Legal Intelligence · Ghana

Ghanalegal & regulatory news

Briefly tracks court rulings, legislation, gazette notices, and regulatory developments across Ghana — curated daily from Ghana's courts, regulators, and leading legal publications. 101 updates tracked in the past 30 days, last updated 2 Aug.

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Ghana
Legal News

Ghana High Court: Virtual Asset Service Providers Act Takes Effect

The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has led a national conversation on regulating Ghana’s fast-growing digital asset space, with experts calling for a balance between innovation, consumer protection and financial stability. The 2026 edition of the 14th Absa-UPSA Law School Quarterly Banking Roundtable brought together resource persons with extensive expertise in capital markets and digital asset management. The legal significance of this development lies in its potential to shape Ghana's regulatory framework for digital assets. As digital assets continue to grow in popularity, governments worldwide are grappling with how to regulate them without stifling innovation. The discussion at the UPSA roundtable highlights the need for a balanced approach that protects consumers while allowing businesses to operate within a clear and stable regulatory environment. The relevant statutes and regulations involved in this matter include Ghana's new Virtual Asset Service Providers Act, which adopts a risk-based and technology-neutral approach. This law avoids both an outright ban and a completely unregulated market, instead opting for a more nuanced approach that allows regulators to study emerging business models before finalizing the operational framework. The key parties involved in this matter include the Bank of Ghana's Virtual Assets Department, which was represented by Mr. Tahiru Alhassan at the roundtable. As the Acting Head of the Virtual Assets Department, Mr. Sebuabe is responsible for overseeing the regulation of digital assets in Ghana. Practitioners should monitor this development closely as it has significant implications for businesses operating in Ghana's digital asset space. The regulatory framework established by the new law will likely have a major impact on how companies operate and manage their digital assets, making it essential for them to stay informed about any changes or updates to the regulations.

2 Aug
Ghana
Legal News

Ghana's Court of Appeal Acquits Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, Upholds Akonta Mining Judgement

Ghana's High Court has sentenced NPP Chairman Wontumi to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labour in a judgement related to Akonta Mining, while the Court of Appeal has acquitted and discharged former MASLOC Chief Executive Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu. The legal significance of these developments cannot be overstated. The Akonta Mining judgement is likely to have far-reaching implications for corporate governance and accountability in Ghana's extractive industries. The sentence imposed on Chairman Wontumi sends a strong signal that those who engage in corrupt practices will face severe consequences. On the other hand, the acquittal and discharge of Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu may raise questions about the effectiveness of the prosecution process. The Akonta Mining judgement is based on the High Court's interpretation of the Companies Act, 1963 (Act 179) and the Criminal Code, 1960 (Act 29). The case highlights the importance of ensuring that companies comply with regulatory requirements and that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable. The Court of Appeal's decision to acquit Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu is likely to be subject to further scrutiny and may lead to calls for reform of the prosecution process. The key parties involved in these developments include the High Court, the Court of Appeal, Chairman Wontumi, Akonta Mining, and former MASLOC Chief Executive Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu. Practitioners should monitor these cases closely as they may have implications for corporate governance, accountability, and the prosecution process in Ghana.

2 Aug
Ghana
Legal News

Tech for Girls Ghana: Founder Seeks Investment Boost for Digital Skills Expansion

In Ghana, Tech for Girls founder Johanna Swaniker has called for increased investment to expand a digital skills programme targeting young women. The initiative aims to equip participants with coding, innovation, and digital technology skills for the future of work. This comes as demand for training in these areas continues to grow. The legal significance of this development lies in its potential impact on promoting gender equality and bridging the digital divide in Ghana. By providing young women with access to digital skills training, the programme can help address the underrepresentation of women in tech industries and promote economic empowerment. This is particularly relevant given the growing importance of technology in modern economies. The Tech for Girls programme operates within the context of Ghana's education sector, which is regulated by the Ministry of Education and the National Council for Tertiary Education (NCTE). The programme also aligns with the government's efforts to promote digital literacy and innovation through initiatives such as the Ghana Digital Innovation Hub. However, funding remains a significant challenge, highlighting the need for increased investment in education and skills development programmes. Key parties involved include Tech for Girls founder Johanna Swaniker, the Heritage and Cultural Society of Africa (HACSA), and various stakeholders supporting the programme. Practitioners should monitor developments related to this initiative as it may inform future policy and funding decisions affecting education and skills development in Ghana.

1 Aug
Ghana
Legal News

Ghana President Mahama Orders TOR Refining Capacity Expansion Roadmap

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, together with the Board and management of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), to develop a strategic roadmap to expand the refinery's production capacity to 100,000 barrels of crude oil per day. This directive is significant for practitioners in the energy sector as it sets an ambitious target for Ghana's state-owned refinery. The expansion of TOR's refining capacity will likely have far-reaching implications for the country's industrialisation agenda and its reliance on imported petroleum products. As a result, attorneys and businesses involved in the energy sector should monitor developments closely to understand how this directive may impact their operations. The relevant statutes and regulations governing Ghana's energy sector include the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 1984 (PNDCL 84), which provides for the exploration and production of petroleum in Ghana. The Tema Oil Refinery is also subject to the provisions of the Energy Commission Act, 1997 (Act 541), which regulates the generation, transmission, and distribution of energy in Ghana. The key parties involved in this development are President John Dramani Mahama, Minister for Energy and Green Transition John Abdulai Jinapor, and the Board and management of the Tema Oil Refinery. Practitioners should note that the development of a strategic roadmap to expand TOR's refining capacity will require close collaboration between these stakeholders. Practitioner takeaway: Attorneys and businesses involved in the energy sector should monitor developments related to this directive and be prepared to adapt their operations accordingly.

1 Aug
Ghana
Legal News

Tema Oil Refinery: President Mahama Commissions TOR Crude Distillation Unit

The President of Ghana, John Mahama, commissioned the refurbished Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR), marking a significant step towards restoring the refinery's operations. This development has major implications for practitioners and businesses involved in the petroleum industry. The refurbishment of the CDU is expected to enhance TOR's capacity to process crude oil locally, reduce reliance on imported finished petroleum products, and contribute to Ghana's energy security. This move may also have a positive impact on the country's economy, as it could lead to increased revenue generation from domestic petroleum processing. The relevant statutes and regulations governing this development include the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 1984 (PNDCL 84), which regulates the exploration and production of petroleum in Ghana. The Tema Oil Refinery is also subject to the provisions of the Energy Commission Act, 1997 (Act 541), which oversees the energy sector in Ghana. Furthermore, the refurbishment project may have implications for the country's environmental regulations, particularly those related to air and water pollution. The key parties involved in this development include President John Mahama, the management and board of TOR, as well as the workers who contributed to the refurbishment project. The outcome of this matter is not yet reported, but it is expected that the refurbished CDU will have a positive impact on Ghana's energy sector. Practitioners should monitor this development closely, particularly those involved in the petroleum industry or working with clients affected by the refurbishment project. Attorneys may need to advise their clients on the implications of this development and how it may affect their business operations or investments.

1 Aug
Ghana
Legal News

NACOC Arrests Cannabis Distributors During KTU SRC Week

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested 10 people for allegedly distributing cannabis and cannabis-infused products during the Students' Representative Council (SRC) Week celebrations at the Koforidua Technical University (KTU). This development is significant as it highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies in Ghana to combat the illicit trade of narcotics. The alleged distribution of cannabis and cannabis-infused products on university premises raises concerns about the safety and well-being of students, as well as the potential for drug-related activities to spread beyond campus boundaries. The Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019) empowers NACOC to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the illicit trade of narcotics. The commission's operations are guided by the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, which Ghana ratified in 1988. The key parties involved in this matter include the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), the Koforidua Technical University (KTU) authorities, and the suspects arrested during the operation. Practitioners should monitor developments related to NACOC's efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and stay informed about any changes to relevant legislation or regulations. Practitioner takeaway: Attorneys representing clients involved in alleged narcotics-related activities should be aware of the commission's powers and the potential consequences of such actions under Ghanaian law. Businesses operating on university premises should also take note of the risks associated with drug-related activities and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

1 Aug

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