$2.1M Drug Bust in Accra
Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has apprehended a 56-year-old Nigerian national, Uchechukwu Chima, during an intelligence-driven operation in Oyarifa, Accra. Conducted on March 18, 2025, the raid uncovered 192kg of cocaine and 0.42kg of heroin, valued at approximately $2.1 million, according to Graphic Online. NACOC stated that Chima had been under surveillance for a while and is believed to have connections to previous drug trafficking incidents in the country. A press release signed by Francis Opoku Amoah, Acting Director of Public Affairs and International Relations, confirmed Chima’s arrest and noted that investigations are ongoing. The commission emphasized that the operation removed a significant quantity of narcotics from circulation, helping to protect communities from the impact of drug abuse.
Vice President Rejects Aid Narrative
Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has challenged the widespread view that foreign aid to Africa is purely benevolent. Speaking to visiting students from Harvard and MIT at Jubilee House on March 17, 2025, she argued that Africa actually loses more resources than it gains. In response to a question referencing U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments on reducing aid to Africa, she said, “They think it’s just charity. It is not.” Citing Niger’s renegotiated mineral deals—which boosted national revenue from $1 billion to over $10 billion—she stressed the need for African countries to reclaim control over their natural wealth to address pressing social and economic issues.
Police Service Restructuring Announced
Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has unveiled a significant reshuffle within the leadership of the Ghana Police Service. Notable among the changes is the appointment of COP/Mrs. Maame Yaa Tiwa Addo-Danquah and COP/Mr. Paul Manly Awini to the newly expanded 31-member Police Management Board, as reported by Citinewsroom. A statement by ACP Grace Ansah-Akrofi, Director of Public Affairs, said the leadership overhaul is aimed at improving the Service’s management structure and enhancing operational efficiency.
Government Reclaims Forest Reserves from Illegal Miners
Seven out of nine forest reserves previously occupied by illegal miners have been successfully reclaimed, according to Lands and Natural Resources Minister Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah. At a press conference in Accra, he commended the joint efforts of the military, police, and the Forestry Commission’s rapid response team for their roles in the recovery. “We have reclaimed seven of these forests and are working diligently to recover the remaining two,” he stated, urging public support to maintain environmental protection and promote responsible mining.
Deloitte: Ghana’s 2025 Growth Target Achievable but Risky
Deloitte has assessed Ghana’s 4% real GDP growth target for 2025 as attainable but warned of looming risks. Although the economy grew by 5.7% in 2024, the firm anticipates a slowdown due to fiscal tightening and reduced government spending, which could constrain policy implementation. The review urged the government to address its high average fiscal deficit of 7.5% from 2021 to 2024. However, with a projected 2025 deficit of 3.1%, Deloitte sees signs of fiscal discipline under Ghana’s ongoing IMF Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program.
