Now, those conversations have moved politicians who are regarded as the elite class of Ghanaian society, and who have found themselves in the hands of US law enforcement agencies for various legal breaches. Ken Ofori-Atta:Ken Ofori-Atta, Ghana’s longest-serving Minister of Finance, is one of the notable Ghanaians who is in the grips of US law enforcement agencies. The former minister was detained by officials of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for allegedly overstaying in the US. Government files extradition request for Ken Ofori-AttaSedina Tamakloe-Attionu:Former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, is the second Ghanaian politician in the hands of a US law enforcement agency. It is also believed to likely be in relation to an extradition request filed by the government of Ghana after her conviction in 2024.

Politics of Thursday, 22 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe National Democratic Congress (NDC) has scheduled February 7, 2026, for its parliamentary primary to select a candidate for the Ayawaso East Constituency by-election. In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, the party outlined procedures for nominations, filing, vetting, and the conduct of the primary. In the statement, aspirants and stakeholders were urged to respect the timelines and uphold decency, unity, and fairness throughout the process. According to the NDC, nomination forms will cost GH¢5,000, while the filing fee has been pegged at GH¢40,000. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) further indicated that a certified copy of the delegates’ list will be provided to aspirants once payment of the filing fee has been verified.

General News of Thursday, 22 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has criticised some Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) for failing to properly supervise sanitation contracts. Speaking during a recent inspection tour, she cautioned officials against assigning cleaning work to assembly staff. The regional minister also expressed dissatisfaction with sanitation efforts in Okaikwei North and Gbawe Central, noting that while progress in other areas had been encouraging, performance in these two municipalities remained poor. EXPLAINER: Why government is reintroducing National Sanitation Day“So far, so good, with the exception of Okaikwei North and Ga Central. According to the minister, both municipalities continue to face sanitation challenges because they fail to properly monitor the contractors hired to undertake cleaning activities.

General News of Thursday, 22 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Lead Convenor of Arise Ghana, Bernard Mornah, has taken a swipe at Frank Davies, lawyer for former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, following remarks he believes were directed at him personally. Recently, Frank Davies, in an interview on JoyNews, cautioned Bernard Mornah against making sweeping allegations about his client, Ken Ofori-Atta, without evidence. Frank Davies responds to Bernard Mornah's accusations against Ken Ofori-AttaAccording to Bernard Mornah, Frank Davies has no right to caution him over his choice of words. Bernard Mornah further questioned the integrity of Frank Davies, accusing him of misleading the country about the health condition of the former finance minister. Mornah accuses Ken Ofori-Atta of 'economic miscarriage', demands his return from USHe further questioned the legal practitioner over whether Ken Ofori-Atta, following his arrest and detention by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is currently receiving medical treatment.

General News of Thursday, 22 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) taskforce at Awoshie Market has arrested 15 trotro drivers over allegations of overcharging passengers. Although the identities of the arrested drivers have not been made public, authorities claim they exploited passengers by imposing inflated fares without justification. However, a union representative, in an interview, argued that the drivers did not charge multiple fares and described the arrests as unjust. This crackdown reflects the government’s commitment to protecting passengers and ensuring transparency in the transport sector. The arrested drivers remain in AMA custody for further investigations as authorities work to prevent future incidents of price-gouging and protect commuters from exploitation.

Entertainment of Thursday, 22 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe social media back-and-forth between actress Benedicta Gafah and Florence Obinim, wife of popular pastor Bishop Daniel Obinim, appears far from over, as the actress has made another post. Recently, GhanaWeb reported Florence Obinim’s claim that Benedicta Gafah does not meet her standards and therefore has no reason to undergo plastic surgery to resemble her. In response to those statements and other comments circulating online, Benedicta Gafah has taken a swipe at the gospel musician in a cryptic TikTok post. In the viral video, the actress questioned why Florence Obinim continues to mention her name in interviews even though they are not friends. 'Benedicta Gafah isn't my benchmark' - Florence Obinim fires back at plastic surgery claimsAccording to her, if Florence Obinim does not desist from mentioning her name, she would “forever be her nightmare.”“From the look of things, I think I’ll forever be her nightmare.

General News of Thursday, 22 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Okaikwei North, Christian Tetteh Badger, had a day to forget when Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, paid a surprise visit to his area. The MCE was publicly rebuked by the minister for allegedly failing to ensure proper measures were in place for the observance of “Sanitation Day.”A video of the incident captured Linda Ocloo expressing her displeasure and chastising the MCE. As MCE, you said you don't know that today is Sanitation Day. Here is why Linda Ocloo is vowing to shut down St Olives Grammar SchoolThe regional minister also warned that sanitation will be a key metric by which President John Dramani Mahama will assess local government appointees. Move around in terms of sanitation, and that's the KPI His Excellency will be using very soon,” she added.

Politics of Thursday, 22 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Director of Legal Affairs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Edudzi Tameklo, says that the case involving former Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, has gone beyond an immigration matter, following the filing of an extradition request by the government of Ghana. In an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Tameklo explained that during recent court proceedings in the United States, a judge requested a copy of Ghana’s extradition request, a development he said significantly changes the nature of the case. Tameklo recalled that from the outset, Ofori-Atta’s lawyers informed the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) that he was in the United States for medical reasons and provided a timeline for his return. “It’s important to note that the prosecutor handling his case was appointed while Ken served as finance minister. During yesterday’s proceedings, the judge acknowledged that the government of Ghana had submitted an extradition request, which he insisted on reviewing a copy of, which significantly alters the situation.

If Mr Ofori-Atta would not come, go ahead and try him in absentia. He also dismissed claims that Ofori-Atta would face humiliation if he returned to Ghana, arguing that arrest and bail are standard legal procedures. Pratt warned that the case could drag on for years due to Ofori-Atta’s resources and access to top legal representation. - Bernard Mornah claps back at Frank Davies in Ofori-Atta detention saga“This case can drag for 10 years or more given the fact that Mr Ofori-Atta appears to have substantial resources at his disposal. I cannot understand why there is this standoff, him refusing to come and all the drama and so on,” he concluded.

Politics of Thursday, 22 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comFormer President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has been appointed to lead a 14-member Commonwealth Observer Group for Bangladesh’s parliamentary elections and a nationwide referendum scheduled for February 12, 2026. The appointment was announced in London on January 21, 2026, by Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, following a request from the Bangladesh Election Commission. She also thanked members of the Observer Group for their commitment, commending them for dedicating the start of the year to strengthening democracy in Bangladesh. Nana Akufo-Addo will chair the team, which includes election experts and professionals from across the Commonwealth, with backgrounds in politics, law, media, gender advocacy and electoral administration. The Observer Group will assess whether the elections and referendum are conducted in line with Bangladesh’s laws and democratic commitments.

General News of Thursday, 22 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Circle area of Accra is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that occurred on January 20, 2026, as survivors begin to share their harrowing experiences. “Our shops have been reduced to ashes,” lamented one shop owner, her voice trembling with emotion. Fire breaks out at Madina Market in AccraWitnesses described the chaos and panic that ensued as the fire rapidly spread through the densely populated area. Several victims recounted desperate attempts to salvage what they could, while others were forced to flee for their lives, watching helplessly as the flames consumed their livelihoods. Watch the video belowNAD/AMArise Ghana demands Ken Ofori-Atta’s return from US

Sports News of Thursday, 22 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comBlack Stars midfielder, Daniel Kofi Kyereh has resumed full-scale training with German side Freiburg after nearly three years of battling with an ACL injury. Since suffering a serious Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in 2023, the midfielder has struggled to regain full fitness as the injury repeatedly recurred. US Embassy congratulates Black Stars on 2026 World Cup qualificationThrough consistent recovery and training, Kyereh has now regained full fitness and trained with the team throughout their session on Wednesday, January 21, 2026. Due to his injury setbacks, the Ghanaian midfielder has been limited to just 18 appearances, during which he scored three goals and provided one assist. His return to fitness will be a major boost for the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

According to him, Star Oil is being victimised for advocating the removal of the fuel price floor, a policy the company believes prevents further reductions in petrol and diesel prices for consumers. Speaking to Citi News, Amoah described the backlash against Star Oil as unjust and damaging to its corporate image. “In my view, Star Oil is being victimised for holding a position we clearly articulated from the very beginning of this price floor policy. Star Oil pulls out of COMAC membership over price floor dispute. His comments follow Star Oil Limited’s decision to suspend its membership of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) with immediate effect.

Some players were present to support countries of their parents, while others watched for fun. These players, who have African heritage, were present to cheer on their teams and help project the tournament to a global audience. Coaches:Legendary French coach Zinedine Zidane was in the stands to support his son, Luca Zidane, who delivered a brilliant performance in goal for Algeria. Aliou Cissé, who led Senegal to their first-ever AFCON title in 2021 after defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties, was also present to support the team in the 2025 final against Morocco. The 2025 AFCON gained significant global attention as these personalities helped draw audiences to the tournament.

General News of Wednesday, 21 January 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe reconstruction and expansion of the Accra-Tema Motorway is progressing steadily, with about 35% of the work completed, according to Kwabena Bempong, Chief Resident Engineer for the project. In an interview on Channel One TV on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, he explained that the current phase involves the heaviest construction activities, including concrete works, drainage systems, bridges, and earthworks. That is the concrete works, which has to do with the drainage, the bridges, and then the earthworks," he remarked. Reconstruction and expansion of Accra-Tema motorway beginsGhanaian-owned Maripoma Enterprise Limited is supervising the construction. Kwabena Bempong expressed optimism about the timeline, stating that the project is expected to progress quickly as the team tackles the major construction sections.