According to the IMF, Ghana’s debt stood at Special Drawing Rights (SDR) 1.96 billion in February 2026, compared to SDR 2.85 billion as of December 22, 2025. Here's Ghana's current debt stock as of November 2025Ghana’s overall public debt position recorded mixed movements during the period under review. Data indicates that total public debt declined by about GH¢40 billion between September and November 2025, settling at GH¢644.6 billion. In dollar terms, Ghana’s public debt stood at US$57.2 billion in November 2025. Current data from the Bank of Ghana shows that Ghana’s public debt now stands at GH¢630.2 billion.

General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comFormer defence minister and Bimbilla Member of Parliament, Dominic Ntiwul, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to appoint a substantive defence minister following the recent terrorist attack on Ghanaian tomato traders in Burkina Faso. Dominic Ntiwul also called on the government to provide a thorough account of the recent terrorist attack in Burkina Faso that claimed the lives of eight (8) Ghanaian traders. Appoint new Defence Minister or assume the role yourself - Mahama told“I think the Ghanaian government must explain to us what happened and under what circumstances. While the government has issued an official statement, we are seeking a more detailed explanation, either from the foreign minister or the Minister of Defence,” Ntiwul said. That is extremely important for us.”On February 14, 2026, a truck carrying a group of tomato traders was caught in a terrorist attack in northern Burkina Faso.

General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comA private citizen, Perpetual L Akwadaa, has petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to remove the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), Prof Ransford Gyampo. “In February 2025, Your Excellency appointed Prof Gyampo as the CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority. This appointment raised significant commentary about propriety stemming from Prof Gyampo's involvement in a sexual harassment scandal that shocked the conscience of this nation. She further stated that the President must sack Prof Gyampo to affirm that individuals who are implicated in sexual harassment or abuse have no place in public office. BBC 'Sex for Grades' exposé was orchestrated because I was chosen as running mate - Prof. Gyampo allegesRead the petition below:BAI/VPO54-year-old woman breaks 50- year silence on alleged abuse by Pastor fatherWitnesses give details of Mamprobi Polyclinic kidnapping incident

The executives accuse the deputy minister of engaging in anti-party behaviour when she attended an event hosted by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Savelugu, Abdul Aziz Fatahiya, in the constituency. They claimed that Affo Toffey was at the said campaign for the NPP MP and even made a donation of GH¢100,000. “In addition, Honourable Dorcas also indicated that she would at all times give out support to the MP for Savelugu, who is an NPP sitting MP. She actually promised and donated an amount of GH¢100,000 to the NPP sitting MP for Savelugu. The executives, therefore, called on the national leadership of the party to sanction the deputy minister and MP for Jomoro for her actions.

Entertainment of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comDaddy Lumba’s backing vocalist, Ateaa Tina, recently visited the late legend’s widow, Akosua Serwaa, at her home in Germany to offer comfort and support during a difficult time. In a video shared on social media, Ateaa Tina and Akosua Serwaa were seen embracing warmly, showing the bond and affection they share. We are team love, so we are taking care of her,” Ateaa Tina said. The visit also gave Ateaa Tina a chance to reminisce about the past with Akosua Serwaa and other friends, recalling moments that shaped her career. Ateaa Tina worked closely with Daddy Lumba on numerous albums, contributing significantly to the richness of Ghanaian Highlife music.

The assault, which left him with bruises and torn clothing, has affected his psychological well-being and ability to work efficiently. In an interview with JoyNews and monitored by GhanaWeb on Thursday February 19, 2026, he stated, "I'm really traumatised.I cannot even work efficiently. Recounting the incident, he stated that he had gone to the pharmacy to pick up medication for an emergency patient. According to him, the pharmacist claimed he had no business there and physically assaulted him without any provocation. Fake doctor arrested at Kasoa for defrauding victims, luring women onlineDespite the ordeal, he eventually took the medicine to the ward.

General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comA 16-year-old girl, Deborah Dede Ama, who went missing on Valentine’s Day, has been found dead in a stream near her home in Tinkong in the Eastern Region. Deborah reportedly left home on the evening of February 14, 2026, to attend a Valentine’s Day party while her mother was away. According to citinewsroom.com, on February 19, 2026, her body was later discovered on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. 5-year-old girl found dead at Atebubu after going missingA family member, Kofi Sammy, said the body was found naked, decomposing, and with visible marks, raising fears of possible assault. “Residents suspect the teenager may have been sexually assaulted before her death,” the report said.

In the documentary, which aired on February 18, 2026, a lady who spoke anonymously in an exclusive interview with Elsie Lamar recounted how she once charmed her partner using Kayamata. FULL DOCUMENTARY: GhanaWeb exposes the 'dark side of Kayamata' ruining livesAccording to the lady, she purchased the blue eye ring charm after coming across a social media advertisement claiming it brings favour and good luck to its user. “The only experience I’ve had was with a blue eye ring. I saw someone talking about the blue eye ring, which gives good luck, favour, and drives away negative energy. The lady also shared the benefits she enjoyed from using the Kayamata charm, adding that she constantly received huge sums of money from the man she was romantically involved with.

General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Ernest Davis, has appealed to teacher groups to adopt a coordinated and structured approach when addressing welfare concerns, warning that protests could slow down resolution efforts. His remarks come after newly recruited teachers from the 2024 batch staged a protest on Wednesday, demanding the release of their staff ID cards and the payment of their unpaid salaries. “We know that when it comes to issues with teachers’ welfare, you will go to your district, region, and if there are no results, you can go to your union,” he said. Watch as an unpaid teacher struggles to hold back tears at GES headquartersHe, however, expressed concern about a growing pattern of multiple groups staging separate demonstrations over similar issues. “But if it happens that every day we have different groups coming to picket, it affects our attention.

Politics of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comPresident John Dramani Mahama has officially given legal backing to one of his administration’s flagship policies after assenting to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, 2025. Parliament passes 24-Hour Economy Authority BillIn his remarks after appending his signature, the president underscored the importance of the legislation. "Cabinet colleagues, I just appended my signature to give assent to the 24-hour Authority Bill. The bill establishes a 24-Hour Economy Authority as the central coordinating body responsible for rolling out the policy. The legislation forms part of the government’s broader 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.

These approaches are increasingly seen as essential to securing land rights and building trust between communities and mining operators. ESG FRAMEWORKS: FRAGMENTATION VS. In response, there is growing momentum for sovereign ESG frameworks tailored to Africa’s specific challenges and development goals. Morocco, for example, has proposed an African ESG framework and an Origin–Transit–Certification (“OTC”) corridor to ensure traceability, sustainability, and local value addition in mineral supply chains. These frameworks emphasise contract transparency, environmental accountability and community inclusion and are increasingly being adopted by governments seeking to align mineral development with national priorities.

General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comOne of the heritage trains belonging to renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, currently on display at the Red Clay Studios in Tamale, has been burnt to ashes. Fortunately, according to him, no lives were lost, and the Ghana National Fire Service responded quickly to the scene. “Yesterday night we had the tragic misfortune of losing one of our trains to fire due to sparks from ongoing repairs. Ibrahim Mahama was recently granted a diplomatic passport by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for his contributions towards the tourism sector in Ghana. Expressing his grief in the Facebook post, Mahama noted the difficulties in acquiring the train but noted that he and his crew are not deterred by the incident.

“We will establish a formal collaboration with the Registrar General’s Department, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Justice to assess records of churches registered as companies limited by guarantee,” Ibrahim told Parliament. Regional survey data show that about 98.1 per cent of churches in Greater Accra operate as single-owner entities, with only a small fraction affiliated with larger church organisations. Although the Registrar General’s Department does not provide a consolidated national figure, estimates suggest that the total number of churches across Ghana runs into several thousands. “This initiative aims to ensure accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date data on churches, which will be critical for governance, planning, and regulatory oversight,” Ibrahim said. Once operational, the proposed digital registry will be linked directly to the Registrar General’s database, enabling authorities to verify registered churches and enhance transparency.

Sports News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comRenowned sports broadcaster, Kate Scott delivered a powerful on-air message condemning racism in football during CBS Sports Golazo's coverage of the ongoing UEFA Champions League playoffs on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Reacting to the incident, Benfica released a formal statement denying any racist conduct from their camp while affirming their commitment to fighting discrimination. The Portuguese giants insisted they would cooperate fully with any investigations and reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on racism. Speaking on CBS Sports, Kate Scott did not hold back as she described racism as a “persistent stain on the beautiful game” and called on football authorities to move beyond statements and take decisive action. Watch the statement of Kate Scott in the post below:

Business News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has closed 16 food service establishments in the Greater Accra Region for operating without valid Food Hygiene Permits. The FDA stated that the closures aim to safeguard public health by ensuring all food service providers strictly adhere to hygiene and safety standards. “Today, 16 non-compliant food service establishments in the Greater Accra Region, including The Cheesecake House, Dolce Frizzante, Onda, and Alora Beach Resort, among others, were shut down for failing to meet regulatory requirements. We remain committed to protecting public health and ensuring that all food service providers operate in strict compliance with good hygiene practices,” it added. The FDA clarified that affected establishments will remain closed until they regularise their operations and secure the necessary Food Hygiene Permit.