🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
Ghana condemns Mali attacks and issues travel advisory for citizens
via GhanaWeb4 min read
Ghana has expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel following coordinated terrorist attacks in Mali on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The attacks reportedly targeted several military installations, including locations in the capital, Bamako, resulting in casualties among military personnel and civilians. Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on Monday, April 27, 2026, extending condolences to Mali and wishing the injured a speedy recovery, stating that "Violent extremism must have no place in our world, and we must step up collective efforts to end this horror." The Ghanaian government has also advised its citizens in Mali to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel, and maintain close contact with the Ghanaian Embassy in Bamako. Ghanaian traders and drivers who travel between Ghana and Mali for business have been advised to suspend movements until further notice. The government is collaborating with Malian authorities and will provide updates for the safe resumption of cross-border trade when conditions improve, reaffirming its commitment to the safety of its citizens.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Sammi Awuku, Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, has urged the government to immediately address the country's erratic power supply. In a Facebook post on Monday, April 27, 2026, Awuku highlighted the significant pressure the outages are placing on students preparing for national examinations like WASSCE and BECE. He noted that many students depend on evening hours for study, and the unpredictable power cuts are causing stress and uncertainty during a critical academic period. Awuku emphasized the need for a stable environment to support students' academic performance. He also pointed out that the impact of the outages extends to small businesses, young entrepreneurs, and informal sector workers, disrupting productivity and income. Awuku called on John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Energy and Green Transition to take urgent action to restore stable electricity, ensuring students can prepare for their exams with peace of mind.
Dr. James Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr, also known as Kabila, a lecturer at the University of Professional Studies, Accra UPSA, has criticized the government's actions regarding the leadership of the Ghana Grid Company Limited GRIDCo. Speaking on JoyNews' AM Show, Dr. Bomfeh questioned the reported directive from the Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, for GRIDCo's Chief Executive Officer, Ing Mark Awuah Baah, to step aside. Dr. Bomfeh stated that the GRIDCo CEO was already scheduled to retire in June 2026 and had previously been instructed to go on leave as part of the transition process. He argued that linking the CEO's departure to ongoing power outages without clear reasons constitutes political theatrics and a lack of consistency in governance. Dr. Bomfeh urged authorities to be transparent and to outline concrete actions if the CEO's exit is indeed related to the power challenges, emphasizing the need for accountability and decisive action rather than what he termed "gimmickry" in addressing critical national issues.
Must ReadRev John Ntim Fordjour, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has expressed concern regarding Ghana's capacity to detect narcotics at its entry points. Speaking on TV3 on April 26, 2026, the lawmaker stated that his investigations at major airports and seaports revealed a lack of operational intrusive narcotic detection scanners. He clarified that he was referring specifically to intrusive narcotic detection scanners, not ordinary security scanners. Rev Fordjour asserted that his claims are based on verified information and internal checks. He also mentioned filing a parliamentary question to the Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, who confirmed the absence of functional detection scanners, attributing it to equipment breakdown. The Minister indicated that steps are being taken to acquire new scanners, pending funding availability. Ntim Fordjour's recent follow-up checks at the Ghana Airports Company Limited suggest that procurement processes have been initiated but are not yet complete.
Ghana's Cabinet has approved a new electronic visa e-visa policy, aiming to enhance tourism, business, and regional integration. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the decision, stating that the system will allow travelers to apply for visas online. President John Dramani Mahama initially unveiled the policy on April 2, 2026. From May 25, 2026, coinciding with Africa Day, African travelers will be able to apply for e-visas online at no cost. This initiative removes the $150 fee previously charged to African Union nationals for visas on arrival, though an application and screening process will still be required. The government assures that the e-visa platform will integrate with Ghana’s Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems, as well as international crime databases, to maintain security. This move aligns with Ghana's broader strategy to be open for investment and exploration, joining countries like Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles in easing visa restrictions across Africa.