
The Ghana Revenue Authority GRA has interdicted four officers for their alleged involvement in an attempted diversion of transit cargo into the local market. Commissioner-General Anthony Sarpong announced on July 7, 2026, that the officers, who worked on the consignment, have been removed from duty and are undergoing internal disciplinary processes. This action follows investigations into a suspected customs fraud scheme that could have deprived the state of significant revenue. The seized consignment has been allocated to the National School Feeding Programme, as directed by the Ministry of Finance. The GRA is committed to strengthening customs enforcement and has intensified compliance measures at Ghana's borders to enhance revenue mobilization and prevent illicit trade. The disciplinary action stems from investigations into the interception of 18 trucks in February 2026, which were declared as transit cargo from Togo to Niger but were allegedly diverted into the Ghanaian market. The GRA stated that this suspected diversion could have led to substantial losses in import duties and taxes.
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Must ReadThe Council of State has advised against the passage of the Constitution of Ghana Amendment Bill, 2025, which aimed to allow dual citizens to hold high-level public offices. The proposed amendment sought to revise Article 82 of the 1992 Constitution, removing restrictions for positions such as Member of Parliament, Ambassador, Chief of Defence Staff, and Inspector-General of Police. Introduced in Parliament in February 2026, the Bill was sponsored by Mpraeso MP Davis Ansah Opoku, who argued it would allow qualified Ghanaians abroad to contribute to national service. President John Dramani Mahama also supported the reforms, announcing in May 2026 that legislation was initiated to enable Ghanaians with foreign citizenship to contest parliamentary elections and serve in ministerial roles, referring to it as the "Gyakye Quayson law." Despite the Council of State's advice not being legally binding, its constitutional role in counseling the President is expected to influence further deliberations. The proposal has sparked significant public and political debate, with supporters advocating for diaspora participation and opponents emphasizing sole allegiance to Ghana for sensitive public offices. This debate follows a 2024 Supreme Court ruling that found parts of the Citizenship Act restricting eligibility for certain public offices unconstitutional.
Must ReadInterior Minister Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka announced that 29 people have died and six remain missing following recent floods across Ghana. Speaking to Parliament's Public Assurance Committee on July 7, 2026, the minister detailed fatalities in the Greater Accra, Central, and Volta regions. The Central Region experienced a severe flood a week before June 29, resulting in 18 deaths and the collapse of 58 houses. In Accra, the June 29 floods initially caused 12 deaths and left seven missing; however, the recovery of a body on July 6, 2026, could increase the death toll to 13 and reduce the missing to six if identified. Additionally, four people died in flood-related incidents in the Volta Region. Government agencies activated emergency responses, including establishing temporary shelters, though many affected residents preferred to remain in their communities, opting for relief items. The Ministry of Gender and Social Protection identified three shelters for about 200 people and another facility in Ashaiman for up to 1,000. The National Security Secretariat also provided a facility for approximately 300 displaced persons. A comprehensive post-flood recovery and mitigation exercise, led by the Ghana Armed Forces, is underway to restore communities and reduce future flood risks through nationwide clean-up and restoration efforts.
Must ReadGhana's Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, disclosed that 102 unapproved border routes have been identified in the Volta Region alone. Speaking before Parliament's Assurances Committee, he stated that Ghana has 48 legitimate border crossing points, but the numerous unofficial routes pose a significant security threat. Muntaka warned that if these illegal routes are not secured, Ghana could become a transit hub for international criminal syndicates, as these networks could use them to transport illicit goods. He noted that other border regions, including Upper East, Upper West, Bono, and Western regions, also face similar challenges. To counter this, security agencies have established 63 inland checkpoints to enhance border surveillance and intelligence gathering. While acknowledging public concerns about these checkpoints, Muntaka emphasized their importance to national security and urged personnel to minimize inconvenience to travelers through intelligence-led operations. He also appealed to the public for support in providing timely information to security agencies.