Business News of Wednesday, 18 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has revealed that its latest decision to cut salaries of its executive management and senior staff could save the Board about GH¢5 million monthly. COCOBOD management and senior staff take salary cutsSpeaking in an interview on Eyewitness News on February 17, 2026, Jerome Sam, Head of COCOBOD's Public Affairs, said the salary adjustment is part of efforts to align expenditure with revenue. He added that the move demonstrates COCOBOD's resolve in managing its internal crisis and addressing the needs of Ghanaian cocoa farmers. “From where I sit, tentatively at least, some GH¢5 million can be saved on a monthly basis. He also emphasised that COCOBOD management has initiated procurement reforms and a staff rationalisation exercise to help stabilise the Board's finances.

Kayamata, which began as a traditional rite for brides in the northern parts of West Africa, has over time evolved into a commercialised practice. Initially rooted in cultural rituals, it later gained a reputation for being tied to love charms and spiritual activities. This documentary investigates and exposes the controversies surrounding Kayamata, while exploring the belief systems, social narratives, and misconceptions that sustain them. It features perspectives from victims, perpetrators, spiritual leaders, pastors, gynecologists, and psychologists, each offering insight based on their experiences and professional viewpoints. While spiritual leaders discuss their interpretations of the forces behind the practice, medical and psychological experts highlight the health and emotional consequences linked to the use of unregulated substances or manipulative dynamics.

Addressing Parliament on February 17, 2026, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker lamented the worsening conditions facing cocoa farmers across the country, insisting the matter should transcend political divisions. “This is not a southern issue or a southern issue, it’s a national issue. It cannot be right that Ghana is not getting it right when it comes to our gold and our cocoa. It cannot be right that we’re selling gold and making losses and we’re selling cocoa and making losses." As we speak now, what has caused this problem is purely a misstep of strategy.”“How do you make your cocoa prices spot price when you know that your market is a foreign market.

Business News of Wednesday, 18 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Finance, has announced the settlement of GH¢10 billion in interest obligations under the Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP). "The settlement covers cedi-denominated DDEP coupon obligations in line with the restructuring memorandum and Government’s broader debt management and fiscal consolidation strategy," the Ministry said. Government to introduce new Cocoa Bill with 70% FOB price guaranteeThe payment covers cedi-denominated DDEP coupon obligations in accordance with the restructuring memorandum and forms part of government’s broader debt management strategy aimed at restoring sustainability and rebuilding investor confidence. Government reaffirmed its commitment to meeting all future DDEP obligations, citing stronger fiscal buffers, improving macroeconomic fundamentals, declining inflation, easing interest rates, and a relatively stable cedi as key drivers supporting the recovery. The Domestic Debt Exchange Programme (DDEP), introduced in 2022, was designed to restructure Ghana’s mounting debt burden and enable the country to qualify for support under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.

The minister was addressing questions regarding the government’s commitment to revitalising Ghana’s industrial sector, expanding exports and positioning the country as a competitive manufacturing hub in West Africa. However, Afenyo-Markin, who also represents the Efuttu Constituency as Member of Parliament, criticised her responses, arguing that they were overly brief and lacked detail. “Mr Speaker, I noticed that the Minister, any time she’s asked a supplementary question, it is yes, no or I don’t know. Mr Speaker, the minister must know that she is not in the witness box. So, Mr Speaker, she should explain to this House the incentives that the government has put in place to support the private sector,” he added.

Business News of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has disclosed that the long-struggling Komenda Sugar Factory has been cut off from both electricity and water over unpaid utility bills. Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the sector minister, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, said the factory was disconnected from the national grid by the Electricity Company of Ghana and had its water supply halted by the Ghana Water Limited due to outstanding debts. Komenda Sugar Factory to be operationalized on expedited timeline – Trade minister“The factory has been disconnected from the national grid by the Electricity Company of Ghana and water supply by Ghana Water Company Limited due to unpaid bills. BizTech: Watch the state of Komenda Sugar Factory after lease to Indian investorsTo turn things around, she revealed that government has engaged a transaction advisor to help attract a strategic investor to revive the facility. The move signals renewed efforts to breathe life into the factory, which many see as key to reducing sugar imports and strengthening Ghana’s industrial base.

Alhaji of Radio Univers is dead“On Thursday, 10am we will do the funeral, Aduwa, for Dr Abubakari. Alhaji Kasim disclosed that prior to his passing, the former Station Manager of Radio Univers had been unwell for some time and had been receiving treatment at the University of Ghana Medical Centre. For more than three decades, he devoted his life to Radio Univers, beginning as a student journalist and rising through the ranks to become Station Manager of the University of Ghana’s non-commercial campus radio station. In recognition of his dedicated service, Radio Univers alumni organised a dinner in his honour on June 6, 2025, just two days after his birthday. Family announces funeral plans for former Radio Univers boss Alhaji:AK/AM

General News of Wednesday, 18 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comRockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Majority Chief Whip, has criticised the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), claiming the association is no longer as relevant or credible as it once was. Speaking in an interview on Channel One TV on February 17, 2026, Dafeamekpor dismissed suggestions that his decision to establish the Law Society of Ghana amounts to an attempt to weaken the GBA. GBA has lost its glory as a professional body,” he stated. According to Dafeamekpor, the GBA has repeatedly adopted what he described as an anti-government stance whenever the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has been in office. GBA has lost its glory and lustre as a professional body,” he said.

PTA of Achimota Preparatory school to petition President Akufo-Addo over GES takeoverHe said such an approach risks misrepresenting history and undermining the lived experiences of those affected by colonial rule. The MP further characterised colonisation as inhuman and described it as a systematic violation of human rights, dignity and identity. He cautioned against allowing what he views as distorted historical narratives to influence young learners in Ghana’s classrooms. Edem Agbana said his petition to the GES will demand an urgent review of the textbook, the recall of existing copies, and the removal of perspectives he considers harmful from the national curriculum. Family announces funeral plans for former Radio Univers boss Alhaji:AK/AM

Politics of Wednesday, 18 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe First Deputy Speaker of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Akatsi South, Bernard Ahiafor, clashed with the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, during proceedings on February 17, 2026. The altercation erupted after Afenyo-Markin was given the opportunity to ask a supplementary question during ongoing discussions about trade industries and government-funded factories. - Afenyo-Markin clashes with First Deputy SpeakerBefore he could complete his analysis leading into the question, Ahiafor interjected. “Please, Minority Leader, you are to ask a supplementary question, not to tell a story,” Ahiafor said. “Mr Speaker, with respect, you always want us to extend courtesy to you but your words are harsh,” he stated.

Afenyo-Markin singled out Frank Annoh-Dompreh, MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip, for his organisational prowess, while praising Habib Iddrisu, MP for Tolon and First Deputy Minority Chief Whip, for his advocacy and growth in the role. 'My job is to help the party secure victory' – Minority Leader“Habib came in first as a deputy whip and went through grooming. He also highlighted Jerry Ahmed Shaib, MP for Weija-Gbawe and Second Deputy Minority Whip, as a reliable backup within the leadership team. Without them, [I] cannot function as a Minority Leader. You need a strong whip who understands parliamentary procedure; he is like your national security advisor,” he said.

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“Voting and buying are so injurious to our nascent democracy that they should not and cannot be accepted as a standard practice in any democratic political culture,” they stressed. The organisations attribute the problem to what they describe as a broken relationship between political leaders and citizens. “In this toxic environment, rules and regulations on vote selling and buying, bribery and treating, count for nothing, as institutions charged with enforcement inevitably become weak and ineffective,” they said. IDEG-CFI maintained that Ghana’s democratic credentials are at stake. See the statement below:NA/VPOFamily announces funeral plans for former Radio Univers boss Alhaji:

General News of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that eight Ghanaians have died following a terrorist attack in Titao, in northern Burkina Faso and announced new travel guidelines for citizens. Burkina Faso Terrorist Attack: Death toll of Ghanaian victims rises to 8 - ReportPresident John Dramani Mahama and the Government have conveyed condolences to the bereaved families. The Government strongly condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Burkina Faso. “The Government of Ghana strongly condemns this mindless act of terror and expresses its solidarity with the Government and people of Burkina Faso in this dark hour,” it stated. The Ministry also indicated that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Burkina Faso is actively engaging with authorities and supporting affected citizens.

Politics of Tuesday, 17 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comAspiring National Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Boakye Kyeremateng Agyarko, has donated food items to support Muslim communities ahead of the Ramadan fast. He explained that the gesture was inspired by Islamic teachings on charity and community support during Ramadan. Agyarko noted that the donation formed part of efforts to show solidarity with Muslim brothers and sisters during the holy month, which is marked by fasting, prayer and acts of charity. According to him, the enthusiasm and coordination within the constituency reflect the party’s readiness for the impending polls. Agyarko is currently seeking election as National Chairman of the NPP and has been engaging party structures and stakeholders across the country as part of his campaign.