Minority raises alarm over commodity dependence and cocoa sector crisis
Politics of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Minority Caucus has expressed concern that Ghana is returning to what it describes as dangerous over-reliance on commodity prices to sustain economic stability. In its latest statement, the Caucus warned that improvements in macroeconomic indicators are being driven largely by global gold prices rather than domestic structural reforms. “Without subjecting recent developments to these three tests, national discourse is reduced to slogans, not governance,” the Minority stated. On the cocoa sector, the Caucus claimed farmers are losing more than GH¢1,000 per bag due to structural changes in trading systems and the removal of stabilisation and hedging buffers. Ending on a cautionary note, the Minority stated that “this is not economic resilience; it is renewed commodity dependence and a return to old structural vulnerabilities”.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 19:05 UTC
Fifi Kwetey clarifies alleged caucus donation to late Ayawaso East MP’s widow
Politics of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comGeneral Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, has clarified reports regarding a cash donation purportedly offered to Hajia Amina Mahama, widow of the late Ayawaso East MP, by the Majority Caucus. Ayawaso East By-Election: Umar Sanda expelled from NDC over independent bid“Speaking to some of the key leaders like the Majority Leader and Majority Chief Whip, they clearly did not know anything about this particular donation,” he said. I think it is individuals, and those individuals portrayed that they were representing the Majority as a whole,” Kwetey added. BackgroundThe campaign manager for Mohammed Baba Jamal, the NDC parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East, had accused the party’s Majority Caucus in Parliament of favouring Hajia Amina Mahama during the recent primaries. For them to turn around and accuse someone else because their preferred candidate lost is unacceptable,” Khalid said.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 18:41 UTC
Government moves to revitalise garment and textile industry
Business News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, has assured of government’s commitment to address challenges affecting Ghana’s textile and garment industry. Speaking at the Public-Private Dialogue on Textile and Garment Trade Facilitation Challenges in Sogakope on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, Ahi emphasised that the industry holds immense potential for job creation, particularly for women and the youth, while strengthening Ghana’s position in regional and global value chains. According to a report by myjoyonline.com, on February 20, 2026, the minister stated that industry players continue to face constraints across the trade value chain, including customs and clearance procedures, compliance requirements, logistics bottlenecks, and underutilisation of trade facilitation schemes. Government to grow textile and garment industry to $2 billion by 2033“This dialogue has been convened not merely as a forum, but as a partnership…the Ministry is committed to listening, learning, and collaborating with private sector actors and trade facilitation institutions to implement workable reforms,” he said. In her remarks, the Director for West Africa and AfCFTA at TradeMark Africa, Harriet Gayi, underscored the urgency of evidence-based trade facilitation reforms to reposition Ghana as a competitive garment manufacturing hub.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 17:28 UTC
Law alone won’t transform economy – Prof Boadi warns on 24-Hour Economy policy
During an interview on JoyNews’ AM Show on February 20, 2026, Prof Boadi described President John Dramani Mahama’s signing of the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill as “symbolically powerful. “The signing yesterday had an investor signalling. Don't rush 24-hour economy policy rollout - Yendi MP warnsHe explained that the policy targets key sectors including manufacturing, agribusiness, agro-processing, health, retail, transportation and hospitality — areas where continuous operations and time efficiency are crucial. President Mahama assents to 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill“You want to do a programme… do you have the money now?” he asked, emphasising that financial readiness is key to achieving real results. "When you go to DVLA or the Passport Office, and they say they are operating a 24-Hour Economy, under which law?” he asked.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 17:28 UTC
GIPC CEO calls for strategic investment in coconut value chain
Business News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Simon Madjie, has urged investors to take advantage of emerging opportunities within Ghana’s coconut value chain to drive industrial growth, export diversification and environmental sustainability. He made the call in Accra at the Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition organised by the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA). He described coconut as one of the most commercially viable, yet underdeveloped crops in Ghana’s agricultural portfolio. He stressed that the coconut value chain offers investment prospects across plantation development, structured out-grower schemes, aggregation, storage, processing and advanced manufacturing. “The majority of value in the global coconut industry is captured after the farm gate.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 16:53 UTC
Racism should be dealt with by schools, not football – Guardiola
Sports News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comManchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has said that racism can best be addressed in society through educational institutions and not football. According to him, racism remains prevalent in society, where people discriminate against others and foster feelings of superiority. The Spanish manager stressed that racism is not only about skin color but also about behavioral traits that make individuals feel superior and undermine others. Do you think racism is only about skin color? Speaking on how to combat the menace, Guardiola stated that schools should lead the fight since most people pass through their systems during training and education.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 16:33 UTC
Mamprobi Baby Theft: Health minister orders strict ID protocols
Health News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has urged all health facilities across the country to strictly enforce identification protocols for patients and staff, following the alleged baby theft at Mamprobi Hospital on February 17, 2026. He noted that name tags should only be removed at the security exit, not at the ward level, as a measure to prevent incidents such as baby swaps. More details emerge as neighbours of Mamprobi baby thief speak“Apart from the tagging, which is part of the clear protocols for patient and baby identification, name tags should not be taken off at the ward level. Name tags of both the mother and the baby should only be removed at the security gate, which is the exit. The minister also urged health facilities to establish closer working relationships with nearby police stations to strengthen security and ensure quick responses to any suspicious activity.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 16:31 UTC
Vincent Kompany slams Mourinho over racial abuse comment
Sports News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comHead coach of Bayern Munich, Vincent Kompany, has criticised legendary manager José Mourinho for failing to condemn the alleged racism against Vinicius Jnr. 'He called Vinícius a monkey' - Mbappé alleges racist remark by Benfica's PrestianniReacting to the incident, Mourinho blamed Vinícius for provoking the fans with his goal celebration dance, a comment that sparked backlash. Kompany expressed disappointment in Mourinho’s remarks, saying they appeared to justify the actions of the player rather than objectively addressing the issue. I understand the person he is, I understand he fights for his club,” Kompany told the media. Kompany added that the Portuguese manager’s remark was flawed, “I know deep down he’s a good person.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 15:58 UTC
MUSIGA donates GH¢500 for the late Yaw Sarpong's funeral
Entertainment of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) has pledged its full support to ensure a befitting funeral for the late gospel musician, Yaw Sarpong. Speaking at the one-week celebration of the late Yaw Sarpong held on February 19, 2026, representatives of the union disclosed that efforts are already underway to engage government officials to assist in organising a memorable farewell for the veteran musician. According to the union, shortly after news of Yaw Sarpong’s passing broke, its leadership began reaching out to key state authorities to inform them and formally seek support. “We are donating GH¢500 to the family towards the funeral expenses. When it’s time for the funeral, MUSIGA, we will always be here to support and make sure our brother gets a befitting burial,” he added.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 15:58 UTC
Gold Fields confirms April 2026 exit from Damang Mine
Business News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comFollowing the expiration of a 12-month lease extension for the Damang Mine, Gold Fields has announced its formal exit from ownership and operation of the mine, effective April 18, 2026. This follows the government’s decision for the asset to revert to state ownership. Since July 2025, the government has appointed a ministerial transition team to work alongside Gold Fields to coordinate the handover. Gold Fields Ghana to hand over Damang Mine to government in April 2026According to Fraser, the company has not received any formal communication from the Lands Minister regarding the next owner following Gold Fields’ exit. The Damang exit marks a significant shift in Gold Fields’ Ghana portfolio, coinciding with ongoing discussions with authorities regarding the renewal of the Tarkwa mining lease.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 15:20 UTC
'Go to KNUST and ask of my records' – Sunyani West MP fires back at critics
General News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comMillicent Amankwaah, the Member of Parliament for Sunyani West, has expressed frustration after being mocked on social media for a slip of the tongue during her speech in Parliament. The error quickly went viral, drawing criticism and ridicule from social media users. In response, Amankwaah took to Facebook Live to defend herself and challenge those questioning her competence. She insisted that her track record speaks for itself and that one mistake should not be used to undermine her credibility. The Member of Parliament further added, “As a former SRC Women’s Commissioner of KNUST, I am not someone these things can break.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 14:38 UTC
Men are tired too - Musician decries pressures of being a provider
Speaking during a recent podcast, Dakolo reflected on the heavy expectations placed on men to constantly show strength. According to him, men are encouraged to speak up, but when they do, they are often judged. “They say make we talk, but when we talk, and tears fall, they say we be weak,” he said. “Who helps the person that helps everybody?” he asked, pointing out that many assume a provider already has support simply because he appears strong. He concluded by urging men to talk more openly with one another and encouraged women to listen even to the things men struggle to say out loud.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 14:33 UTC
Burkina Faso Attack: Ntim Fordjour accuses government of security lapses
“These were breadwinners, pillars of their homes, and citizens whose only ‘crime’ was trading to feed families back home,” Rev Ntim Fordjour said. Rev Ntim Fordjour argued that the security risks in Burkina Faso were widely known and questioned why precautionary measures were not taken to protect Ghanaian traders travelling to high-risk areas. According to him, the situation has weakened regional security coordination with neighbouring countries, including Burkina Faso. Rev Ntim Fordjour further criticised the government’s response after the attack, stating that six days after the incident, no high-level ministerial delegation had visited Burkina Faso and no minister had briefed Parliament on the matter. Rev Ntim Fordjour called on the Ministries of Defence, Foreign Affairs, and National Security to provide answers and outline measures to prevent similar incidents involving Ghanaian citizens abroad.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 14:26 UTC
Catholic Bishops demand probe into alleged state-backed galamsey extortion
The Bishops stated that if these allegations are substantiated, they would constitute a grave breach of public trust and represent a shift from enforcement into complicity. They also raised concerns that officials linked to disaster management structures may have demanded additional payments to shield illegal mining operators from enforcement actions, suggesting systemic misconduct across multiple institutions. The Bishops proposed four key measures to restore integrity and accountability:The establishment of an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations. While stressing the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, the Bishops cautioned that delay or inaction would further erode public trust in public institutions. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference, who also assured investigative journalists and anti-galamsey activists of the Church’s prayers and support in the face of threats.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 14:18 UTC
Wife of director of nursing school arrested after GTEC shuts down college
General News of Friday, 20 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comFollowing the shutdown of the Royal Nursing College at Tafo Nyhiaeso by the Ghana Tertiary Education Council (GTEC), the wife of the college director, who is also the proprietress of a montessori school affiliated with the college, has been handed over to the police for prosecution, citinewsroom.com reports. This was disclosed by the Deputy Director General of GTEC, Prof Augustin Ocloo. According to him, the shutdown was necessary to safeguard the academic future of the more than 800 students reportedly enrolled. His comments follow reports that GTEC closed the institution after its management failed to comply with instructions and did not provide documentation confirming its accreditation status. He also added that accountability will be determined through the legal process while GTEC works to ensure affected students are not left stranded.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 20, 2026 13:38 UTC