor said Ghana's recovery from recent economic challenges demonstrates the importance of developing resilient domestic debt markets to strengthen economic stability across Africa, noting that robust domestic capital markets are essential to reducing vulnerabilities and promoting sustainable growth.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

Mining & Energy

  1. UMAT lecturer urges tax relief for rooftop solar expansion

    The Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at UMaT has called for bold policy reforms including temporary removal of taxes on solar equipment to accelerate Ghana's transition to renewable energy, citing the success of the country's LPG adoption programme as a model for mass uptake.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. China backs Ghana's energy self-reliance and oil refining expansion

    The Chinese Ambassador has praised Ghana's goal of achieving energy self-reliance, including its target to end raw mineral exports by 2030 and process crude oil locally. He was speaking at the commissioning of Phase Two of the Sentuo Oil Refinery in Tema, which will expand refining capacity from 40,000 to 100,000 barrels per day.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

Society

  1. Man arrested over father's death in Berekum West

    A 40-year-old man was arrested in Benkasa, Berekum West District, after his 70-year-old father was found dead with multiple cutlass wounds on June 26, 2026. Residents reported that the suspect had been mentally unstable and showing signs of aggression, and had accompanied his father to the farm where the body was discovered.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. 17-year-old remanded over cutlass attack on mother, sister

    A 17-year-old boy has been remanded by the Kuntanase District Court in the Ashanti Region for allegedly inflicting multiple cutlass wounds on his mother and sister after a dispute over missing cannabis. The victims remain on admission while police investigations continue.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Teenager remanded over cutlass wounds to mother and sister

    A 17-year-old boy in Ashanti Region was remanded by Kuntanase District Court after allegedly inflicting multiple cutlass wounds on his mother and sister on June 21, 2026. The prosecution alleged the accused, described as a drug addict, attacked the victims over a missing parcel of dried cannabis.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. PSWU demands urgent payment of agreed allowances by June 30

    The Public Services Workers' Union has called on the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission to urgently release Institution Specific Allowances agreed on March 31, 2026, warning that failure to pay by June 30, 2026, would prompt a reconsideration of options including industrial action.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Mahama commissions CHPS facility, urges blood pressure checks

    President Mahama commissioned a community-based Health Planning and Services compound in Ohiaba, AAK District, urging residents to check their blood pressure to prevent avoidable deaths. He said the facility is equipped and staffed to support the Free Primary Healthcare initiative, which aims to make healthcare more accessible and equitable, especially for vulnerable populations.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Vice President urges stronger protection for informal sector workers

    Vice President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang called for greater protection of informal sector workers, who comprise about 78 per cent of Ghana's workforce but remain largely outside formal labour protections. She opened the 2026 National Labour Conference and urged that informal workers' concerns, particularly those of women and the urban poor, be integrated into national labour policies and social dialogue processes.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Odomi buries six victims, warns against further ethnic attacks

    Six people murdered during ethnic violence in the farming community of Odomi were laid to rest on Saturday, June 27, 2026. The Chief of Odomi warned that despite the community's past participation in peace efforts, residents would no longer tolerate further aggression.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Northern Ghana receives 17 dialysis machines, needs trained staff

    Ghana Medical Help has donated 17 Fresenius dialysis machines and imaging systems to hospitals in the Upper West and Upper East Regions, ending long journeys for kidney patients from Nandom who previously travelled to Wa for treatment. Hospital administrators warn the equipment risks sitting unused without urgent medical personnel and local funding.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Otumfuo urges pharmacists to uphold standards at 90-year milestone

    The Asantehene, speaking at the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana's 90th anniversary celebration, urged pharmacists to prioritise quality over expansion and called on government to invest in training and deployment of pharmacists as essential to strengthening the healthcare system.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

Culture

  1. Dr Abu Sakara Foster enskinned as Kakulasewura of Mankuma

    Dr Abu Sakara Foster, a renowned agriculturalist, entrepreneur, and former CPP presidential candidate, has been enskinned as the Kakulasewura of the Mankuma Traditional Area in the Savannah Region following the passing of the former occupant. The ceremony drew royals, linguists, traditional warriors, politicians, and business leaders to witness the installation reflecting the significance of traditional institutions in modern Ghana.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Thirteen-year-old Ghanaian author publishes debut novel

    Nana Akua Adomaa Adu-Mante, 13, has published her debut novel Motel Mystery, a mystery-adventure story inspired by her love of reading. She encourages young people to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams despite challenges in balancing writing with schoolwork.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Joe Mettle's Praise Reloaded 2026 worship event held at Accra Sports Stadium

    The annual worship event by gospel musician Joe Mettle takes place at the Accra Sports Stadium, themed "The River" and featuring performances by Joe Mettle and the Love Gift Band alongside gospel ministers from Ghana and Nigeria including Daughters of Glorious Jesus, Minister Eugene Zuta, Bethel Revival Choir, Sunmisola Agbebi, and Prospa Ochimana. Admission is free, gates open at 1:00 p.m. with the main experience beginning at 3:00 p.m.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Vivie's Dance and Theatre Academy celebrates 10 years at National Theatre

    Vivie's Dance and Theatre Academy held its 10th Anniversary production, Sparkle Day 2026, at the National Theatre of Ghana, showcasing performances by children and young people through dance, acrobatics, taekwondo, and music. The event, attended by government ministers, ambassadors, and members of the diplomatic community, emphasized artistic excellence, courage, growth, and resilience.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Wesley Girls' High School marks 190th anniversary with year-long celebrations

    Wesley Girls' High School, founded in September 1836, will hold year-long celebrations under the theme "Honouring Our Roots, Igniting Tomorrow" to commemorate nearly 190 years of excellence while raising funds for two transformative projects. The official launch is scheduled for Friday, July 3, 2026, at Wesley Towers Auditorium in Accra.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Seun Kuti says Fela benefited from privileged background

    Seun Kuti, a musician and son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, says his father would not have been great without his privileged background as the son of nationalist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, though he notes that hard work and resilience were also essential to Fela's success. Kuti added that in his family, members are trained to work hard despite their background advantages, and that being from a great family brings pressure to meet high expectations.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Mr Ibu's widow defends property sale as court-ordered

    Stella Maris Okafor, widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor (Mr Ibu), has denied secretly selling her husband's properties, stating the sales were carried out in accordance with a court order and with the consent of Mr Ibu's two sons, Valentine and Daniel Okafor. She says she has relevant documents to support her claim and currently runs an online jewellery business.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Colleagues dispute video of actor Hanks Anuku lying on road

    A video showing Nigerian actor Hanks Anuku lying on a road in Abuja while talking to himself circulated online, prompting concerns about his mental health and alleged alcohol use. Fellow actors Segun Arinze and Jerry Amilo disputed the video's currency, claiming it was old and urging the public to stop spreading it.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

Sport

  1. Emma Raducanu withdraws from Wimbledon due to stress fracture

    Britain's Emma Raducanu, seeded 30th, withdrew from Wimbledon on the eve of the tournament after being diagnosed with a stress fracture in her lower right leg. She announced the decision shortly after 22:00 BST on Sunday, about seven hours after telling journalists she planned to play.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Declan Rice expected to start England's World Cup knockout tie versus DR Congo

    England midfielder Declan Rice is expected to return to the starting lineup for the last-32 match against DR Congo on Wednesday after being rested against Panama due to a calf injury sustained in the draw with Ghana. England manager Thomas Tuchel faces significant uncertainty at right-back, with Reece James unlikely to return this tournament and Jarell Quansah doubtful for the DR Congo game due to an ankle injury.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Sunderland rejects £8m Chelsea bid for Xhaka

    Sunderland have rejected an £8m offer from Chelsea for midfielder Granit Xhaka, saying the 33-year-old is not for sale. The Switzerland international, under contract until 2028, played a key role in Sunderland's Europa League qualification last season.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Spain winger Pino faces World Cup exit with suspected broken collarbone

    Spain winger Yeremy Pino may miss the rest of the World Cup after sustaining a suspected broken collarbone during the closing stages of Spain's 1-0 victory over Uruguay on Saturday. A fractured collarbone would almost certainly rule him out for the remainder of the tournament as the knockout stages begin.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Congo DR defeats Uzbekistan to reach World Cup knockout stage

    Congo DR completed a comeback to secure progression to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history, defeating eliminated Uzbekistan 3-1 with goals from Yoane Wissa (2) and Fiston Mayele.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Cody Gakpo seeks privacy after unborn son's death

    Liverpool and Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo and his partner, model Noa van der Bij, announced the loss of their unborn son on Saturday. The couple had been expecting a second child, due in October; Gakpo requested privacy and space for his family during the difficult time.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Manchester United midfielder Ugarte suffers serious knee injury at World Cup

    Manchester United's 25-year-old Manuel Ugarte suffered a knee ligament injury while playing for Uruguay against Spain at the World Cup; Uruguayan media reports suggest a cruciate ligament injury that could sideline him for several months, pending further tests in Manchester.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Nine African nations advance to 2026 World Cup knockout stage

    Ghana and eight other African teams—Algeria, DR Congo, Egypt, Cape Verde, Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal and South Africa—progressed to the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Tunisia was eliminated. Ghana finished third in their group with four points and will face Colombia.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Canada defeats South Africa to reach World Cup last 16

    Stephen Eustaquio scored in the second minute of injury time as Canada defeated South Africa to advance to the World Cup last 16 for the first time. Canada will face either the Netherlands or Morocco in Houston on 4 July.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Black Stars wanted victory over Croatia, not a draw

    Forward Brandon Thomas-Asante rejected suggestions that Ghana approached their final World Cup group match against Croatia without intent to win, saying the squad's disappointment reflected its ambition to finish strongly despite already securing qualification.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Austria and Algeria qualify for World Cup after 3-3 draw

    Austria and Algeria both advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 following a 3-3 draw in their final Group J match. Austria qualified as runners-up and will face Spain, while Algeria progressed as one of the eight best third-placed teams and will meet Switzerland.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  12. Messi scores twice as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

    Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in Dallas, netting an 80th-minute free-kick to extend his streak to seven consecutive World Cup games with a goal. With top spot already secured, Messi was rested initially before being brought on after an hour to help restore Argentina's two-goal advantage.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  13. Black Stars must focus forward after Croatia loss

    Brandon Thomas-Asante urged Ghana to move past their World Cup Group L defeat to Croatia and concentrate on the knockout stage, noting the team had already secured qualification before the match and should view the loss as less damaging than it could have been earlier in the tournament.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  14. Ghana supporters locked out of World Cup match in Philadelphia

    Ghanaian supporters who travelled from Accra to watch the Black Stars play Croatia at the FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia were unable to enter the stadium due to ticket distribution issues. Many fans waited outside the stadium watching on their phones, with some alleging that promised tickets had been diverted to the secondary market.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  15. Black Stars qualify for knockout stage despite Croatia loss

    Ghana lost to Croatia in their final Group L match of the FIFA World Cup 2026, but had already secured qualification to the Round of 32 after earlier victories. Captain Jordan Ayew described the defeat as "weird" and "sloppy," but said the team remains positive and focused on learning from mistakes for the knockout stage.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  16. Ghana captain Ayew says Croatia loss won't affect team confidence

    Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew said Ghana's defeat to Croatia in their final Group L match at the FIFA World Cup will not dampen the team's confidence as they prepare for the Round of 32, insisting the result has not affected the team's morale or belief.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  17. Ghana advances to World Cup 2026 knockout stage as best third

    Ghana qualified for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite losing 2-1 to Croatia in their final Group L match, finishing third with four points from victories and draws in their opening fixtures. The Black Stars will face Colombia, Group K winners, on July 4, with kick-off at 1:30 a.m. Ghana time.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  18. Ghana Sports Fund head urges patience after Black Stars Croatia loss

    The Administrator of the Ghana Sports Fund called on Ghanaians to support the Black Stars despite their defeat to Croatia, arguing that the team's spirited performance indicates progress and that results will follow with continued belief and public backing.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

Tourism & Environment

  1. Ghana's tourism receipts decline despite rise in arrivals

    Ghana welcomed 1.31 million international visitors and generated US$4.34 billion in tourism receipts in 2025, but average receipts per visitor fell from US$3,743 in 2024 to US$3,320 in 2025. The article argues that measuring tourism success by arrivals alone obscures the deeper question of how much economic value each visitor creates.

    28 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times

World & Region

  1. Trump's face appears on limited-edition US passports for 250th anniversary

    The Trump administration has unveiled a limited-edition US passport design featuring President Donald Trump to commemorate America's 250th birthday, available from 6 July while supplies last through in-person appointments at the Washington DC passport agency and select special events.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Trump threatens 100% tariff on European digital services tax

    U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed to impose a 100% import tariff on any European country that introduces a digital services tax on American technology giants, warning the penalties would be applied immediately and supersede existing bilateral trade agreements.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Fourteen killed in Saudi Aramco helicopter crash

    A helicopter belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco crashed in the eastern coastal city of Ras Tanura on Sunday, killing all 14 people on board, all Saudi citizens. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Plane carrying skydivers crashes in eastern France, killing eleven

    A civilian aircraft carrying skydivers crashed in Tomblaine, eastern France, killing the pilot and all ten passengers—five instructors and five first-time jumpers. The plane, operated by a parachutist school, crashed shortly after takeoff from Nancy-Essey airfield around 11:00 local time, and the Paris prosecutor's office has launched an investigation.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Europe's early heatwave linked to over 1,300 excess deaths

    The WHO chief said more than 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded since 21 June linked to high temperatures in Europe, with Germany hitting a record 41.7 °C on Sunday. France's health ministry reported around 1,000 more deaths than expected since Wednesday, mostly among those aged 65 and over.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Uganda army chief orders closure of independent media outlets

    Uganda's army chief Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has ordered the closure of leading independent media outlets including Daily Monitor newspaper and NTV, with armed soldiers stationed at the media group's headquarters in Kampala. The general said the press should be "guided by cadres of the revolution" and that media outlets would not reopen without his permission.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Seychelles marks 50 years, tourism central to national identity

    As Seychelles celebrates 50 years of independence, Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein says tourism and hospitality are central to the nation's people and development, touching every community member and business while strengthening the destination's MICE sector alongside leisure tourism.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

Opinion

  1. Spirituality should not excuse poor work performance

    An opinion piece argues that while spirituality is important for personal development, it should not interfere with professional responsibilities or be used to justify underperformance in the workplace. The author contends that work, rest, worship, and reflection each have their proper time and place.

    28 June 2026 · Joy Online

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