On February 16, 2026, the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, known by its Arabic acronym JNIM, claimed responsibility for the attack. Titao, the scene of the attack, has experienced repeated militant assaults since 2019, reflecting the ongoing instability in northern Burkina Faso. The extremist group is led by Iyad Ag Ghaly, a veteran Tuareg militant from Mali. In late 2025, it carried out its first known attack on Nigerian soil. As of 2025, analysts estimate that JNIM commands between 5,000 and 6,000 fighters, making it the most powerful extremist group in the Sahel.

Politics of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Minority Leader in Parliament and MP for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has shed light on why former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong, secured an overwhelming victory in Effutu during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primaries. Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on February 16, 2026, Afenyo-Markin recounted his longstanding personal and political relationship with Kennedy Agyapong, highlighting years of financial support and joint community development projects. Kennedy Agyapong polled 644 votes in Effutu during the NPP presidential primaries, compared to 79 votes secured by former Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. However, Afenyo-Markin dismissed the suggestion and insisted that Agyapong’s victory was the result of years of tangible support to the people of Winneba. “You know the numbers and some of your colleagues are in a mischief mood…It is no news that Kennedy won in Winneba.

General News of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) has raised concerns about what it describes as the weak empowerment of state law enforcement and prosecutorial bodies in tackling corruption in the country. According to the coalition, institutions responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption are often unable to act decisively, especially when alleged wrongdoing involves appointees of a sitting government. “We shouldn’t see this post-regime accountability if our institutions were working. The President can now ensure that all the institutions are working, so that, irrespective of whoever comes after him, the institutions will be up to task. It shouldn’t be something that the NDC or NPP administration will leave before we start chasing a few people,” he noted.

Entertainment of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comApostle Okoh Agyemang is the latest pastor to comment on the viral video involving a Russian man and his encounters with several Ghanaian women. Apostle Okoh Agyemang wins double at 16th Ghana Leadership AwardsHe described them as “cheap,” adding that their actions had embarrassed the country. Apostle Agyemang further addressed what he sees as a growing trend of indecent dressing among Ghanaian women. “Lately, Ghanaian ladies have failed us. Watch the video below:JHM/EBMeanwhile, watch GhanaWeb's exclusive interview with Kwabena Kwabena

General News of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comState prosecutors in the corruption case involving former National Service Authority (NSA) Director, Osei Assibey Antwi, have announced plans to amend the charge sheet against him. Osei Assibey Antwi charged with GH¢600 million financial loss, stealing and othersThey requested a short adjournment to allow for the necessary changes. Assibey Antwi is facing allegations that he authorised payments totaling GH¢500,861,744.02 in allowances to over 60,000 fictitious national service personnel and misappropriated GH¢106 million from the NSA’s Kumawu Farm Project for personal use. The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, February 25, 2026, to give the prosecution time to revise the charge sheet and for Assibey Antwi’s plea to be retaken. NSA Scandal: GH¢8.2 million paid into former boss Osei-Assibey's E-zwich account - AGThe former NSA Director was granted GH¢800 million bail on October 30, 2025, with Justice Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie requiring six sureties, each secured by landed property.

General News of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe US Embassy in Accra has opened up more than 1,000 non-immigrant visa interview slots with immediate effect, giving intending travellers a chance to secure appointments as early as next week. According to the embassy, several B1/B2 visa slots reserved for business and tourism travel are currently available, and applicants are being urged to take advantage of the opportunity. “There are more than 1,000 B1/B2 visa appointment slots available in the next week – one of those could be yours,” the notice said. Applicants who already have appointments later in the year have also been encouraged to reschedule to an earlier date if it suits them. The development is likely to bring relief to many travelers who have faced extended waiting times for visa interview appointments in recent months.

General News of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced salary cuts for its executive management and senior staff. In a statement dated February 16, 2026, COCOBOD explained that the salary reduction is a result of its current financial challenges. It indicated that its management, including the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Randy Abbey, would take a 20 percent reduction in their salaries, while its senior staff would take a 10 percent reduction in their salaries for the remainder of the season. Reduce COCOBOD management salaries - Appiah-Kubi advocates“The Executive Management and the Senior Staff of COCOBOD have, effective today, Monday, February 16, 2026, reduced their salaries for the remainder of the 2025/26 crop year in recognition of the current liquidity challenges in the cocoa industry. “The Executive Management has taken a twenty (20) per centcut, while the Senior Staff have taken a ten (10) percent reduction in their respective salaries,” it said.

Sports News of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comGhana Premier League legend, Charles Taylor has made a U-turn on Accra Hearts of Oak coach, Didi Dramani after labelling him as "technically bankrupt." Charles Taylor while speaking after Hearts of Oak's goalless drawn game against Bechem United on Sunday, February 2, 2026, described Didi Dramani as a tactless coach with no tactics. Charles Taylor told Angel TV Sports host while reacting to the game. Just two weeks after his disparaging remarks, Charles Taylor reversed his stance after Didi Dramani led a 10-man Hearts of Oak team to beat rivals Asante Kotoko 1-0 in Kumasi. Didi should be given the chance to work and he can be the next Attuquayefio," Charles Taylor said.

The Commission, in its decision, held that Totobi Quakyi had not necessarily violated the law on asset declaration, Article 287 of the 1992 Constitution, which mandates it to take action against public officials who violate the law. CHRAJ explained that although the Board Chairman had not filed his asset declaration form at the time the petition was filed, he subsequently did. “As noted supra, this later declaration was made during the pendency of the Complaint brought against the Respondent. CHRAJ also held that the board chairman was not able to justify his reason for not declaring his assets before the petition was filed. The Commission, therefore, recommended that Totobi Quakyi should only be rebuked.

Business News of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comGhana's Kotoka International Airport (KIA) runway is currently undergoing expansion works after being left largely unused for 30 years. The runway expansion project, which began in July 2025, aims to ensure continued safety, reliability, and efficiency for passengers and airlines. The project includes a runway overlay, installation of an LED Approach Guidance Lighting (AGL) system, and rehabilitation of the runway drainage. KIA Runway Overlay and Repair Works: What We Know So FarShe explained that the expansion was necessitated by Ghana’s increasing travel population and the growing number of aircraft. At present, the runway is about 60 metres wide.

General News of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comMinority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has taken a swipe at the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), stating that he could not locate visible progress one year after the party assumed office. Speaking on Channel One TV on February 16, 2026, Afenyo-Markin challenged the government to point to concrete development projects or the settlement of debts owed to contractors. Afenyo-Markin diagnoses Mahama's nearly first year in office, offers 'guidance'Afenyo-Markin further criticised what he called an excessive focus on macroeconomic figures, insisting that improved statistics must be reflected in the daily lives of citizens. “If the economy is stagnating and we continue to talk about paper growth, I am interested in the cocoa farmer and the real impact on citizens,” he stated. But so far, one year in office, the government has not made any real impact,” he indicated.

Entertainment of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe viral video scandal involving a Russian man recording intimate encounters with Ghanaian women has since sparked massive reactions from celebrities, religious leaders, and public figures across the country. Prophet OpambourFounder of Ebenezer Miracle Worship Centre, Prophet Opambour, condemned the development, expressing disappointment over the image being portrayed about Ghanaian women. He criticised both the foreign national and the women involved, stating that such incidents damage the country’s moral fabric. BullgodEntertainment personality Bullgod also shared his thoughts, questioning why the outrage appeared to be directed more at the women than the man. Although she made it clear that she does not condone the actions of the women, she appealed for empathy.

Entertainment of Monday, 16 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comGhanaian dancehall superstar Shatta Wale has taken aim at the local entertainment industry, accusing it of prioritising gossip and controversy over meaningful economic and creative progress. “In the Ghanaian entertainment industry, they only talk about problems and not solutions. How can we be discussing sex tapes and whose bottos is big?… They sit and discuss past stories that won’t generate any income,” he wrote. Stop wasting your time discussing people’s matters as entertainment topics and find ways to generate Revenue,” he warned. He urged his peers to stop “wasting time discussing people’s matters as entertainment topics” and to focus instead on revenue-generating opportunities.

Regional News of Monday, 16 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Ministry of the Interior has announced its decision to lift the curfew imposed on Nalerigu Township and its surrounding communities in the North East Region with immediate effect, citing improved peace and security in the area. Nalerigu, the capital of the North East Region, had been under curfew as part of measures aimed at maintaining law and order amid security concerns. The restriction formed part of broader efforts by authorities to prevent further escalation of tensions and to safeguard lives and property. While announcing the lifting of the curfew, the government cautioned chiefs, opinion leaders, youth groups and residents of the area to exercise restraint in the face of ongoing challenges. The statement further encouraged residents to channel their energies into constructive efforts that would consolidate the gains made in restoring order.

Business News of Monday, 16 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod) has announced the immediate suspension of applications for selected categories of gold buying licences, as the authority embarks on a strategic reform to modernise and strengthen the country’s gold trading system. In a statement dated February 16, 2026, GoldBod said the suspension affects new applications for Tier 1 and Tier 2 buying licenses, as well as the Self-Financing Aggregator License. “The reforms are designed to enhance transparency, improve compliance, strengthen traceability, and ensure greater value retention within Ghana’s gold trading ecosystem,” the board explained. GoldBod reiterated its commitment to working closely with all players in the gold sector. “We remain committed to building a robust, accountable and internationally competitive gold trading regime that safeguards the national interest,” the statement concluded, adding that further updates on the revised licensing framework will be shared in due course.