Ghana’s political landscape in 2025 was shaped by a myriad of dramatic events that kept the nation’s attention firmly fixed on issues of power, accountability and the rule of law.

From unprecedented actions involving senior public officials, to outbreaks of electoral violence and controversial security operations, the year was marked by moments that stirred public outrage and intensified political divisions.

Several of these incidents did not only dominated headlines but also raised fundamental questions about the strength and independence of Ghana’s democratic institutions, as citizens, civil society groups and political actors openly debated governance standards, constitutional limits and the protection of civil liberties.

In this 2025 review story, GhanaWeb looks at five of some significant events that dominated public discourse during the year.

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1. Ken Ofori-Atta declared a fugitive

Former Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta was declared a fugitive by the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) after repeatedly failing to appear for questioning over alleged corruption-related matters.

The investigations covered the National Cathedral project, the termination of the ECG–PDS contract, and revenue assurance agreements between the Ghana Revenue Authority and Strategic Mobilisation Limited (SML).

An Interpol Red Notice was issued, and extradition proceedings from the United States were initiated, although legal challenges delayed the process.

2. Suspension and dismissal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo

President John Dramani Mahama suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo following petitions alleging misconduct against her.

A five-member committee was eventually established to investigate the claims, triggering widespread legal and political debates.

Justice Torkornoo challenged the suspension in court and later addressed the nation where she explained that she was being unfairly treated in the matter.

On September 1, 2025, she was dismissed, becoming the first sitting Chief Justice in Ghana’s history to be removed from office.

3. Dollar gift saga involving Sammy Gyamfi

Public outrage followed the circulation of a video showing NDC Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi handing US dollar notes to Evangelist Patricia Oduro, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.

The incident raised concerns about public conduct and potential breaches of Ghana’s Foreign Exchange and Currency Act.

The incident, on May 11, 2025, captured in widely circulated social media footage, showed Sammy Gyamfi, who is also the CEO of the GoldBod, presenting the cash to Nana Agradaa after a brief interaction between the two.

Critics argued that this action potentially conflicted with President John Dramani Mahama’s Code of Conduct for public officials, emphasising integrity and transparency.

In a fiery press conference on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the NPP laid out several reasons to justify sanctions against Sammy Gyamfi.

Sammy Gyamfi later apologised, stating that the gesture was private but was unfortunately captured on camara, while opposition parties called for his interdiction.

4. Violence during Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun

A parliamentary rerun at Ablekuma North was marred by violence across some of the 19 polling stations where the exercises took place.

Former Member of Parliament Mavis Hawa Koomson and several journalists were assaulted during the disturbances.

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The Ghana Journalists Association strongly condemned the attacks and demanded accountability.

Eight individuals were subsequently convicted and sentenced for their roles in the violence.

5. Demolition of McDan’s warehouse

Security operatives demolished a warehouse owned by businessman Daniel McKorley, widely known as McDan, without prior notice.

Workers were reportedly prevented from retrieving personal belongings before the demolition.

The incident drew criticisms from political analysts and traditional leaders, who described the action as heavy-handed and potentially politically-motivated, and called for adherence to due process.

Together, these incidents highlighted some of the intense political tensions that characterised Ghana’s 2025 political landscape, fueling renewed conversations around accountability, the rule of law and the resilience of democratic institutions.

MRA/AE

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