Ghana's Parliament majority accuses former NPP government of misusing $600 million cocoa loan
via GhanaWeb1 min read
The Majority in Ghana's Parliament has accused the former New Patriotic Party NPP administration of misusing a US$600 million facility from the African Development Bank AfDB intended for cocoa sector development. According to the caucus, the funds, approved by Parliament, were meant to expand cocoa farms, plant new trees, conduct farm surveys, construct warehouses, and increase cocoa yields. However, Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor stated on July 15, 2026, that these objectives were not met, leading to a significant decline in Ghana's cocoa production. He alleged that cocoa production fell from approximately one million metric tonnes annually to about 450,000 metric tonnes by the end of 2024, resulting in job losses across the cocoa value chain. Dafeamekpor claimed the previous administration failed to utilize the funds for their intended purpose, causing severe consequences for the sector.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
BreakingEngland and Argentina are set to compete in the semifinal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a place in the final at stake. Lionel Messi will lead Argentina, the defending champions, while Harry Kane captains England, who are aiming for back-to-back World Cup finals. The match is anticipated to be fiercely contested, featuring two strong title contenders.
Must ReadBinaifer Nowrojee, President of the Open Society Foundations OSF, stated that the escalating cost of politics across Africa is systematically excluding women, young people, and citizens without wealthy supporters from political leadership. Speaking at the 'Convening on Financialization of Politics in Africa' in Accra, Nowrojee highlighted that the increasing financial demands of contesting elections are making democratic participation less inclusive and limiting opportunities for ordinary citizens to seek public office. She noted that evidence from countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe indicates that election campaigns have become increasingly expensive, favoring wealthy individuals and those with access to powerful financial networks. Nowrojee explained that financial power influences not only who contests elections but also whose voices are heard and whose interests shape public policy. To address this, she called for comprehensive reforms in political financing, including mandatory disclosure of political donations, transparent public funding systems, stronger oversight institutions, independent enforcement mechanisms, and safeguards against illicit and foreign influence. She emphasized that various stakeholders, including governments, political parties, and civil society organizations, share the responsibility to ensure political leadership is determined by public confidence rather than financial strength, aiming for a future where every citizen
The Ghana Police Service has arrested 54 suspected drug traffickers, including 38 Ghanaians and 11 Malians, in intelligence-led operations across various suburbs of Kumasi in the Ashanti Region. These operations, conducted by the Inspector-General of Police's Special Operations Team SOT, targeted communities known for the sale and distribution of narcotic substances. The police statement, issued on July 15, 2026, indicated that the exercise aims to combat drug trafficking, dismantle criminal networks, and enhance public safety. Suspects, comprising 49 men and 5 women, were apprehended in areas such as Atwima-Koforidua, Abuakwa, Ash Town, and Tafo. Authorities seized large quantities of suspected narcotic substances, including Tramadol tablets, dried leaves, narcotic drinks, processing materials, foreign cigarettes, 23 mobile phones, two casino jackpot machines, and four unregistered motorcycles. All 54 suspects remain in custody, assisting with ongoing investigations, and will be presented before the court upon conclusion of inquiries. The Ghana Police Service affirmed its commitment to continuing intelligence-led operations against illicit drug trafficking and other criminal activities nationwide.