Honestly, if you've been watching the headlines coming out of Accra this morning, Friday, January 16, 2026, things are getting pretty intense. It’s not just the usual political back-and-forth. We are seeing some fundamental shifts in how Ghana handles its "crown jewels"—specifically gold—and it's sending ripples through the entire West African region.
You’ve probably heard about the big mining news from Ghana today, but let’s be real: most people are missing the actual point. The government is basically ripping up the old playbook for how foreign companies dig for gold. It’s a gamble. A big one.
The End of "Sweetheart" Deals in the Mining Sector
For decades, if you were a massive mining firm like Newmont or AngloGold Ashanti, you came to Ghana and signed something called a "stability pact." These agreements were basically legal shields. They locked in tax rates and royalties for up to 15 years. The idea was to give investors peace of mind so they’d drop half a billion dollars on a new mine.
That era is over.
Isaac Tandoh, the acting CEO of the Minerals Commission, just confirmed that the government is scrapping these pacts for good. No more renewals. Newmont’s agreement for the Ahafo mine already expired in December, and the government isn't budging. They want more money in the state coffers, and with gold prices currently hovering near $4,590 per ounce, it’s hard to argue with the logic from a national perspective.
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The new plan? Double the royalties.
We’re talking about moving from a 3%–5% range to a staggering 9%–12% if gold stays high. It’s a move that makes sense for a government trying to fund a 24-hour economy, but it’s definitely making the boardrooms in Denver and Johannesburg a little sweaty.
Mahama’s First Year: Where Do We Actually Stand?
It has been exactly one year and nine days since John Dramani Mahama was sworn back into office for his second, non-consecutive term. The mood on the streets of Accra is... complicated.
On one hand, the numbers look decent. The Bank of Ghana’s First Deputy Governor, Dr. Zakariah Mumuni, was out today talking about how inflation has cooled down to around 5.4% from the nightmare levels we saw a couple of years ago. The cedi is holding its own at about GHS 12.10 to the dollar at the forex bureaus. It’s stable. People aren't waking up every morning wondering if their savings have evaporated overnight.
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But the opposition (the NPP minority in Parliament) isn't buying the celebration. They’re pointing at a $214 million loss in the "Gold-for-Reserves" program and a rising tide of petty crime. They argue that the "stability" is just a leftover effect of the IMF programs started before Mahama took over.
You can feel the tension. It's that classic Ghanaian political divide where the government sees a "milestone" and the opposition sees a "mirage."
Real-world stuff happening right now:
- Aviation: Ghana just signed a deal with Airbus for H175M and H160 helicopters to beef up search and rescue. We’re becoming a "leading customer" in the region for this kind of tech.
- Fuel Prices: There’s a bit of relief at the pump. Companies like GOIL and Star Oil have dropped petrol prices to just under GH¢10.00.
- MASLOC Scandal: News broke today that the former MASLOC CEO, Sedina Tamakloe-Attionu, was reportedly detained in Nevada, USA. This is huge for those following the long-running corruption trials.
The "24-Hour Economy" Reality Check
We’ve all heard the slogan. The idea is to turn Ghana into a round-the-clock production hub. But talk to a tomato farmer in the Upper East or a garment maker in Accra, and they’ll tell you the 24-hour economy hasn't quite hit their wallet yet.
The Association of Ghana Apparel Manufacturers (AGAM) is making a lot of noise today about local procurement. They’re saying, "Look, we’ve got a $400 million sector, but 70% of what Ghanaians wear is still imported." They want the government to stop just talking about the 24-hour economy and start actually buying Ghanaian-made uniforms and clothes.
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It’s a fair point. If you want a 24-hour economy, you need 24-hour demand.
Why the ACI World Congress Matters
One bit of news from Ghana today that might seem boring—but actually isn't—is the announcement that Accra will host the ACI World Congress in May 2026. This is the first time in nearly 20 years that this global financial markets event is coming to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Why should you care? Because it means the international financial community finally trusts Ghana again. You don’t host 60+ countries for a high-level finance summit if people think your economy is about to tank. It’s a massive "we’re open for business" sign.
Actionable Insights for Moving Forward
If you’re living in Ghana or looking to invest, the landscape has changed significantly in the last 24 hours. Here is what you should actually do:
- Watch the Mining Bill: A draft law is headed to Parliament by March. If you hold stocks in mining companies operating in Ghana, expect volatility. The move from 5% to 12% royalties is a massive hit to margins.
- Leverage Remittance Rates: If you’re sending money from the UK or US, check apps like LemFi or Taptap Send. Rates are currently hitting around GHS 10.83 for the dollar, which is better than the bureau rates of GHS 12.10.
- Local Manufacturing Focus: The government is signaling a massive shift toward "indigenizing" value. If you’re starting a business, lean into sectors like textiles or gold value-addition (refineries) rather than just raw exports.
The news from Ghana today shows a country that is finished with being a "passive" player in the global economy. Whether it's demanding more from gold miners or hosting global finance chiefs, the narrative is moving from "recovery" to "assertion." It’s a bumpy ride, but it’s definitely not boring.