General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe bond hearing for former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta is scheduled for February 19, 2026, in the United States, as a federal judge examines whether Ghanaian authorities have formally submitted an extradition request. This hearing comes after a closed-door session on January 20, 2026, when the judge paused deliberations on Ofori-Atta’s bail application. His lawyers say the action was due to the notice’s “predominantly political” character, which they argue further complicates the extradition case. For now, all eyes are on the hearing, which could determine whether Ofori-Atta will remain in detention or be granted bond while the legal processes unfold. Apologise for 'flawed' Ofori-Atta INTERPOL Red Notice - Frank Davies to OSPOfori-Atta has been charged with 78 counts of corruption and corruption-related offences.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 21:10 UTC
General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comGeneral Overseer of the Alabaster International Ministry, Prophet Kofi Oduro, has warned Ghanaians against mocking the women captured in viral videos involving a Russian citizen. Just as the Russian guy used glasses, people use items like buttons or even pens. You never know when a video of you will come out,” he said. 'You lack manners' - Prophet Oduro scolds women in 'Russian-man' scandalProphet Oduro warned that should any embarrassing video of a church member surface, he would not hesitate to show it publicly during services to underscore accountability. He also noted that since Ghana and Russia have no extradition treaty, the government plans to prosecute him in absentia.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 19:57 UTC
General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe government is seeking to rename the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) back to the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) as part of sweeping reforms captured in the proposed Security and Intelligence Agencies Bill, 2025. By introducing BNI, the Bureau of National Intelligence, we address this issue,” he stated. One of the key changes is the abolition of the specific position of Minister of National Security. Under the new arrangement, the President would be empowered to designate a minister to oversee the National Security Coordinator, rather than maintain a standalone portfolio. The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has openly opposed the bill, cautioning that it could centralise too much authority within the National Security apparatus.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 17:10 UTC
Business News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has so far paid Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) a total of GH¢1.091 billion, Head of Corporate Communications Jerome Kwaku Sam has announced. As of Thursday, February 19, 2026, an additional GH¢854 million has been disbursed to the LBCs. “COCOBOD this morning, 19th Feb, 2026, has made payment of GH¢854m, bringing the total to GH¢1.091bn paid to LBCs,” Sam posted on Facebook. He noted that COCOBOD has had to rely on international buyers to finance cocoa purchases, with conditions requiring LBCs to pre-finance farmer payments before reimbursement. Under this arrangement, LBCs receive 80 percent of funds upfront to cover farmer payments and handling costs, while the remaining 20 percent is settled upon delivery to COCOBOD.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 16:53 UTC
General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comA motorcyclist known only as Matthew is in critical condition following a crash at Monaco Junction in Atonsu, Kumasi, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Eyewitnesses said the rider was being pursued by a police patrol vehicle, GP 3764, and allegedly attempted to flee at top speed. Bystanders quickly intervened and helped convey the injured motor rider to Kumasi South Hospital for emergency medical care. Medical sources confirmed that he suffered severe head injuries and remains under critical care. The police have commenced investigations to determine the exact circumstances that triggered the pursuit and subsequent crash, urging residents to remain calm as inquiries proceed.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 16:53 UTC
General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comTwo persons have reportedly been killed, as 14 others have sustained varying degrees of injuries in a ghastly accident on the Ho-Aflao Highway in the Volta Region on Thursday, February 19, 2026. The incident occurred when a Ford Transit vehicle with registration number VR-322-20 collided with a Honda Civic with registration number GN-1166-16. A report by myjoyonline.com on Thursday, February 19, 2026, indicates that the Ford Transit, which was transporting passengers, crashed into the saloon car while attempting to overtake another vehicle. Fourteen injured persons were rescued and transported to nearby health facilities for medical treatment, while two victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The accident caused temporary disruption to traffic along the busy highway as GNFS secured the area to assist victims.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 16:53 UTC
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 16:53 UTC
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 16:53 UTC
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
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 16:53 UTC
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 15:48 UTC
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 15:42 UTC
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 15:42 UTC
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 15:42 UTC
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 15:32 UTC
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 14:22 UTC