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DonP, 12558 S Pony Express Road, Draper, UT (2026)

02/23/2026

Former UK ambassador to US Peter Mandelson arrested

Former British ambassador to the U.S. Peter Mandelson has been arrested by London police on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Mandelson, 72, was fired from the most prestigious posting in Britain’s diplomatic service in September, when the depth of his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein started to become clear.

Police earlier this month began a criminal investigation into Mandelson after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government passed on communications between the former ambassador and Epstein.

“Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office,” London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement relating to an investigation into a former government minister.

02/23/2026

Ghana set for locally manufactured vaccines as public confidence plays key role

Ghana has launched a nationwide survey to boost trust in locally made vaccines as part of efforts to strengthen its immunisation programme and reduce dependence on external funding.

The National Vaccines Institute (NVI) is leading the initiative, which involves gathering views from 11,077 respondents across 55 districts in all 16 regions.

The survey, running from 16 February to 10 March 2026, aims to understand public attitudes towards locally manufactured vaccines and identify factors influencing acceptance.

According to Dr Sodzi Sodzi Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the NVI, the feedback will help address concerns and misinformation, particularly in urban areas.

He explained that while some citizens have expressed caution about vaccines produced locally, others are increasingly influenced by misinformation.

Although Ghana has made significant investments in local vaccine research and production capacity, vaccine hesitancy remains a key concern, and public confidence is central to the success of these efforts.

Dr Tettey has called on citizens to fully participate in the survey, assuring them that their responses will remain confidential.

Ghana is transitioning from support by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) by 2030 and has invested in local vaccine production. The survey results will inform strategies to promote confidence in locally made vaccines and ensure equitable access to accurate information.

02/23/2026

Kotoka International Airport officially renamed

The Government of Ghana has officially changed the name of Kotoka International Airport back to Accra International Airport.
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‎In a statement issued by the Ministry, the government explained that the airport was originally known as Accra International Airport before it was later renamed.

The Ministry said it is appropriate to restore the airport to its former and internationally recognised name.
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‎According to the statement, the change of name will not affect airport operations, safety standards, or international travel arrangements. The Ministry also noted that in the records of the International Civil Aviation Organization, the airport’s code has always remained “ACC”.
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‎The renaming process will include updating official documents, statutory instruments where necessary, airport signposts, digital platforms, aviation publications, and other communication materials.
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‎The government has appealed to the public, stakeholders, and international partners to support the relevant authorities to ensure a smooth transition.
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‎The Ministry expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their continued cooperation and support.

02/23/2026

Stakeholders push to increase school feeding fee to GH¢5

The Greater Accra Regional Coordinator for the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP), Jessica Patience Braimah, has appealed to the government to increase the school feeding grant from the current GH¢2 to GH¢5.

This comes amid growing concerns about the adequacy of the GH¢2 allocation, with many stakeholders calling for an upward review to reflect the rising cost of food items.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Ghana School Feeding training programme, Ms Braimah underscored the need for the increase to GH¢5.

“We have started training programmes for caterers to use more nutritious methods in cooking for the children, but we face challenges in mobilising resources to train them. These and many other issues mean the government should increase the school feeding grant to GH¢5,” she stated.

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, on September 4 also indicated that the current feeding grant for basic school pupils under the Ghana School Feeding Programme could increase from GH¢2 to GH¢5 per child if the economy continues to improve.

02/23/2026

Ghana, Burkina Faso sign seven cooperation pacts to deepen bilateral ties

Ghana and Burkina Faso have formalized a sweeping diplomatic reset, signing seven pivotal bilateral agreements this week aimed at stabilizing one of West Africa’s most critical corridors. The pacts target chronic instability, transit bottlenecks, and border insecurity.

The deal marks the successful conclusion of a session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC). This vital diplomatic engine was reactivated after a “six-year period of inactivity.” The revival follows high-level diplomacy in early 2023 between President John Mahama and President Ibrahim Traoré, which “set the tone for renewed bilateral cooperation.”

A New Security and Humanitarian Architecture

A primary driver for the rapprochement is the deteriorating security landscape in the Sahel. Prior to his arrival, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa visited the 37 Military Hospital in Accra to show solidarity with survivors of a February 14th terrorist attack in Titao, northern Burkina Faso, which killed several civilians including Ghanaian tomato traders.

During the summit, both governments “jointly condemned recent terrorist attacks in the sub-region and expressed sympathy to the affected families.” To address these threats, the two nations agreed to “design and adopt a new security framework aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism.” Beyond military coordination, the nations addressed a recurring humanitarian crisis: the “perennial spillage of the Bagré Dam and its devastating effects on communities downstream.” This new partnership on disaster management focuses specifically on addressing these historical floods.

Seven Pillars of Cooperation

The delegation, which included high-level engagements with Burkinabè Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo and Minister for Foreign Affairs Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, finalized the following legal frameworks:

● Agreement on the Mutual Recognition of National Driver’s Licenses: Expected to remove longstanding bottlenecks along the Tema–Ouagadougou trade corridor.

● Agreement on Transport and Road Transit: Reducing regulatory inconsistencies for regional trade.

● Framework Agreement on Cross-border Cooperation: Strengthening governance at the frontiers.

● Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of periodic consultation frameworks between the border administrative Authorities: Ensuring continuous local dialogue.

● Memorandum of Understanding regarding the creation of a joint commission to reaffirm the border between two countries: Formally securing territorial integrity.

● Cooperation agreement on the prevention and management of disasters and humanitarian crises: Institutionalizing emergency response and harmonized protocols.

● Agreement in the Field of fighting illicit cultivation, production, manufacture, and trafficking of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and related matters: Declaring both nations a “no-drug zone” to protect the potential of the youth.

Diplomatic Outlook

The talks were characterized by both delegations as “open, forward-looking and impactful.” Minister Ablakwa emphasized that “these agreements are not going to be decorative pieces,” but will be swiftly operationalized to benefit citizens. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening “long-standing and cordial relations,” noting the “importance both countries attach to their shared history, security and development aspirations.”

The Ghanaian delegation concluded the visit by expressing “appreciation to the government and people of Burkina Faso for their warm hospitality,” describing the session of the PJCC as “extremely successful.” Analysts view the move as a vital step in securing West African trade routes against rising regional volatility.

02/23/2026

ECG releases planned and emergency maintenance schedule for Feb 22–26

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced a series of planned and emergency maintenance works across several regions this week, resulting in temporary power outages in multiple communities.

In the Greater Accra Region, on Monday, February 23, 2026, customers in “Leisure Hours, Nungua Zongo, Royal Park, Blue Blue, Kpeshie Divisional Headquarters, Coco Beach, and surrounding areas” will be affected from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. On Tuesday, February 24, the same time window will see outages in “Kpong, Odumase, Nuaso, Agormeda, Kojonya, Comm. 19 Annex, Lashibi, Klagon, and surrounding areas.”

The region’s schedule concludes on Thursday, February 26, with a planned outage from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for “GCB Training School, Buade, Kokobribri, Royal Ravico, Junction Mall, Watch Tower, Alton Hotel, Regimanuel Estates, Queensland Int. Sch., Old Ningo, New Ningo, and surrounding areas.”

The Accra East Region has a busy week of maintenance. On Sunday, February 22, an emergency maintenance exercise will take place from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, affecting “Electro Volta house and surrounding areas.”

Monday, February 23, will see a planned outage from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for “Teiman, Ga East Hospital, Boshe Norman, and surrounding areas.”

On Tuesday, February 24, the same time slot will affect “Santana Market, Ayikuma, Doryumu, Kodeabe, and surrounding areas.” Wednesday, February 25, brings another planned shutdown from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for “La Cemetery, Parts of Burma Camp, Twumasiwaa Hospital, Dzen Ayor, Ability, and surrounding areas.”

Finally, on Thursday, February 26, a maintenance exercise from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm will impact “Lakeside Estate Com. 6 & 8, New Legon, Block factory (East Legon), Sasaabi Township, Mensah Bar, and surrounding areas.” In the Accra West Region, an emergency maintenance exercise is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, affecting “Latter Day Saint HQS, Ghana Immigration Service, Alisa Hotel, Swiss Embassy, WAEC, and surrounding areas.”

The planned maintenance for the week begins on Monday, February 23, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, with “Abedi Pele Park, Dunyo, and surrounding areas” set to be affected. On Tuesday, February 24, the outage during the same hours will impact “Red Top, Old Barrier, New Aplaku, Eden Height, Kings University, Alogboshie, Achimota Neoplan, Benjilo, and Surroundings areas.” Wednesday, February 25, will see power interruptions for “Akweteyman, New Bortianor, Red top, and surrounding areas.”

The week’s schedule for the region concludes on Thursday, February 26, with an outage from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm for “Katapor, Edusa, Tetegu, White cross, Doblo, Hebron, Medie, Sarpeiman, satellite, John Teye, Fountain Gate chapel, Franko Estate, Ecobloc and surrounding areas.”

The Central Region also has two days of scheduled maintenance.

On Monday, February 23, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, the outage will affect “Saltpond Zongo, Kurankyekrom, Kormantse, Abandze, Parts of Anomabo, Ekurabadze, Asafora, and surrounding areas.” A second, more extensive maintenance exercise is planned for Thursday, February 26, during the same hours.

This will affect “Abonko, Anokyí, Henii, Nananom junction, Roman hospital, Bafikrom, Greenwood, New Nkusukum, Krampakrom, Inshalahu, Saltpond Zongo, Kurankyekrom, Kormantse, Abandze, Parts of Anomabo, Ekurabadze, Asafora, and surrounding areas.”

In the Ashanti Region, an emergency maintenance exercise is scheduled for Sunday, February 22, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This will affect “Barekese Headworks, Ahenkro, Kodie, Aduamoa, Aduman, Seidi, Nkawie, Afari, Toase, Gyankobaah, Kasaprako, Sepaase, Hiawu Besease, Edwanfo, Abuakwa Maakro, Tetre,m and surrounding areas.”

A planned maintenance exercise will also take place on Tuesday, February 24, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, affecting “Agona Municipal Assembly, Agona Police Station, Agona Zongo, Bipoa Town, Bodomase, Afamaso, and surrounding areas.” ECG has stated that these exercises are necessary to improve service delivery and has regretted “the inconvenience that will arise out of this exercise”.

02/23/2026

Ghana, Japan sign $20 million grant to boost healthcare delivery in Northern region

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghana has signed a US$20 million grant facility with Japan to improve healthcare delivery in selected hospitals in the Northern Region.

The Minister in a Facebook post on Monday, February 23, 2026, revealed that the agreement was signed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto.

Mr. Ablakwa said access to quality and affordable healthcare remains a key priority of the Mahama Administration. He noted that the grant will help strengthen health services and improve patient care in beneficiary hospitals in the Northern Region.

He stressed that the partnership reflects the strong diplomatic relations between Ghana and Japan, adding that both countries remain committed to deepening cooperation in critical sectors, especially health.

The Foreign Affairs Minister expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for their continued support to Ghana’s development agenda.

The grant is expected to provide equipment and other essential resources to enhance healthcare delivery in the selected facilities.

02/23/2026

Ghana moves to open key public offices to dual citizens in historic constitutional review

Key themes covered:

Legislative Shift: The targeting of Article 8(2) to allow broader public service eligibility.
The Economic Pillar: How diaspora inflows now outpace FDI and ODA.
Security Concerns: The debate over “indivisible loyalty” and modernizing vetting processes under Act 1030.
The Parliament of Ghana is re-evaluating the constitutional standing of its global citizens. This shift is a pivotal legislative process that could redefine the boundaries of national identity and public service. It marks a defining moment in the nation’s post-colonial evolution. The effort signals a transition from traditionalist exclusion toward a more pragmatic, globalized governance model.

The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Amendment) Bill, 2025, has officially moved to the Constitutional and Legal Affairs Committee. This follows its successful first reading. The legislative push aims to dismantle long-standing barriers. These restrictions currently prevent dual citizens from occupying the highest echelons of state security and administrative roles.

The Legislative Framework and Proposed Shifts

The 2025 amendment targets specific articles of the Ghanaian Constitution—specifically Article 8(2)—that currently restrict individuals with dual allegiance. If passed, the bill would open doors for dual nationals to serve in critical capacities. These include the Chief of Defence Staff, Inspector-General of Police, and Secretary to the Cabinet. It also covers various Ambassadorial or High Commissioner roles. This move comes as Ghana navigates a 2026 fiscal landscape where diaspora contributions remain a critical buffer against macroeconomic volatility. Officially recorded remittances to Ghana reached an estimated $4.6 billion in the previous cycle, representing roughly 6% of the national GDP and proving vital to stabilizing the cedi.

First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor referred the bill to committee oversight on Tuesday. This signaled the start of a formal review period. Davis Ansah Opoku, the Member of Parliament for Mpraeso and a lead co-sponsor, views the bill as a necessary evolution. He argues that the current legal framework excludes a massive pool of talent. He remains firm that the amendment is a matter of practical governance rather than a test of patriotism.

“This is not about questioning anyone’s loyalty. It’s about recognising the realities of the world we live in today and allowing capable Ghanaians to take up leadership roles,” Opoku stated during the proceedings.

Diaspora Integration and Economic Arguments

Supporters suggest that Ghana’s development trajectory is linked to its global citizens. The diaspora serves as a vital economic pillar. It provides remittances, knowledge transfer, and private investment. Notably, these financial inflows now exceed the combined total of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the country. By removing the “glass ceiling” in public office, the bill seeks to formalize the bridge between the state and its overseas community. Proponents argue that you cannot call someone a “citizen” when it is time to donate, but a “foreigner” when it is time to lead.

Opoku Ansah emphasized that the legislation addresses deep-seated concerns regarding the exclusion of qualified citizens. He noted that many Ghanaians abroad already contribute significantly to national development. They drive job creation and support the local economy.

“Supporting this bill does not diminish loyalty to Ghana,” the Mpraeso MP said. “It simply opens doors for the nation to benefit from the experience, skills, and expertise of all its citizens, wherever they reside.”

Public Sentiment and the “17th Region” Perspective

The proposed amendment has triggered a wave of reactions across the Ghanaian social and political spectrum. Within Ghana’s borders, the debate is split between youth who see the move as a gateway to modern expertise and traditionalists who prioritize domestic roots. Meanwhile, the Ghanaian diaspora—often referred to by political leaders as the nation’s “17th Region”—has largely hailed the bill as a long-overdue recognition of their dual identity. At the recent Diaspora Summit 2025 in Accra, delegates argued that current laws create a “brain drain” by keeping highly skilled professionals in tech, medicine, and governance away from top-tier service.

Civil society organizations have also weighed in. Groups like the Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) have historically supported more inclusive citizenship laws. However, some local labor unions express concern that dual citizens might be “detached” from daily struggles. This internal-external friction highlights a shifting definition of “the Ghanaian,” moving from a purely geographical concept to a more fluid identity based on a track record of contribution rather than just a travel document.

National Security and the Debate Over Allegiance

The bill faces a rigorous test regarding the concept of indivisible loyalty. Critics fear individuals may face irreconcilable conflicts of interest. This is especially sensitive during international disputes or security crises. The roles of the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff are critical. These figures hold the keys to national stability and intelligence. In a volatile regional climate, lawmakers are debating whether a blanket ban is a “blunt instrument” that hurts the nation more than it protects it.

The debate in Parliament is expected to be robust. Lawmakers must weigh the benefits of inclusivity against the potential risks to national sovereignty. Opponents often cite the possibility of foreign influence. Scholars like Prof. H. Kwasi Prempeh have historically argued that “allegiance should be tested some other way” rather than through a blanket ban on citizenship. Legal experts suggest that modern vetting under the Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 2020 (Act 1030), could be adapted to assess dual citizens on a case-by-case basis, ensuring security without resorting to total exclusion.

Global Realities and Future Governance

The proposed amendment reflects a broader trend among African nations seeking to leverage global populations. Following the success of the “Beyond the Return” initiative, Ghana has become a hub for the global African family. This bill represents the legislative climax of a decade-long engagement strategy. The bill now rests with the committee. Members will dissect its implications for public office eligibility and the broader democratic framework.

Lawmakers must ultimately decide if diaspora expertise outweighs the traditionalist view of singular citizenship. As the bill progresses, it will remain a litmus test for Ghana’s willingness to modernize its definition of state service

02/18/2026

Chief Justice rejects petitions to remove EC Chair, Deputies and Special Prosecutor

The Chief Justice has ruled that petitions seeking the removal of the Electoral Commission’s chairperson, her Deputies, and the Special Prosecutor do not establish a prima facie case, effectively bringing the bid to an end. https://ghvibenews.blogspot.com/

02/18/2026

Social media suspended in Gabon for ‘spreading of false information’

Gabon’s media regulator has announced the suspension of social media platforms “until further notice”, saying online content has fuelled conflict and deepened divisions in the country. https://ghvibenews.blogspot.com/

02/18/2026

President Mahama visits Burkina Faso attack survivors at 37 Military Hospital

President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, visited two survivors of the recent terrorist attack in Burkina Faso who are receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital.

The survivors were among a group of Ghanaian tomato traders travelling on a truck that was ambushed by armed bandits. The attackers reportedly lined up the men on board, killed them, and set the vehicle ablaze. https://ghvibenews.blogspot.com/

02/17/2026

Intelligence-Led Police Operation Foils Dormaa Highway Robbery Plot; One Suspect Killed, Five Fi****ms Seized

The Bono Regional Police Command has shot and killed one suspected armed robber in a pre-dawn gun battle along the Dormaa–Gonokrom highway in the Dormaa West District, thwarting what authorities say was a planned attack on traders using the busy stretch.
https://ghvibenews.blogspot.com/

DonP

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