Ghana Today News Morning: Your Roundup for 18th August 2025
Welcome to your morning news briefing from across Ghana. On Monday, August 18, 2025, the nation continues to mourn its fallen leaders while navigating a complex economic landscape. Key developments include final respects being paid to the victims of the recent helicopter tragedy, positive signs in economic growth, and a significant push for digital education in the Upper West Region Region. Here is your summary of the top stories making headlines in Ghana today.
Nation in Mourning: Final Respects Paid to Helicopter Crash Victims
Ghana remains in a period of national mourning following the tragic helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, which claimed the lives of eight people, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed. Today, the nation pays its final respects as the remaining victims are laid to rest at the Military Cemetery. President John Dramani Mahama has conferred posthumous promotions on the fallen heroes and established a fund to support their children, stating, “You are not alone.” The investigation into the crash continues, with the flight’s “black boxes” having been recovered. President Mahama has promised a full and transparent investigation into the cause of the crash, which occurred in the Ashanti region as the officials were en route to an event to tackle illegal mining.
Economic Outlook: GDP Growth Surpasses Expectations Amid Fiscal Challenges
Recent economic reports provide a crucial snapshot of Ghana’s financial health, showing signs of resilience. The economy recorded a promising 5.3% GDP growth in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing initial forecasts and improving on the 4.9% growth from the same period in 2024. This growth was notably driven by a strong 6.8% expansion in the non-oil sector, with significant contributions from ICT, finance, and agriculture.
However, challenges persist. The Auditor-General has uncovered a staggering GH¢18.41 billion loss in 2024 due to the misuse of public funds, highlighting ongoing fiscal management issues. The government continues to navigate its path toward debt sustainability under an IMF program. On a positive note for consumers, some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have kept fuel prices unchanged despite projected increases. In international financial news, the government made a crucial $1 million payment to secure a stay for Ghanaian students facing issues at the University of Memphis.
Technology and Development: ‘Girls-In-ICT’ Programme Expands to Upper West Region
In a move to bridge the gender digital divide, the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations has commenced preparations to roll out its flagship ‘Girls-In-ICT’ Programme in the Upper West Region. An inception meeting is scheduled for today, bringing together key stakeholders like the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) and the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE). The initiative aims to equip thousands of young girls with essential digital skills, empowering them to pursue careers in technology and participate fully in Ghana’s growing digital economy.
Other Headlines Across Ghana: A Morning Briefing
A look at other important stories from around the country provides a broader view of the Ghana News Today for today.
- Politics: The political landscape is active, with the Deputy Chief of Staff publicly criticizing an NPP MP over claims regarding former President Mahama’s private jet. Meanwhile, the NDC is mobilizing for an intensive campaign in Akwatia ahead of a by-election scheduled for September 2.
- Crime and Justice: Police have arrested three individuals for the illegal possession and manufacturing of firearms. In a separate case, a driver has been jailed following a cutlass attack that stemmed from a dispute over a piglet. A lifeless body was also discovered behind a church in Berekum-Nyamebekyere, causing fear in the community.
- Health: The number of Mpox cases in Ghana has climbed to 409, with two patients currently hospitalized, according to the latest health updates.
- Sports: In international sports, Ghanaian football stars Mohammed Kudus and Antoine Semenyo are making headlines with stellar performances in the Premier League. Their success has been widely celebrated, though marred by incidents of racist abuse which the GFA and FIFA have strongly condemned.
