President Mahama assents to 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill
Politics of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comPresident John Dramani Mahama has officially given legal backing to one of his administration’s flagship policies after assenting to the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, 2025. Parliament passes 24-Hour Economy Authority BillIn his remarks after appending his signature, the president underscored the importance of the legislation. "Cabinet colleagues, I just appended my signature to give assent to the 24-hour Authority Bill. The bill establishes a 24-Hour Economy Authority as the central coordinating body responsible for rolling out the policy. The legislation forms part of the government’s broader 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 14:15 UTC
Key trends in African critical mineral projects – Importance of ESG considerations in critical minerals projects
These approaches are increasingly seen as essential to securing land rights and building trust between communities and mining operators. ESG FRAMEWORKS: FRAGMENTATION VS. In response, there is growing momentum for sovereign ESG frameworks tailored to Africa’s specific challenges and development goals. Morocco, for example, has proposed an African ESG framework and an Origin–Transit–Certification (“OTC”) corridor to ensure traceability, sustainability, and local value addition in mineral supply chains. These frameworks emphasise contract transparency, environmental accountability and community inclusion and are increasingly being adopted by governments seeking to align mineral development with national priorities.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 13:52 UTC
Ibrahim Mahama's train catches fire
General News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comOne of the heritage trains belonging to renowned Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama, currently on display at the Red Clay Studios in Tamale, has been burnt to ashes. Fortunately, according to him, no lives were lost, and the Ghana National Fire Service responded quickly to the scene. “Yesterday night we had the tragic misfortune of losing one of our trains to fire due to sparks from ongoing repairs. Ibrahim Mahama was recently granted a diplomatic passport by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for his contributions towards the tourism sector in Ghana. Expressing his grief in the Facebook post, Mahama noted the difficulties in acquiring the train but noted that he and his crew are not deterred by the incident.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 13:48 UTC
Over 2,000 churches in Accra operating without registration – Ahmed Ibrahim
“We will establish a formal collaboration with the Registrar General’s Department, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Ministry of Justice to assess records of churches registered as companies limited by guarantee,” Ibrahim told Parliament. Regional survey data show that about 98.1 per cent of churches in Greater Accra operate as single-owner entities, with only a small fraction affiliated with larger church organisations. Although the Registrar General’s Department does not provide a consolidated national figure, estimates suggest that the total number of churches across Ghana runs into several thousands. “This initiative aims to ensure accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date data on churches, which will be critical for governance, planning, and regulatory oversight,” Ibrahim said. Once operational, the proposed digital registry will be linked directly to the Registrar General’s database, enabling authorities to verify registered churches and enhance transparency.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 13:42 UTC
Watch Kate Scott's powerful anti-racism message after Benfica's denial
Sports News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comRenowned sports broadcaster, Kate Scott delivered a powerful on-air message condemning racism in football during CBS Sports Golazo's coverage of the ongoing UEFA Champions League playoffs on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. Reacting to the incident, Benfica released a formal statement denying any racist conduct from their camp while affirming their commitment to fighting discrimination. The Portuguese giants insisted they would cooperate fully with any investigations and reiterated their zero-tolerance stance on racism. Speaking on CBS Sports, Kate Scott did not hold back as she described racism as a “persistent stain on the beautiful game” and called on football authorities to move beyond statements and take decisive action. Watch the statement of Kate Scott in the post below:
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 13:19 UTC
FDA shuts down Alora Beach Resort, 15 other food establishments
Business News of Thursday, 19 February 2026Source: www.ghanaweb.comThe Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has closed 16 food service establishments in the Greater Accra Region for operating without valid Food Hygiene Permits. The FDA stated that the closures aim to safeguard public health by ensuring all food service providers strictly adhere to hygiene and safety standards. “Today, 16 non-compliant food service establishments in the Greater Accra Region, including The Cheesecake House, Dolce Frizzante, Onda, and Alora Beach Resort, among others, were shut down for failing to meet regulatory requirements. We remain committed to protecting public health and ensuring that all food service providers operate in strict compliance with good hygiene practices,” it added. The FDA clarified that affected establishments will remain closed until they regularise their operations and secure the necessary Food Hygiene Permit.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 12:49 UTC
Abossey Okai dealers announce six-month monitoring of new tax policy
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 12:30 UTC
First Lady reacts to Mamprobi Hospital baby theft
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 12:16 UTC
Chairman Wontumi seeks acquittal in Akonta mining case
“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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 12:16 UTC
NDC sends Ramadan greetings to Muslims, urges unity and compassion
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 12:16 UTC
President Mahama signs 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill into law
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 12:09 UTC
NIC, CIIG back Insurance Retirees Forum to strengthen industry standards
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 12:07 UTC
Asiedu Nketiah cautions NDC against internal wrangling
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 12:02 UTC
Watch how Arsenal threw away a two-goal lead against Wolves
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 11:26 UTC
Disguised as a Nurse: Witness details how baby was stolen from Mamprobi Hospital
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.
Source:GhanaWeb
February 19, 2026 11:26 UTC