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Regulatory

AMA: Arrests 6 Drivers Overcharging Accra Fares Under By-Laws

MyJoyOnline Ghana · 27 Aug

Regulatory

Mahama Ministerial Reshuffle Ghana: Key Ministers Reassigned

AllAfrica Ghana · 27 Aug

Legal News
Ghana
Legal News

REGSEC: Denkyira Akwasidae Chieftaincy Suspension Imposed In Ghana

The Central Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has suspended all chieftaincy installations and restricted Akwasidae celebrations in the Denkyira Traditional Area. Issued on August 28, 2026, the directive cites prevailing security concerns as the reason for these measures.

31 Aug
Ghana
Legal News

Ghana Minerals Commission: Recruitment Fraud Warning Issued

The Ghana Minerals Commission issued a public warning on August 31, 2026, against unauthorized individuals and groups offering jobs or recruitment facilitation for money. The Commission explicitly stated it has not contracted any agents for recruitment, and public service employment is free, requiri

31 Aug
Ghana
Legal News

Ghana Security Recruits: Phone Ban Dismissal for 10 Trainees

Ten recruits were dismissed from Ghana’s security services training schools for violating a mobile phone ban. Interior Minister Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak disclosed the dismissals, citing the recruits' secret retention of phones despite surrender requirements.

31 Aug
Ghana
Legal News

IEAG Urges GRA: Bolster Port Digital System Resilience

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) called upon the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) on August 30, 2026, to strengthen its digital services and payment platforms to prevent disruptions to port operations, following recent breakdowns, particularly of the Ghana.gov platform at the port, which caused significant delays and financial losses to businesses. Mr. Samson Asaki Awingobit, the Executive Director of the IEAG, highlighted that the platform was reportedly unavailable for about a week, severely impacting businesses reliant on it for customs and other port-related transactions. The association urged the GRA to invest in system resilience, regular maintenance, technical support, and robust contingency arrangements, emphasizing the critical role of reliable digital infrastructure in Ghana's technology-driven customs administration and trade facilitation efforts. This development carries significant legal implications for trade and governance in Ghana. The observed disruptions underscore the growing reliance on digital infrastructure for critical economic activities, making system reliability a paramount concern for both public administration and private enterprise. Financial losses incurred by businesses due to government system failures could potentially give rise to claims for damages, although the excerpt does not indicate any such legal actions have been initiated. More broadly, the call highlights the administrative responsibility of state agencies like the GRA to provide efficient and resilient public services, especially those that directly impact the national economy and international trade. The IEAG's advocacy points to a need for greater accountability and transparency in the management of public digital platforms. The legal context for this issue is rooted in several key Ghanaian statutes. The Ghana Revenue Authority Act, 2009 (Act 791) establishes the GRA and mandates its functions, including the efficient collection of taxes and administration of customs, which increasingly relies on digital systems. The Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891) governs customs procedures and trade facilitation, where digital platforms are integral to modernizing and streamlining processes. Furthermore, the Electronic Transactions Act, 2008 (Act 772) provides the legal framework for electronic transactions and records, legitimizing the use of platforms like Ghana.gov for official business. Administrative law principles also dictate that public bodies must act reasonably and provide services without undue disruption. While no specific court case is mentioned, any disputes arising from significant financial losses or administrative failures would typically fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court of Ghana, with potential appeals to higher courts. The key parties involved are the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG), represented by its Executive Director Mr. Samson Asaki Awingobit, advocating on behalf of affected businesses, and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the state agency responsible for the digital systems at the ports, including the Ghana.gov platform. For legal practitioners, this situation presents several important takeaways. Attorneys advising businesses involved in import and export should closely monitor the GRA's response to these concerns and any subsequent improvements to its digital infrastructure. It is crucial for businesses to meticulously document any financial losses or operational delays directly attributable to system failures, as this evidence could be vital for future advocacy or potential legal redress. Practitioners should also review existing contracts with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers to understand liability clauses related to delays caused by government system outages. Furthermore, staying abreast of regulatory updates from the GRA regarding digital customs procedures and contingency planning is essential to advise clients effectively on compliance and risk mitigation in an increasingly digital trade environment.

30 Aug
Ghana
Courtroom Update

Atomaase Royal Family: Appeals to End Twafohene Land Dispute Lawsuit

On August 30, 2026, in the Techiman Metropolis, Ghana, the Atomaase Royal family publicly appealed to Joseph Adom, a family member, to withdraw a lawsuit he initiated against the Twafohene concerning the sale of royal lands. During a press conference held at the palace grounds, the family expressed unanimous support for the Twafohene, asserting that he had not acted improperly and that proceeds from the land transactions were used for the development of the royal family, including the construction of a new palace. The Queenmother, Nana Ama Oswusuaa Gyeduaa II, specifically highlighted the Twafohene's role as a unifying figure and his contributions to family development, urging for the dispute to be resolved through traditional family structures rather than the courts. The outcome of Joseph Adom's lawsuit is not reported in the excerpt. This development holds significant implications for legal practitioners in Ghana, particularly those involved in land law, chieftaincy disputes, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The key parties involved are Joseph Adom, who has initiated legal proceedings, and the Twafohene, supported by the broader Atomaase Royal family, who are advocating for an internal, traditional resolution. The family's public stance underscores the ongoing tension between formal judicial processes and customary dispute resolution mechanisms, which are deeply embedded in Ghanaian society. For businesses, especially those involved in land acquisition or development in areas governed by traditional authorities, this case highlights the complexities and potential risks associated with land transactions where customary ownership and traditional leadership are paramount. The family's assertion that the Twafohene acted properly and used funds for development suggests a defence rooted in customary authority and communal benefit, which could be a central point of contention in any ongoing litigation. The legal context for this dispute is multifaceted, drawing from both Ghana's formal legal system and its customary law framework. Ghana's Constitution, specifically Article 270, recognises the institution of chieftaincy and its traditional councils, granting them jurisdiction over matters relating to chieftaincy. The Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759), further elaborates on the powers and functions of chiefs and traditional councils, including their role in land administration and dispute resolution. While the formal courts, such as the High Court, have jurisdiction over land disputes, customary law often dictates the ownership, management, and alienation of stool or skin lands, which constitute a significant portion of land in Ghana. The family's call for an internal resolution points to the existence of traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, which are often preferred for their ability to maintain social cohesion and respect customary norms. The outcome of Joseph Adom's lawsuit, if it proceeds, would likely involve a careful consideration of both statutory land law and applicable customary law principles governing royal lands and the authority of the Twafohene. Attorneys advising clients on land matters in Ghana, particularly those involving traditional authorities or customary lands, must closely monitor the progression of this dispute. It serves as a crucial reminder of the interplay between statutory law and customary law, and the potential for parallel or conflicting processes. Practitioners should be prepared to navigate cases where traditional leaders assert customary authority over land sales, even when formal legal challenges are mounted. Furthermore, this situation highlights the importance of due diligence in land transactions, ensuring that all relevant customary stakeholders are consulted and their consent obtained, in addition to fulfilling statutory requirements. Lawyers should also be adept at advising on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, including traditional arbitration, which may offer more culturally appropriate and sustainable solutions for such family and chieftaincy-related disputes. Understanding the hierarchy of traditional courts and their relationship with the formal judicial system is paramount for effective representation in such complex cases.

30 Aug
Ghana
Legislation

Ghana Government: Refutes ABL on Ghana Beer Excise Sliding Scale Amendments

The Ghanaian government has refuted claims by Accra Brewery Limited regarding new beer excise duty amendments. Accra Brewery Limited warned the changes could harm local production, deter investment, and risk jobs.

30 Aug
Ghana
Legal News

Bolgatanga Assembly Denies 8 PM Event Ban Reports

The Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly has officially denied reports of an 8 PM event ban within its jurisdiction. The denial was prompted by a Dreamz FM publication, widely circulated on social media, suggesting an 8 PM cut-off for ceremonies.

30 Aug
Ghana
Legal News

Ghana Immigration Service: Repatriates 1,055 Street Beggars in Accra, Kumasi

On August 30, 2026, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) removed 1,055 migrant street beggars from the streets of Accra and Kumasi, Ghana, as part of an operation targeting undocumented foreign nationals. This operation, initiated under directives from the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, specifically aimed to address the presence of undocumented migrants and street beggars in major Ghanaian cities. The GIS identified these individuals as illegal immigrants and is currently processing them for repatriation to their respective home countries. This action is framed as part of broader, ongoing efforts by Ghanaian authorities to enforce the country's immigration laws, regulate the presence of foreign nationals without valid documentation, and combat concerns related to street begging and human trafficking in urban centers. This development holds significant implications for both foreign nationals residing in Ghana and businesses that may employ or interact with them, as it underscores the government's intensified commitment to immigration enforcement. For practitioners, it highlights the potential for increased scrutiny of foreign clients' immigration status and the need for robust compliance frameworks. The key parties involved are primarily the Ghana Immigration Service, acting under the authority of the Minister for the Interior, Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, and the 1,055 individuals identified as migrant street beggars. The operation also implicitly involves the governments of the respective home countries of those being repatriated, as well as international human rights organizations that monitor such large-scale removals. The legal context for this operation is rooted in Ghana's immigration laws, primarily the Immigration Act, 2000 (Act 573), which governs the entry, residence, and removal of foreign nationals. This Act empowers the GIS to enforce immigration regulations, including the identification and repatriation of individuals deemed to be in Ghana without valid permits or documentation. The directives from the Minister for the Interior provide the executive mandate for such operations, aligning with the broader policy objectives of national security, public order, and the prevention of human trafficking. While the excerpt does not specify particular sections, the general framework of immigration control, deportation procedures, and the rights of foreign nationals under Ghanaian law are directly relevant. Attorneys advising foreign nationals or businesses employing them in Ghana must immediately review and ensure the validity and compliance of all immigration documentation. This operation signals a heightened risk of enforcement actions, including detention and repatriation, for individuals found to be undocumented. Practitioners should proactively counsel clients on the importance of maintaining legal status, understanding the grounds for removal, and the procedures for appeal or regularization where applicable. Businesses should also audit their workforce to identify any potential immigration compliance gaps, as the scope of such operations could expand to other sectors. Monitoring future policy statements from the Ministry of the Interior and the GIS will be crucial for anticipating further enforcement trends.

30 Aug
Ghana
Legal News

Ghana Parliament: Speaker Bagbin Enforces Strict Security Alcohol Ban, Dismissal for Violations

Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin in Ghana, on August 29, 2026, issued a stern warning to newly recruited parliamentary security officers against reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol, threatening dismissal for repeated breaches. This directive was delivered at the passing-out ceremony for 69 new parliamentary assistant security guards, where Speaker Bagbin underscored the critical importance of maintaining discipline within the parliamentary security establishment. He emphasized that their role in protecting the legislative arm of government is sensitive and non-negotiable, urging the recruits to approach their duties with professionalism, vigilance, and a strong sense of responsibility. The Speaker explicitly cautioned that any officer found smelling of alcohol would face disciplinary action, with a third such offense leading to outright dismissal, highlighting the severe implications of their conduct for the security of Parliament and Ghana’s democratic institutions. The legal significance of this warning lies in its reinforcement of strict codes of conduct within public service, particularly for roles involving national security and the protection of state institutions. For legal practitioners, it illustrates the stringent disciplinary frameworks that govern public sector employment in Ghana, where misconduct, especially that which compromises security or public trust, can lead to severe consequences, including termination. It also highlights the authority of institutional heads, like the Speaker of Parliament, to set and enforce such standards, reflecting a zero-tolerance policy towards breaches of duty that could undermine the integrity and safety of the legislative body. While the excerpt does not cite specific statutes, the Speaker's directive operates within the broader legal and regulatory framework governing public service in Ghana. This includes the Public Service Act, various codes of conduct for public officers, and potentially specific regulations or standing orders pertaining to parliamentary staff and security. The mention of disciplinary action and dismissal after a third offense suggests a structured disciplinary process, which must align with principles of natural justice and fair labor practices, typically enshrined in Ghana's labor laws and administrative procedures. The key parties involved are Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the newly recruited parliamentary assistant security guards, and by extension, the Parliament of Ghana as an institution. Practitioners advising public sector entities or employees should take note of the emphasis on strict adherence to codes of conduct, particularly concerning substance use on duty in sensitive roles. Employers in such sectors must ensure their disciplinary policies are clearly articulated, consistently applied, and compliant with due process requirements. For employees, this serves as a stark reminder of the high standards of professionalism expected and the severe employment consequences, including dismissal, for repeated infractions related to alcohol consumption while on duty. Businesses providing services or personnel to public institutions should also ensure their staff are fully aware of and comply with these rigorous standards. The outcome of any specific disciplinary action against an officer is not reported in this excerpt.

30 Aug