Wednesday, 21 January 2026
Tuesday, 20 January 2026
Friday, 16 January 2026
Thursday, 15 January 2026
Kaiser Flats residents condemn alleged forced evictions(Daily Graphic, Thursday, January 15,2026)
Wednesday, 14 January 2026
'Reject it. Resist it. Report it': NCCE takes anti-corruption message to Tema school(Graphic Online Tuesday January 13, 2026
https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/education/reject-it-resist-it-report-it-ncce-takes-anti-corruption-message-to-tema-school.html
Tuesday, 13 January 2026
Tema Police intercept over 1,600 parcels of suspected narcotic drugs(Graphic Online, Tuesday, January 13, 2026)
The Tema Regional Police Command has intercepted 1,613 parcels of substances suspected to be narcotic drugs following an intelligence-led operation along the Akosombo–Tema road.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, January 10, 2026, formed part of ongoing efforts by the Ghana Police Service to clamp down on drug trafficking within the region and beyond.
The interception is considered one of the significant drug busts in the region in recent times.
A statement issued by the police on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, and signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police, Dede Dzakpasu,
Head of Public Affairs of the Tema Regional Police Command said the police received intelligence to the effect that large quantities of suspected narcotic substances were being transported from the Volta Region towards Tema.
She said the police acted swiftly on the information by mounting surveillance teams along the suspected route, concentrating on the Agomeda Junction area.
She said at about 12:45 a.m., officers intercepted two vehicles—a white Toyota Highlander with registration number GS 2013-13 and a black Mitsubishi Pajero with registration number GC 400-22.
The vehicles, she added were being driven by two suspects identified as Isaac Odoi, aged 33, and Kwame Mani, aged 39.
The Police said a search conducted on the vehicles revealed several compressed, yellow-wrapped parcels suspected to be narcotic drugs.
She said on January 12, 2026, the suspects and the exhibits were handed over to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Tema.
ASP Dzakpasu further disclosed that a total of 872 parcels were retrieved from the Mitsubishi Pajero, while 741 parcels were found in the Toyota Highlander, bringing the total to 1,613 parcels.
She said the suspects were currently in police custody, assisting with investigations while samples of the seized substances were expected to be sent to the Forensic Crime Laboratory for analysis.
She indicated that further searches would be conducted at the suspects’ residences.
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RMU graduates 43 heavy duty equipment operators (Daily Graphic Tuesday January 13, 2026)
The 11-week training programme equipped 43 young men and women with the technical competence and safety skills required to operate forklifts and mobile cranes in line with industry best practices.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony at the RMU campus at Nungua in the Greater Accra Region, the acting Vice-Chancellor of the RMU, Professor Jethro W. Brooks Jnr, expressed pride in the programme’s achievements, indicating that it had grown from modest beginnings into a flagship short course with continental relevance.
The event was held on the theme: “Accelerating Africa’s Economy with an Improved Logistics Industry.Prof. Brooks Jnr described logistics as the lifeblood of trade, industrialisation and regional integration, and encouraged the graduates to see themselves as vital contributors to Africa’s economic transformation.
Support
The President of NAHEOG, Dominic Eyiah, praised the RMU for its strong support and collaboration.
He announced plans to introduce new training programmes in excavator operations, accident investigation, rigging technology, and heavy-duty mechanics to further build the capacity of operators.
Mr Eyiah stressed the importance of logistics to economic growth, describing operators as “the backbone of Africa’s economic future”.
He emphasised that efficient logistics reduced costs, improved productivity, and attracted investment, and urged the graduates to uphold professionalism, safety and discipline at all times.
Safety
Speaking on behalf of the Crane Owners Association of Ghana, Alhaji Mohammed Awal Gariba called for stronger protection of indigenous operators, strict adherence to safety standards, and the enforcement of laws regulating foreign participation in the heavy-lifting industry.
He also bemoaned what he described as persistent police harassment of operators on major highways.
“Most of the equipment is truck-mounted and certified to ply the roads, which is why we annually renew our roadworthy certificates. Yet, we are harassed frequently by some police personnel. Issues often raised include escort demands and threats of court action. This must stop,” he said.
Alhaji Gariba pledged the association’s commitment to job creation and partnerships that would support national development.
He called on the graduates to serve as ambassadors of professionalism, safety and excellence in the logistics and heavy equipment sector.
Impact
The Head of Marine Engineering at RMU and a Coordinator of the programme, Dr Isaac Animah, disclosed that since the programme’s inception two years ago, more than 400 students had graduated as part of RMU’s efforts to strengthen Ghana’s and Africa’s logistics and industrial workforce.
Dr Animah described the journey as rewarding though challenging, and highlighted a significant increase in female participation, helping to break the stereotyping of heavy-duty operations as a male-dominated field.
He said this aligned with the RMU’s vision to promote gender inclusivity across its academic and professional programmes.
He further revealed that his outfit had signed a memorandum of understanding with an international recruitment agency to facilitate overseas employment opportunities for graduates, enabling them to earn foreign income and contribute to national development.
The highlight of the ceremony was the award of Best Mobile Crane Operator to Rebecca Ahafianyo, a 25-year-old trainee, whose exceptional performance earned her an instant job offer from the management of Rahamabros Enterprise.
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Saturday, 10 January 2026
GMA conducts security audits at Tema, Takoradi ports (Daily Graphic, Saturday, January 10, 2026)
The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has wrapped up its fourth quarter security audits for 2025 at the Tema Port, Meridian Port Services (MPS) Terminal 3, and the Takoradi Port, reinforcing the country’s commitment to secure, efficient and internationally compliant maritime operations.
The audits, conducted in December 2025 under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, assessed the operational readiness of the ports, the effectiveness of security systems, and the ability of personnel to respond to emerging threats.
The ISPS Code provides the global framework for safeguarding ports, vessels and cargo from security risks such as theft, sabotage, smuggling and terrorism.
The Head of Maritime Security, Search and Rescue at the authority, Mustapha Adamah, who led the audit team, emphasised the critical role of routine inspections.
“ISPS audits are essential for identifying vulnerabilities, detecting potential threats, and preventing security breaches,” he said.
“They ensure Ghana’s ports meet international standards, safeguard personnel and cargo, and ultimately enhance the country’s trade and economic growth," he added.
Terminal 3
At MPS Terminal 3, the audit highlighted a strong culture of safety and leadership accountability.
A standout finding was a policy linking safety performance directly to the key performance indicators of the MPS Chief Executive Officer, ensuring executive-level responsibility for maintaining a zero-fatality environment.
The auditors also indicated that MPS operated under a comprehensive human, engineering and legal (HEL) framework.
This framework, the authority explained, integrated rigorous safety training, the use of advanced machinery to prevent operational failures, and strict compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Key protocols for “work at height and suspended loads” and a “pedestrian-free policy” for managing over 2,000 trucks entering the terminal daily were confirmed as fully enforced, highlighting the terminal’s commitment to personnel and cargo safety.
At Tema Port, the audit team reported significant security improvements.
Overgrown vegetation was cleared, outdated lighting systems replaced, and “Restricted Area” signage installed at critical locations, all enhancing visibility and overall port defences.
A highlight of the quarter was a joint emergency drill involving all three Tema terminals, including MPS Terminal 3 for the first time.
The exercise tested coordination, communication and emergency response, demonstrating the port’s strengthened preparedness for potential incidents.
Takoradi
At the Takoradi Port, the GMA audit found generally high access control standards, but recommended further enhancements to address emerging risks.
Security concerns included two alleged robbery attempts at anchorage and cases of stowaways arriving from Apapa, Nigeria.
The GMA recommended reinforcing perimeter barriers, upgrading key access points, and improving surveillance through modernised monitoring systems and additional staffing.
Mr Adamah said ISPS compliance would not only strengthen security but also bring economic benefits, as secure ports attracted more shipping lines and supported Ghana’s trade growth.
The GMA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with port authorities and terminal operators to maintain safe, secure, and internationally compliant maritime operations, ensuring protection for personnel, cargo and international shipping while boosting Ghana’s reputation in global maritime trade.
Thursday, 8 January 2026
TOR unveils plans to boost operations (Daily Graphic, Thursday, January 8, 2026)
Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) Ltd has announced a comprehensive programme aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, safety and infrastructure, while improving facilities for staff and stakeholders this year.
The series of initiatives outlined by the management of TOR forms part of the company’s ongoing reset agenda, which seeks to modernise refinery operations and position TOR as a key driver of Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector.
The Managing Director of TOR, Edmond Kombat, in a new year's message addressed to staff on January 5, 2026, disclosed that among the major projects scheduled for implementation this year are the Residual Fluid Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) Turnaround Maintenance, a planned shutdown to ensure safe and reliable operations, and the commissioning of F-61, a furnace critical for restoring and optimising crude distillation operations.
Other initiatives include the commissioning of a 120-ton boiler and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, an advanced digital control system that enables real-time monitoring and management of refinery processes to enhance both safety and operational efficiency.
Mr Kombat further revealed that TOR would carry out key infrastructure upgrades, including improvements to the loading gantry, the quality control laboratory, and the installation of an automatic radar tank gauging system and an in-line custody transfer flow metering system to improve measurement accuracy and product handling.
He said the refinery also plans to rehabilitate key structures, including the Safety Block, to strengthen operational support and workplace safety.
Long-term projects
The MD announced several long-term projects aimed at expanding TOR’s capacity and facilities.
These include the commencement of a new 100,000 barrels-per-stream-day (bpsd) refinery and petrochemical plant, the construction of staff residential facilities, and the establishment of an ultra-modern specialist hospital to provide advanced healthcare services to employees and the surrounding community.
He emphasised that these initiatives would be executed in line with international engineering, safety, and operational standards, reflecting the company’s commitment to excellence, accountability and sustainable growth.
"The projects are expected to not only improve the refinery’s operational capacity, but also contribute to Ghana’s national energy security by strengthening domestic refining and reducing dependency on imported petroleum products," he said.
Mr Kombat urged TOR staff to continue supporting the transformation agenda and uphold high standards of professionalism, teamwork, and accountability as the refinery works towards achieving operational excellence and sustainable development.
Background
In December last year, TOR resumed crude oil refining operations after several years of inactivity, marking a significant milestone in efforts to revitalise Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector and strengthen national energy security.
The resumption followed the successful completion of major Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) works on the refinery’s Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) carried out over three months from August 1 to October 30, 2025.
The maintenance involved extensive repairs, inspections, and upgrades to critical systems and was executed in strict adherence to international engineering, safety, and operational standards, paving the way for the refinery’s safe and reliable return to full operations.
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Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Youth protest against sale of Meridian Hotel site( Daily Graphic Wednesday January 7,2026)
Expressing opposition to what they described as the "indiscriminate sale" of a site with deep cultural and historical significance to the people of Tema, they stormed the site on Tuesday [Jan 6, 2026] and destroyed a fence wall, the developer had constructed.
The youth insisted that the Meridian Hotel area represented the original settlement of the Tema people before their relocation to present-day Tema Manhean.
It is their argument that the site was not merely a commercial asset but an important symbol of Tema’s heritage and identity, which must be preserved for future generations.
Speaking on behalf of the group, one Benjamin Mensah Commey said the land has, in recent months, become the subject of controversy following reports that it has been sold or leased to a private investor.
He claimed that the traditional authorities in Tema were yet to be formally informed about the identity of the developer and the specific purpose for which the land is being redeveloped
Commey argued that the land was compulsorily acquired by the government many years ago without any compensation to the original owners.
“Government took this land without paying a dime to the people of Tema, and today the same land is being disposed off without proper consultation,” he stated.
Meanwhile, checks by Graphic Online at the TDC Ghana Ltd idicate that the Divestiture Implementation Committee (DIC) authorised the issuance of a fresh sublease on the defunct property and its lands to a developer in the year 2007
The developer, according to a source, legally secured a 50-year lease from the TDC in 2007 to demolish the existing structure and redevelop it into a modern, fit-for-purpose hospitality facility.
The old Meridian Hotel currently stands as an abandoned structure, which has become a haven for drug addicts, thieves, and unauthorised parking space for articulated trucks.
Writer's email
Tuesday, 6 January 2026
Tema Meridian Hotel redevelopment: Youth protest private developer's takeover and destroys new fence wall(Graphic Online Tuesday January 6, 2026)
Tema Meridian Hotel redevelopment: Youth protest private developer's takeover and destroys new fence wall
Ghana's political scene in 2025, A year of reform and reflection (Daily Graphic, Tuesday, January 6, 2025)
The year 2025 stands out as a pivotal period in Ghana’s political
history, marked by leadership renewal, ambitious governance reforms,
parliamentary tensions and moments of profound national grief.
It was also a year that tested institutions, reshaped policy
direction and deepened conversations about the future of Ghana’s democracy.
JM return
At the centre of Ghana’s political narrative in 2025 was the
return of John Dramani Mahama to the presidency, following his victory in the
2024 general election.
Sworn into office on January 7, 2025, after securing 56.6 per cent
of the presidential vote, President Mahama recorded one of the most remarkable
political comebacks in the Fourth Republic.
His victory over then-Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia
represented the widest electoral margin in over two decades and reaffirmed
Ghana’s tradition of peaceful democratic alternation.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) also secured a commanding
parliamentary majority, winning 184 of the 276 seats, compared to 88 seats for
the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with four seats going to independent candidates.
The NDC’s numbers later increased by two, following a by-election
in Akwatia, which annexed the seat previously held by the late Ernest Yaw Kumi
and the rerun of the Ablekuma North Constituency election. This strong
legislative backing gave the new administration significant leverage to pursue
its policy agenda.
Government Formation
President Mahama moved swiftly to constitute his government,
appointing an initial 56 ministers and deputy ministers, with plans to reach a
lean cap of 60 appointees.
By January 21, 2025, Parliament had approved the first batch of
nominees, filling key portfolios in Finance, Justice, Energy, Education, Food
and Agriculture, and Roads and Highways.
The pace of appointments signalled urgency in addressing economic
challenges and restoring confidence in governance.
Parliamentary Tensions
Despite the renewed optimism, Parliament experienced intense
partisan confrontations during the year, particularly during ministerial
vetting sessions.
Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin suspended four Members of
Parliament for disorderly conduct and established a special committee to
investigate violent clashes in the House.
The four MPs were the Majority Chief Whip and MP for South Dayi,
Rockson Nelson Dafeamakpor; the Minority Chief Whip and MP for
Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annor-Dompreh; the MP for Gushiegu, Alhassan Sulemana
Tampuli; and the MP for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib.
The suspension has since been lifted.
The developments reignited national debate on parliamentary
discipline, political tolerance and the robustness of Ghana’s democratic
institutions.
Economic reset and
legislative reforms
A defining feature of President Mahama’s first year was a strong
push to ease the cost of living.
The President assented to several amended tax laws, abolishing the
Electronic Transfer Levy (E-Levy), betting tax, Emissions Levy and the COVID-19
Health Recovery Levy, fulfilling key campaign promises and winning broad public
approval.
He also signed the Gold Board Bill, 2025, establishing the Ghana
Gold Board (GOLDBOD) to regulate gold production and trade, improve
transparency and strengthen foreign exchange inflows.
In December 2025, Parliament passed the Road Traffic Amendment
Bill, 2025, legalising the commercial use of motorcycles (Okada), tricycles
(Pragia), and quadracycles—a move praised for job creation but criticised over
road safety concerns.
Constitution review
In January 2025, President Mahama inaugurated an eight-member
Constitution Review Committee, chaired by Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh, to revisit
unresolved governance challenges and review earlier reform proposals.
The other members included Mrs Charlotte Osei, Dr Godwin Djokoto,
Ibrahim Tanko Amidu and Dr Esi Ansah, with Dr Rainer Akumperigeya serving as
Secretary.
In December 2025, the committee submitted its final report, which
the President directed to be published for public debate. Key recommendations
included extending the presidential term from four to five years, electing
Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, and integrating
traditional authorities into local governance structures.
The proposals sparked nationwide discussion on accountability,
efficiency and democratic balance.
NPP Reorganisation
Outside government, the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) spent
much of 2025 reorganising after its 2024 electoral defeat.
The party embarked on a nationwide “Thank You Tour”, opened
nominations for its 2028 presidential primary, and adopted constitutional
amendments aimed at expanding its electoral college and strengthening internal
democracy.
The confirmed candidates for the flagbearer election scheduled for
January 31 include Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Dr Bryan
Acheampong, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum.
August Tragedy: a nation in
Mourning
The political year took a tragic turn in August 2025, when a
military helicopter crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti
Region, killing eight people, including senior government officials and
military personnel. Among the victims were Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for
Defence, and Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for
Environment, Science and Technology and Member of Parliament for Tamale
Central.
The tragedy plunged the nation into mourning and raised renewed
concerns about aviation safety, national security, logistics and the risks
faced by public servants.
Beyond the helicopter crash, Ghana mourned the passing of several
influential political figures.
The death of Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, former First Lady and
founder of the 31st December Women’s Movement, marked the end of an era.
Other notable losses included Ernest Yaw Kumi, MP for Akwatia;
Joseph Kobina Ade Coker, veteran NDC strategist; Cecilia Johnson, former
Chairperson of the Council of State, and Ambassador Sam Pee Yalley, a lawyer,
diplomat and statesman.
Conclusion
In retrospect, 2025 was a year of recalibration for Ghana’s
political landscape, defined by leadership renewal, ambitious reforms,
institutional stress tests and profound national loss.
As debates over constitutional amendment and economic direction continue,
the events of the year have laid foundations that would shape Ghana’s
democratic future for years to come.
Writer's email: benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh
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Water supply restored to Tema and environs following repair of 42-inch pipeline( Graphic Online Wednesday January 21, 2026)
https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/water-supply-restored-to-tema-and-environs-following-repair-of-42-inch-pipeline.html
