As we bid farewell to 2025, we take you down memory lane with a recap of some of the stories that made headlines throughout the year.
Here is a look back at some of the most topical stories in politics, entertainment, sports, and social and economic affairs you may have missed.
Mahama sworn in as Ghana’s new President
He was sworn in by the Chief Justice of Ghana Gertrude Torkornoo on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in parliament at the Black Star Square in Accra.
His swearing-in followed that of the first Ghanaian female Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang who also took the oath of office and the Vice presidential oath.
Mahama was also the fourth President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, having previously occupied the high office of the President between January 7, 2013, and January 6, 2017.
We take full responsibility for Thursday's unfortunate incident - Appointments Committee apologises
The disagreement began after 2200 hours when the vetting of the nominee for Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, had been concluded.
The Majority Caucus decided to vet two more ministerial nominees that night after having already vetted five others.
The Minority group on the Committee, however, proposed rescheduling the vetting to Friday, January 31, saying it was too late.
The Majority rejected that suggestion, insisting that the vetting should continue as scheduled.
It accused the Minority Leader, Mr Alexander Afenyo Markin, (Ranking Member on the Committee), of spending more time on nominees, hence the delay.
The situation escalated into chaos, disrupting the session as tables were broken and microphones destroyed in a tussle between some committee members.
In response, the Majority Leader, Mr Mahama Ayariga, intervened and apologised for the unfortunate incident, suspending the vetting, and rescheduling it to Friday, January 31.
Special Prosecutor declares Ken Ofori-Atta wanted
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday, February 12, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that Ofori-Atta is now a wanted person and must return to Ghana immediately to face questioning.
He warned that failure to comply would result in steps being taken to compel his return.
The OSP later removed Ofori-Atta from its wanted persons list following confirmation from his legal team that he will return to Ghana in May 2025.
However, the former Finance Minister is yet to return to the country.
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine,on December 18, 2025 confirmed that Ghana has officially sent a request to the United States to extradite former Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, and an alleged accomplice, Ernest Darko Akore.
He explained that the extradition process began on November 19, 2025, when the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) submitted a formal request for action against the two individuals.
The President signed the bills on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, marking the official end to the collection of these taxes.
This followed the unanimous passage of the bills by Parliament in March.
Mahama suspends Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
The decision, in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and taken in consultation with the Council of State, a statement said.
Save The Judiciary Demo: NPP‑led coalition petitions Judiciary over Chief Justice’s suspension
On May 5, 2025, a coalition of political parties embarked on a demonstration against the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The political parties strongly condemned the decision, calling it a direct attack on the independence of the judiciary.
The coalition included the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP), and the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), among others.
Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi reported dead
On July 7, 2025, sitting Member of Parliament (MP) for the Akwatia constituency in the Eastern Region, Ernest Yaw Kumi, passed away after a brief illness.
Mr. Kumi was serving his first term in Parliament, having won the December 7, 2024, election.
He secured the seat for the NPP in a closely contested race marked by allegations of vote buying, irregularities at some polling stations, and heightened political tension in the lead-up to the polls.
Before his death, he was facing a legal action after he disobeyed an interim injunction issued on January 7, which barred him from being sworn in as the Member of Parliament-elect for Akwatia due to an ongoing legal contest over his election.
Ablekuma North: NDC's Ewurabena Aubynn declared winner after rerun
The election was made by widespread violence and assault of several individuals including former Awutu Senya East MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Ewurabena Aubynn narrowly defeated the NPP candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, marking a historic win in a constituency long held by the NPP.
Madam Aubynn polled 34,090 votes, edging out her closest contender, who garnered 33,881 votes.
Daddy Lumba confirmed dead
In an official statement released by the Fosu family, the legendary highlife musician died after a short illness.
Shortly after his death, a family dispute emerged over who had authority to organise his funeral and burial rites.
His first wife, Akosua Serwaa, filed a lawsuit seeking recognition as his sole surviving spouse and exclusive rights to perform the customary widowhood rites, a case that drew widespread media attention.
The funeral was initially scheduled for December 6, 2025.
However, internal disagreements between family factions led to the date being rescheduled to 13 December 2025 by traditional authorities after a meeting at the Otumfuo Saamanhene Palace.
Part of the tension revolved around calls for a postmortem investigation before burial, a request pushed by some family members who questioned the circumstances of his death.
Omane Boamah, Murtala Mohammed and 6 others confirmed dead in military helicopter crash
On August 6, 2025, Ghana was hit hard by the death of eight people, including former Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, following a crash involving an Air Force helicopter.
The duo were part of three crew members and five passengers on board.
The other victims were Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman, Dr. Samuel Sarpong; and former NDC Parliamentary Candidate, Samuel Aboagye.
The military personnel onboard were Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
The helicopter crashed at Adansi Brofeyedu while en route to Obuasi. The aircraft was burnt beyond recognition, with no visible signs of survivors at the scene.
A state burial was subsequently held in their honour with an investigation commissioned to establish the cause of the crash.
Mahama removes Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office
This followed recommendations from a constitutional committee set up under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
The decision came after the President received the report of a committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition filed by Ghanaian citizen Daniel Ofori.
The Committee, after reviewing testimonies and extensive evidence, concluded that grounds of stated misbehavior under Article 146(1) had been established against the Chief Justice.
It subsequently recommended her removal from office.
In line with Article 146(9), President Mahama was bound to act on the Committee’s recommendation.
Ghana did not request any money to accept West African deportees - Ablakwa tells Parliament
In September 2025, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that Cabinet has approved Ghana’s participation in a third-country deportation arrangement with the US.
Mr Ablakwa stressed at the time that the arrangement was not a binding treaty but a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
They were received and detained under armed military custody at Bundase, where several were reportedly held in “deplorable conditions” without access to lawyers.
However, the move sparked national debate with the Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee accusing the government of violating the Constitution by agreeing to accept third-country nationals deported from the United States without parliamentary approval.
The caucus drew parallels to 2016 when the Mahama administration accepted two Guantanamo Bay detainees without parliamentary approval, questioning why the current government would repeat a similar action.
Black Stars qualify for 2026 World Cup after win over Comoros
The Black Stars in October clinched qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This followed Otto Addo's men's 1-0 win over Comoros in the final day of the World Cup qualifying series.
On September 2, 2025, the Electoral Commission held a by-election in the Akwatia constituency following the death of MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi on July 7.
It was a keen contest between the Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Kwame Asumadu of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
At the end of the polls, Mr. Baidoo emerged victorious with 18,199 votes out of the total valid ballots cast.
Mr. Asumadu garnered 15,235 votes, while Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Progressive Party (LPP) trailed with 82 votes. Of the total ballots cast, 33,819 were valid, and 303 were rejected.
Mahama nominates Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as next Chief Justice
President John Mahama on Sempter 23, 2025, nominated Supreme Court Judge Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s new Chief Justice.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie had been serving as Acting Chief Justice since April 2025, following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. He is the most senior of the nine Supreme Court justices.
Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie was called to the Bar in 1981. He served as a Circuit Court Judge in Kumasi and a High Court Judge at Duayaw Nkwanta in the Bono region.
Before his Supreme Court appointment by former President John Kufuor in June 2008, he served as an Appeals Court judge.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was part of the Supreme Court panel that dismissed the New Patriotic Party’s 2012 petition seeking the annulment of about four million votes alleged to have been tampered with during the Ghanaian general election.
Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings dies aged 76
She was widely respected for her role in national development and social advocacy.
The wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings remains a significant figure in Ghana’s political and social history.
She founded the National Democratic Party (NDP) after parting ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and was widely admired for her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and social development.
Mahama receives report on August 6 helicopter crash
The Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, led the Committee that investigated the August 6 helicopter crash to present their report and findings to President John Mahama.
The presentation was made at a meeting of the National Security Council on November 10.
The helicopter crash resulted in the deaths of Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru, NDC Vice Chairman, Samuel Sarpong, and NADMO Deputy Director-General Samuel Aboagye, together with three crew members.
Sudden altitude loss caused August 6 helicopter crash — Investigative Committee
At a public briefing on Tuesday, November 11, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, a committee member, explained that the helicopter experienced abrupt environmental changes while flying over high terrain, which triggered the fatal descent.
“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to a downdraft. This loss of altitude without a change in power or pitch is consistent with downdrafts associated with changing conditions over high terrain,” Captain Forjoe stated.
Baffoe-Bonnie sworn in as new Chief Justice
His appointment followed parliamentary vetting and confirmation and filled the vacancy created after the dismissal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
Photos: Mahama abolishes COVID-19 levy
The President signed the repeal on Wednesday, December 10, bringing an end to a tax that many individuals and businesses had long described as burdensome.
Gov't endorses Otumfuo’s Bawku Mediation Report, sets up GH¢1bn revitalisation fund
In a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidency said the report was carefully reviewed and is aimed at restoring lasting peace, reconciliation, and stability in Bawku and surrounding areas.
The government stressed that the report does not seek to apportion blame or declare winners and losers.
Government reaffirmed the position of the law, as upheld by the Supreme Court, that Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is the lawful Bawku Naba. It stated that no individual or group is permitted to challenge his authority or legitimacy under any circumstances.
As we bid bidding farewell to 2025, let’s take you down memory lane with some stories that made headlines.
Adomonline.com highlights a recap of some of the topical stories in politics, entertainment, sports and socio-economic issues you may have missed.
Mahama sworn in as Ghana’s new President
He was sworn in by the Chief Justice of Ghana Gertrude Torkornoo on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in parliament at the Black Star Square in Accra.
His swearing-in followed that of the first Ghanaian female Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang who also took the oath of office and the Vice presidential oath.
Mahama was also the fourth President of the Fourth Republic of Ghana, having previously occupied the high office of the President between January 7, 2013, and January 6, 2017.
We take full responsibility for Thursday's unfortunate incident - Appointments Committee apologises
The disagreement began after 2200 hours when the vetting of the nominee for Transport, Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, had been concluded.
The Majority Caucus decided to vet two more ministerial nominees that night after having already vetted five others.
The Minority group on the Committee, however, proposed rescheduling the vetting to Friday, January 31, saying it was too late.
The Majority rejected that suggestion, insisting that the vetting should continue as scheduled.
It accused the Minority Leader, Mr Alexander Afenyo Markin, (Ranking Member on the Committee), of spending more time on nominees, hence the delay.
The situation escalated into chaos, disrupting the session as tables were broken and microphones destroyed in a tussle between some committee members.
In response, the Majority Leader, Mr Mahama Ayariga, intervened and apologised for the unfortunate incident, suspending the vetting, and rescheduling it to Friday, January 31.
Mahama suspends Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
The decision, in line with Article 146(6) of the 1992 Constitution and taken in consultation with the Council of State, a statement said.
Save The Judiciary Demo: NPP‑led coalition petitions Judiciary over Chief Justice’s suspension
On May 5, 2025, a coalition of political parties embarked on a demonstration against the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
The political parties strongly condemned the decision, calling it a direct attack on the independence of the judiciary.
The coalition included the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), National Democratic Party (NDP), People’s National Party (PNP), and the Ghana Union Movement (GUM), among others.
Akwatia MP Ernest Yaw Kumi reported dead
On July 7, 2025, sitting Member of Parliament (MP) for the Akwatia constituency in the Eastern Region, Ernest Yaw Kumi, passed away after a brief illness.
Mr. Kumi was serving his first term in Parliament, having won the December 7, 2024, election.
He secured the seat for the NPP in a closely contested race marked by allegations of vote buying, irregularities at some polling stations, and heightened political tension in the lead-up to the polls.
Before his death, he was facing a legal action after he disobeyed an interim injunction issued on January 7, which barred him from being sworn in as the Member of Parliament-elect for Akwatia due to an ongoing legal contest over his election.
Ablekuma North: NDC's Ewurabena Aubynn declared winner after rerun
The election was made by widespread violence and assault of several individuals including former Awutu Senya East MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Ewurabena Aubynn narrowly defeated the NPP candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, marking a historic win in a constituency long held by the NPP.
Madam Aubynn polled 34,090 votes, edging out her closest contender, who garnered 33,881 votes.
Daddy Lumba confirmed dead
In an official statement released by the Fosu family, the legendary highlife musician died after a short illness.
Shortly after his death, a family dispute emerged over who had authority to organise his funeral and burial rites.
His first wife, Akosua Serwaa, filed a lawsuit seeking recognition as his sole surviving spouse and exclusive rights to perform the customary widowhood rites, a case that drew widespread media attention.
The funeral was initially scheduled for December 6, 2025.
However, internal disagreements between family factions led to the date being rescheduled to 13 December 2025 by traditional authorities after a meeting at the Otumfuo Saamanhene Palace.
Part of the tension revolved around calls for a postmortem investigation before burial, a request pushed by some family members who questioned the circumstances of his death.
Omane Boamah, Murtala Mohammed and 6 others confirmed dead in military helicopter crash
On August 6, 2025, Ghana was hit hard by the death of eight people, including former Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, following a crash involving an Air Force helicopter.
The duo were part of three crew members and five passengers on board.
The other victims were Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator and former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman, Dr. Samuel Sarpong; and former NDC Parliamentary Candidate, Samuel Aboagye.
The military personnel onboard were Squadron Leader Peter Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
The helicopter crashed at Adansi Brofeyedu while en route to Obuasi. The aircraft was burnt beyond recognition, with no visible signs of survivors at the scene.
A state burial was subsequently held in their honour with an investigation commissioned to establish the cause of the crash.
Mahama removes Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo from office
This followed recommendations from a constitutional committee set up under Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution.
The decision came after the President received the report of a committee constituted under Article 146(6) to inquire into a petition filed by Ghanaian citizen Daniel Ofori.
The Committee, after reviewing testimonies and extensive evidence, concluded that grounds of stated misbehavior under Article 146(1) had been established against the Chief Justice.
It subsequently recommended her removal from office.
In line with Article 146(9), President Mahama was bound to act on the Committee’s recommendation.
Ghana did not request any money to accept West African deportees - Ablakwa tells Parliament
In September 2025, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that Cabinet has approved Ghana’s participation in a third-country deportation arrangement with the US.
Mr Ablakwa stressed at the time that the arrangement was not a binding treaty but a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
They were received and detained under armed military custody at Bundase, where several were reportedly held in “deplorable conditions” without access to lawyers.
However, the move sparked national debate with the Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee accusing the government of violating the Constitution by agreeing to accept third-country nationals deported from the United States without parliamentary approval.
The caucus drew parallels to 2016 when the Mahama administration accepted two Guantanamo Bay detainees without parliamentary approval, questioning why the current government would repeat a similar action.
Black Stars qualify for 2026 World Cup after win over Comoros
The Black Stars in October clinched qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This followed Otto Addo's men's 1-0 win over Comoros in the final day of the World Cup qualifying series.
On September 2, 2025, the Electoral Commission held a by-election in the Akwatia constituency following the death of MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi on July 7.
It was a keen contest between the Bernard Bediako Baidoo of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Kwame Asumadu of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
At the end of the polls, Mr. Baidoo emerged victorious with 18,199 votes out of the total valid ballots cast.
Mr. Asumadu garnered 15,235 votes, while Owusu Patrick of the Liberal Progressive Party (LPP) trailed with 82 votes. Of the total ballots cast, 33,819 were valid, and 303 were rejected.
Mahama nominates Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as next Chief Justice
President John Mahama on Sempter 23, 2025, nominated Supreme Court Judge Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as Ghana’s new Chief Justice.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie had been serving as Acting Chief Justice since April 2025, following the suspension of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo. He is the most senior of the nine Supreme Court justices.
Paul Kwadwo Baffoe-Bonnie was called to the Bar in 1981. He served as a Circuit Court Judge in Kumasi and a High Court Judge at Duayaw Nkwanta in the Bono region.
Before his Supreme Court appointment by former President John Kufuor in June 2008, he served as an Appeals Court judge.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie was part of the Supreme Court panel that dismissed the New Patriotic Party’s 2012 petition seeking the annulment of about four million votes alleged to have been tampered with during the Ghanaian general election.
Former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings dies aged 76
She was widely respected for her role in national development and social advocacy.
The wife of the late former President Jerry John Rawlings remains a significant figure in Ghana’s political and social history.
She founded the National Democratic Party (NDP) after parting ways with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and was widely admired for her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment and social development.
Mahama receives report on August 6 helicopter crash
The Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, led the Committee that investigated the August 6 helicopter crash to present their report and findings to President John Mahama.
The presentation was made at a meeting of the National Security Council on November 10.
The helicopter crash resulted in the deaths of Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru, NDC Vice Chairman, Samuel Sarpong, and NADMO Deputy Director-General Samuel Aboagye, together with three crew members.
Sudden altitude loss caused August 6 helicopter crash — Investigative Committee
At a public briefing on Tuesday, November 11, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, a committee member, explained that the helicopter experienced abrupt environmental changes while flying over high terrain, which triggered the fatal descent.
“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by the sudden loss of altitude and lift due to a downdraft. This loss of altitude without a change in power or pitch is consistent with downdrafts associated with changing conditions over high terrain,” Captain Forjoe stated.
Baffoe-Bonnie sworn in as new Chief Justice
His appointment followed parliamentary vetting and confirmation and filled the vacancy created after the dismissal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
Gov't endorses Otumfuo’s Bawku Mediation Report, sets up GH¢1bn revitalisation fund
In a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidency said the report was carefully reviewed and is aimed at restoring lasting peace, reconciliation, and stability in Bawku and surrounding areas.
The government stressed that the report does not seek to apportion blame or declare winners and losers.
Government reaffirmed the position of the law, as upheld by the Supreme Court, that Naba Asigri Abugrago Azoka II is the lawful Bawku Naba. It stated that no individual or group is permitted to challenge his authority or legitimacy under any circumstances.