Ghana Minute.
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 16 September 2026
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Ghanaian press · Organization

Parliament

Also known as: Parliament of Ghana · House · the full House · the House · Minority side · Parliamentary Caucus on Population and Development · Parliamentary Select Committee on Health · Health Select Committee · the Legislature · House of Parliament · Chamber of Parliament · this House

Ghana's legislative body where bills are reviewed and passed, as referenced across coverage of legal reforms, budget matters, and parliamentary scrutiny.

2026-04-242026-09-16

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. September 2026
  2. Joy Online

    Article 125(3) is emphatic: “…neither the President nor Parliament nor any organ or agency of the President or Parliament shall have or be given final judicial power.” By parity of reasoning, neither shall the Judiciary be given or allowed Executive or Legislative powers.

    The Chief Justice is not a Touring Minister: Baffoe-Bonnie’s SOE visits are unconstitutional officiousness
  3. Joy Online

    Frimpong-Boateng proposed the establishment of a National Environmental Compact, negotiated across political parties and approved by Parliament, to provide continuity for key environmental commitments.

    Enforcing environmental laws carries political cost, while offenders go unpunished – Frimpong-Boateng
  4. Joy Online

    While acknowledging its potential, IMANI identified initial onboarding bottlenecks and recommended expanding its functionality into a two-way civic portal where youth can directly report community grievances to local assembly officials and Members of Parliament.

    Highlights on IMANI’s proposed reforms following engagement with Ministry for Youth Development and Empowerment
  5. The Chronicle

    Parliament has welcomed investigations by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) into a controversial memorandum purportedly authored by the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, concerning an alleged GH¢70,000 payment linked to the r

    PARLIAMENT WELCOMES OSP PROBE INTO ‘GH¢70,000 VETTING MONEY’ MEMO
  6. Joy Online

    Mr Domelevo believes the allegations warrant an independent investigation, particularly as claims of payments to Members of Parliament in relation to vetting exercises have surfaced on previous occasions.

    Domelevo backs OSP probe into alleged GH¢70,000 payment to Appiagyei
  7. Joy Online

    The Deputy Minority Leader Patricia Appiagyei says she will honour any formal invitation from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) as the office begins preliminary investigations into an alleged GH¢70,000 payment linked to Parliament’s vetting of ministerial and Supreme Cou

    ‘OSP hasn’t contacted me’ – Patricia Appiagyei assures cooperation if invited
  8. Joy Online

    And from Parliament, a memorandum circulating in the media has raised questions about the integrity of the parliamentary vetting process.

    Livestream: Newsfile discusses SOEs’ GH¢19.8bn profit, dissolution of 9 boards, CJ’s visits to SOEs, GH¢70k gift rejection
  9. Joy Online

    Transparency International Ghana (TI-Ghana) and the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) have called for full disclosure and accountability over an alleged GH¢70,000 payment linked to the vetting of ministerial and Supreme Court nominees by Parliament’s Appointments Committee.

    TI-Ghana and GACC demand full disclosure over alleged GH¢70,000 Appointments Committee payment
  10. Joy Online

    The Deputy Minority Leader in Parliament, Patricia Appiagyei, has reacted to media reports suggesting she has written a memo rejecting GH¢70,000 money.

    It is ‘FAKE’ – Patricia Appiagyei reacts to memo alleging rejection of GH¢70,000 money
  11. Joy Online

    He is consequently seeking an order restraining the Commissioner-General and Customs officers from exercising the disputed power under Regulation 18(2)(b) until the requirements of Article 174(2) have been complied with or Parliament has passed a resolution under Article 174(3).

    Lawyer sues AG, GRA boss over passenger baggage exemption rules
Politics

Dafeamekpor urges forensic audit of COVID-19 spending

The News

Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has called for a forensic audit of Ghana's COVID-19 expenditure, citing evidence that more than GH¢600 million in fumigation spending may have been omitted from the Auditor-General's special audit. He contends the alleged gap indicates the original COVID-19 audit was incomplete and that members of the Public Accounts Committee had already raised concerns that it was hastily conducted and left some expenditure lines uncovered.

5 hours ago · Joy Online

Yesterday

  1. Dafeamekpor urges forensic audit of COVID-19 spending

    Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has called for a forensic audit of Ghana's COVID-19 expenditure, citing evidence that more than GH¢600 million in fumigation spending may have been omitted from the Auditor-General's special audit. He contends the alleged gap indicates the original COVID-19 audit was incomplete and that members of the Public Accounts Committee had already raised concerns that it was hastily conducted and left some expenditure lines uncovered.

    5 hours ago · Joy Online

  2. Minority demands itemised evacuation records from Foreign Ministry

    The Minority in Parliament says the Foreign Affairs Ministry has failed to release detailed expenditure records on nearly GH¢50 million spent on evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa, and will boycott a Wednesday closed-door meeting unless the Ministry provides itemised accounts and supporting documents requested under the Right to Information Act.

    5 hours ago · Joy Online

  3. GRA to implement Fiscal and Accounting Devices in Q4 2026

    The Ghana Revenue Authority will roll out government-approved Fiscal and Accounting Devices in the last quarter of 2026 to improve VAT compliance and transaction monitoring. The move is part of broader GRA reforms to strengthen tax compliance and create a fairer tax environment.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online

  4. PAC demands Audit Service explain GH¢600m fumigation spending gap

    The Public Accounts Committee will demand answers from the Audit Service over evidence that the Auditor-General's COVID-19 audit understated fumigation expenditure by more than GH¢600 million. An investigation found Ghana may have spent at least GH¢720 million on COVID-19 fumigation, while the special audit recorded only GH¢96 million.

    6 hours ago · Joy Online

  5. Government revises border security meeting invitations after MP criticism

    The government has adjusted the invitation list for a high-level meeting on border security and narcotics after Minority MP Sammi Awuku raised concerns about the absence of sector ministers from the original invitations. Awuku welcomed the adjustment, saying his advocacy was intended to promote accountability and ensure officials with direct political responsibility participate in addressing drug trafficking.

    10 hours ago · Joy Online

  6. Vehicle assemblers to meet local content threshold for VAT exemption

    President Mahama announced that vehicle assemblers in Ghana will be required to meet a specified local assembly threshold to qualify for VAT exemptions under new incentives being developed for the automotive sector. The move aims to ensure companies make meaningful contributions to local manufacturing rather than importing almost-complete vehicles and performing only minor assembly work.

    11 hours ago · Joy Online

  7. Okudzeto criticises AG for not consulting Bar on bill

    Former Ghana Bar Association president Sam Okudzeto has faulted Attorney General Dr Dominic Ayine for presenting a proposed Legal Practitioners' Standard Board Bill to Cabinet without first consulting the Bar, saying the government cannot make decisions affecting the legal profession without consulting lawyers.

    12 hours ago · Joy Online

  8. Finance Minister plans 2027 Budget for November, infrastructure, jobs

    Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson indicated the 2027 Budget will be presented to Parliament in the first week of November 2026, with plans for major infrastructure projects and new business incentives. He said the government intends to invest about US$10 billion under a new economy programme to stimulate economic activity and growth.

    19 hours ago · Joy Online

Monday 14 September

  1. Attorney-General plans bill to strengthen lawyer discipline framework

    Ghana's Attorney-General has announced plans to introduce the Legal Profession (Practitioners Standards Board) Bill to strengthen the regulatory framework for disciplining lawyers. The proposed law, headed to Cabinet for review before Parliament, will establish an independent Disciplinary Committee with clear procedural rules and timelines, and aims to resolve conflicts of interest in the current framework where Superior Court judges both investigate and adjudicate complaints.

    14 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  2. Deputy AG urges ADR council to involve chiefs in dispute resolution

    Deputy Attorney General Dr Justice Srem-Sai has called on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Council to integrate traditional chiefs into Ghana's formal dispute-resolution process, with the aim of decentralizing resolution to regional and district levels and preventing cases from overwhelming the courts.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Accra-Kumasi Expressway to be maintained via tolls for 50 years

    A government-owned company established in 2025 will operate and maintain the Accra-Kumasi Expressway for 50 years, using toll revenue to recover construction and maintenance costs over the concession period, according to the company's CEO.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

  4. LGA holds conference, AGM; elects new leadership

    The Legal Green Association held a landmark programme bringing together law students, legal professionals and public officials for a conference, annual general meeting and election of new executives for 2026/2027. The event featured speakers including Ghana's Deputy Chief of Staff, Foreign Affairs Minister and Chief Whip of Parliament.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Attorney General to introduce bill regulating lawyer discipline

    Ghana's Attorney General announced a new Legal Profession (Practitioners Standards Board) Bill aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework for disciplining lawyers. The bill, headed to Cabinet for review before Parliament, will establish an independent Disciplinary Committee with clear procedural rules and proportionate sanctions, separating investigation from adjudication functions.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Minority criticizes demolition of public assets for 24-Hour Economy Programme

    The Minority in Parliament has criticized the government's demolition of existing public and community infrastructure including schools, markets and other facilities to make way for projects under the 24-Hour Economy Market Programme, raising concerns about planning, consultation and value for money.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Ghana has domestic violence laws, but victims face financial barriers

    Commentary examines Ghana's Domestic Violence Act and related support structures, questioning whether survivors can afford to access the legal protections and services available to them, including DOVVSU, courts, and the One-Stop Centre in Accra.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

Sunday 13 September

  1. Minority demands inquiry into MV Sankofa release before drug arrest

    Ghana's parliamentary Minority is calling for an independent inquiry into the Ghana Maritime Authority's release of the MV Sankofa after it was found sailing under a forged flag in July 2025. The vessel was subsequently arrested in Senegal carrying narcotics, prompting questions about who authorized a reduced fine and the decision to allow it to sail without full cargo inspection.

    13 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Mahama declines to continue Akufo-Addo's National Cathedral project

    President John Mahama says the National Cathedral was a personal pledge by former President Akufo-Addo to God, not government policy, and his administration will not continue it using taxpayers' money. Mahama said Christians in Ghana should mobilize resources themselves for the project.

    13 September 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Mahama declines National Cathedral as not inherited policy

    President John Mahama said the National Cathedral was former President Akufo-Addo's personal religious pledge rather than a government policy his administration must continue, and that Christians should privately fund it rather than use taxpayer money.

    13 September 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Mahama lists three concerns about National Cathedral project

    President John Mahama outlined concerns over the National Cathedral project's financing using taxpayer money, its location amid major public facilities, and the demolition of public and private properties, while clarifying he is not opposed to the idea of a national cathedral.

    13 September 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Mahama says Christians can self-fund National Cathedral project

    President John Mahama says the Christian community has the capacity to finance the National Cathedral without taxpayers' money, suggesting that if Christians each contributed GH¢1,000, sufficient resources could be raised. He also raised concerns about the project's location, citing proximity to Parliament, the International Conference Centre, Greater Accra Regional Hospital, and the National Theatre.

    13 September 2026 · Joy Online

Saturday 12 September

  1. Mahama says taxpayers should not fund National Cathedral project

    President Mahama reiterated that taxpayers' money should not be used for the National Cathedral construction, arguing Christians should mobilise resources instead. He also cited concerns about the cathedral's location, given the concentration of major public facilities in the area and property demolitions required.

    12 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Mahama's anti-corruption record shows progress but warrants caution

    Civil society leaders and anti-corruption advocates credit the Mahama administration after 18 months for ongoing investigations, contract terminations, and procurement reforms, but express caution that the true test of the government's commitment lies ahead.

    12 September 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 11 September

  1. Big Push roads to be tolled after completion—Agbodza

    Ghana's Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza announced that major roads built under the government's Big Push initiative will be tolled after completion, including the Accra-Kumasi Expressway, using a multi-lane electronic tolling system. The government has re-enacted the Road Fund for sustainable road maintenance financing and obtained Parliament's approval for a 20-year public-private partnership concession in July 2026.

    11 September 2026 · Daily Guide

  2. Minority demands documentary evidence for GH¢49m evacuation costs

    Parliament's Minority has questioned the government's reported GH¢49 million expenditure for evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa, requesting detailed records to verify the spending despite supporting the evacuation itself.

    11 September 2026 · Daily Guide

  3. Mahama swears in three new Supreme Court justices

    President John Mahama swore in three new Supreme Court justices—Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Edward Amoako Asante, and Anthony Forson Jnr.—bringing the total number appointed by him since January 7, 2025 to 10. The three were approved by Parliament on August 27, 2026, despite opposition from the Minority who objected to the expedited vetting timeline.

    11 September 2026 · Daily Guide

  4. GIMPA receives no regular government funding, operates autonomously

    GIMPA's Rector disclosed that the public institution receives no regular financial support from government, operating instead under financial autonomy that requires it to generate and manage its own funds, though it occasionally receives government support for specific projects.

    11 September 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Ghana abolishes 20% excise duty on locally made fruit juice

    The Food and Beverages Association of Ghana has welcomed the abolition of the 20% excise duty on locally manufactured fruit juices, which is expected to take effect from October 1, 2026, following Parliament's passage of a new Excise Duty Act and presidential assent. The Association said the reform would support local value addition, manufacturing, employment creation and economic growth.

    11 September 2026 · Joy Online

  6. WHO reports 3.8% of Ghanaian adults considered suicide

    The World Health Organisation says 3.8 per cent of adults in Ghana have considered suicide and 2.3 per cent have attempted suicide, with suicidal thoughts particularly common among young people. The WHO has called for intensified prevention efforts and stronger support systems, commending Ghana's 2023 decriminalisation of attempted suicide as a shift from punishment to care.

    11 September 2026 · Joy Online

  7. Newly sworn Supreme Court Judges assure independence from President

    Three newly inaugurated Supreme Court Judges—Sophia Rosetta Bernasko Essah, Edward Amoako Asante, and Tony Forson—were sworn in by President Mahama at the Presidency. Justice Essah assured on behalf of the judges that they would be independent enough to decide according to law, interpreting and applying it faithfully, impartially, and courageously.

    11 September 2026 · Joy Online

  8. Ghana's youth commit to active climate action monitoring

    Ghana's youth have pledged to take an active role in the country's climate response by monitoring climate spending, translating climate policies into local languages, and appointing climate advocates across all 16 regions. The article argues that youth participation in climate monitoring and decision-making is essential given climate change's direct impact on their livelihoods, jobs, food security, and environment.

    11 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

Parliament — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute