However, the GRA assured the dealers that the implementation of the policy will be monitored over a six-month period to assess its effectiveness and practical impact. To ensure fairness and transparency, the Association announced the formation of a six-member committee to monitor the policy over the next six months. The committee comprises three representatives from the GRA and three from the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA). Abossey Okai spare parts dealers demand VAT reviewThe committee is expected to evaluate the impact of the tax policy and make recommendations, which could be considered during the mid-year budget review. “All shops, including those at Abossey Okai, will remain open on Monday and business activities will proceed as usual,” the Association stated.

General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Office of the First Lady has expressed relief that the newborn stolen from Mamprobi Hospital has been safely recovered and returned to its parents and family. Lordina also showed empathy to the child’s family and urged women and families facing challenges with conception that desperation must never justify such unconscionable acts. How sister of the suspected baby thief led the police to arrest herShe also urged medical facilities and maternity homes to implement stringent security measures to protect newborns and mothers under their care. Mahama also encouraged those genuinely seeking to build families through adoption to follow lawful procedures by engaging accredited adoption agencies and adhering to proper legal processes. She concluded by praying for continued protection and blessings for the baby and her family during this period.

“The mere occurrence of unlicensed mining on their concession does not prove facilitation. The Attorney General has charged Chairman Wontumi and his company, Akonta Mining Company Ltd, with six counts of permitting Henry Okum and Michael Gyedu Ayisi to mine on the company’s concession without prior approval from the sector minister, and with facilitating unlicensed mining. Wontumi's Galamsey Case: State presents two more witnessesMichael Gyedu Ayisi has testified that he partnered with Henry Okum to operate on Akonta Mining Company Limited’s concession. Okum claimed he had permission from Chairman Wontumi to conduct mining activities and continued working on the concession until their arrest. Under cross-examination, Ayisi admitted he had never met or communicated with Chairman Wontumi, did not have a mining licence, and had never applied for one.

General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe National Democratic Congress (NDC) has extended warm greetings and best wishes to Muslims in Ghana and across the world as they begin the holy month of Ramadan. In a press release dated February 19, 2026, the party described Ramadan as a sacred period marked by fasting, prayer, reflection, sacrifice, and renewed devotion to Allah. The NDC noted that the holy month serves as a reminder of enduring values such as compassion, humility, generosity, discipline, and peaceful coexistence; virtues it said are essential to national unity and development. As Muslims embark on the spiritual journey of Ramadan, the NDC prayed for strength, good health, and abundant blessings for the faithful. It further expressed hope that the holy month would renew the nation’s collective commitment to justice, inclusiveness, and the building of a more united and compassionate Ghana.

Business News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comPresident John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, February 19, 2026, signed the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill into law, paving the way for its full implementation and nationwide rollout. The passage of the bill establishes the regulatory framework and legal mandate for formalising and implementing the 24-hour economy. It also creates the 24-Hour Economy Authority, which will serve as the central coordinating body for the policy’s nationwide rollout. Parliament passes 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill“This marks a shift from strategy to implementation. The 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme is one of the government’s flagship initiatives, aimed at transforming the economy, enhancing productivity, and promoting inclusive growth.

Business News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Chairman of the Interim Advisory Council of the Insurance Retirees Forum of Ghana (IRFG), Peter Osei-Duah, has urged young insurance professionals to listen, learn, and lead with humility. The former Managing Director of SIC Insurance PLC made this call during the launch of the Insurance Retirees Forum of Ghana (IRFG) at a ceremony held in Accra on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The Ghanaian insurance industry, led by Dr Abiba Zakariah, the Acting Commissioner of Insurance, has taken a decisive step toward preserving institutional memory and strengthening professional standards by leveraging the expertise and experience of veteran insurance practitioners. Other representatives from industry bodies include Stella Jonah (NIC), Ernest Frimpong (Ghana Insurance University), and Elsy Adadey (CIIG). In her keynote remarks, Dr Abiba Zakariah explained that the initiative aligns with the core developmental agenda of the National Insurance Commission (NIC) in strengthening and growing the insurance industry.

Politics of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comNational Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has urged party members in the Agona West and Agona East constituencies to remain united as the party prepares for the 2028 general elections. 'Asiedu Nketiah is leading, but it's not yet confirmed' - Prophet Worlasi on NDC primariesSpeaking during a recent Thank You Tour, Asiedu Nketiah said unity remains central to the NDC's success. In a snippet shared on Facebook by GBC on February 19, 2026, he cautioned against internal wrangling and divisions, warning that infighting could derail the party’s progress particularly in Agona West, where the NDC had struggled for years to secure a decisive victory. Asiedu Nketiah warned that political opponents were already reorganising and strategising strongly towards the 2028 polls. Ghanaians are beginning to forget about merit – Asiedu Nketiah“You are the cause of tensions here.

For the first time really this season, the title race is not completely in the control of Mikel Arteta and his players. If Manchester City - five points behind in second place - win all of their remaining 12 games, which includes a home meeting against Arsenal, they will finish first. But after dropping four crucial points in successive draws against Brentford and Wolves, they are in danger of being haunted by the ghost of past failures. Former Arsenal forward Alan Smith admitted "that word bottle will be used quite a bit in the next few days". Arsenal next face London derbies with Tottenham and Chelsea and they have worryingly started to wobble at a decisive stage in the season.

He said that a review of the CCTV around the OPD of the hospital captured the moment the accused person was leaving with the baby. A midwife at the Mamprobi Hospital, who spoke to GhanaWeb on condition of anonymity, corroborated the details given by Hayford. She indicated that the accused person fooled the mother of the 4-day-old baby, claiming he had to be taken for some medication. The mother was breastfeeding the child when the woman told her to give her the child so she could give him medicine. The Ghana Police Service has since arrested the accused person and given the baby back to his mother.

The ceremony was marked by the elevation of several chiefs, notably the youthful Nwinsohene, Baffuor Yeboah Osei Hwedie II, to the distinguished rank of Obrempong. Enstooled on 14 April 2025 as Chief of Nwinso, Baffuor Yeboah Osei Hwedie II has, within less than a year, earned commendation for his dedication and tangible contributions to the Akyem Kotoku State. He expressed confidence in the chief’s readiness to defend and advance the cause of Akyem Kotoku with utmost dedication. That the honour was bestowed on Baffuor Osei Hwedie II less than a year after his enstoolment underscores the significance of his contributions and the confidence reposed in him. His elevation not only recognises past achievements but also signals heightened expectations as he assumes greater responsibility within the traditional leadership of Akyem Kotoku.

Observed by millions, the holy month is marked by fasting, prayer, charity, and deep reflection. Here are 10 key things you need to know about Ramadan:Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendarRamadan follows the lunar calendar, meaning its dates change every year. From dawn to sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations. Muslims begin Ramadan fastLaylat al-Qadr falls within RamadanKnown as the “Night of Power,” Laylat al-Qadr is believed to occur during the last ten nights of Ramadan. Ramadan ends with Eid al-FitrThe holy month concludes with Eid al-Fitr, a joyous celebration marked by special prayers, feasting, new clothes, and acts of gratitude.

Business News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Minority in Parliament has served notice that it is prepared to take steps to compel the Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, to appear before the House over mounting concerns about delayed payments to cocoa farmers. The cocoa farmers in Volta, Ashanti, Bono, and Western North regions have been denied their dues,” Afenyo-Markin stated. He warned that the Minority would not hesitate to invoke parliamentary procedures if the Minister fails to appear voluntarily. “If the Majority Leader will not bring the Finance Minister, we, the Minority, will use the appropriate laws available to us to summon the Finance Minister.”Beyond the political exchanges, the issue has real-life consequences for thousands of cocoa farmers and their families. They are demanding that the finance minister personally brief Parliament on the reasons behind the delays, disclose any funding gaps within the cocoa sector, and outline clear measures to stabilise the industry.

General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor, son of the late Queen Elizabeth II, has been arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office, UK authorities have confirmed. The arrest relates to documents from his time as a trade envoy, which are alleged to have been passed to disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Thames Valley Police in the UK, who have been investigating the matter, confirmed that the arrest is specifically connected to allegations of misconduct in public office. Mountbatten-Windsor has previously denied any wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein case. S3X and Spirits: The ‘Dark Side of Kayamata’ ruining livesUnderstanding Ghana's stock market and how to invest | BizTech

She explained that all identified victims and their families will undergo professional psychosocial counselling to help them cope with the emotional and psychological impact of the incident. “The psychosocial support we are giving is not just to the individuals involved, but also to their close relations. Meanwhile, the identity of the Russian national at the centre of the non-consensual intimate video scandal has been confirmed as 36-year-old Vladislav Aleksandrovich Liulkov. Victims of Russian national file formal complaints with CIDThis follows verification of his official passport documentation, with authorities now moving to secure an international arrest warrant through INTERPOL as diplomatic channels remain fully activated. The Russian national secretly recorded his private encounters with a number of Ghanaian women.

Jerome Kwaku Sam, Head of Public Affairs at COCOBOD, announced that GH¢237 million has been paid to farmers for 50,000 metric tonnes of cocoa. An amount of GH¢237 million has been paid.”The announcement comes amid ongoing challenges in the cocoa sector, where farmers have raised concerns about delayed payments. COCOBOD management and senior staff take salary cutsIn addition to supporting farmers, COCOBOD is taking steps to strengthen its own financial position. The board revealed that salary reductions for executive management and senior staff (20% for executives and 10% for senior staff) could save an estimated GH¢5 million each month. Authorities say these measures are part of a broader effort to address liquidity challenges within the cocoa sector, ensuring that farmers receive timely payments while maintaining the stability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.