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.
The second coming of President John Mahama, the removal of Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, the August 6 helicopter crash, protests, the fight against galamsey, death of prominent individuals, and other big political events made headlines.
Find below stories that made headlines in 2025:
President John Dramani Mahama Sworn in for Second Term
John Dramani Mahama was officially sworn in as the 6th President of Ghana’s Fourth Republic in a grand ceremony held at the Independence Square on January 7, 2025.
The historic event marked Mahama’s return to the presidency after a previous term ended in 2017, making him the first leader in Ghana’s history to reclaim the presidency after a re-election loss.
In his inaugural speech, President Mahama pledged to uphold the trust of the Ghanaian people and steer the nation toward economic recovery, unity, and inclusive development.
He also emphasized a renewed commitment to good governance, transparency, and addressing the pressing needs of Ghanaians.
Obuasi mine shooting
On January 19, 2025, a clash between soldiers and small-scale miners near the AngloGold Ashanti mine in Obuasi led to several deaths and injuries.
Eight people lost their lives after a group of illegal miners reportedly breached the security fence of one of AngloGold Obuasi Mine’s concessions.
Vteran actor Mawuli Yaw Semevo passes on
Renowned Ghanaian actor Mawuli Semevo passed away on 20 February 2025, at the Ridge Hospital in Accra, where he was undergoing treatment.
He was 63 years old.
On February 8, 2025, Beyond Burns International, a non-profit organization, disclosed that the late actor had sustained burns on 44% of his body, along with severe respiratory injuries that made breathing difficult.
The burns extended from his head to his legs, and he lost all his hair.
He featured in many Ghanaian films and TV shows, leaving a lasting legacy in the performing arts.
Reintroduction of Controversial Anti‑LGBTQ Legislation
Ghanaian lawmakers reintroduced the bill that seeks to criminalize LGBTQ+ activities in Ghana, as well as any form of advocacy, promotion, or financial support for such acts.
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The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill was previously passed by the Eighth Parliament but failed to become law after it did not receive presidential assent during former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s tenure.
Its reintroduction is expected to reignite intense national and international debate over human rights, constitutional freedoms, and Ghana’s cultural identity.
Suspension of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo
President John Mahama on April 22, 2025, suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo.
The decision, in accordance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution, followed consultation with the Council of State, which determined that a prima facie case had been established in relation to three petitions seeking the removal of the Chief Justice.
The President consequently established a committee, in compliance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, to look into the petitions which were referred to them.
Former Ghanaian High Commissioner to India, Sam Pee Yalley passes on
Sam Pee Yalley, the former Ghanaian High Commissioner to India and a prominent member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), passed away on April 6, after a brief illness at Korle Bu.
Yalley’s career spanned both legal and diplomatic fields. A seasoned lawyer, he also served as Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the National Pensions Regulatory Authority before being appointed Ghana’s Ambassador to India in 2014 by President John Mahama.
Throughout his tenure, Mr Yalley was noted for his commitment to promoting Ghana’s international relations and advocating for Ghanaian interests abroad.
Nationwide Political Parties’ Protest 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.
Dada KD – Highlife Musician
Highlife artist Nana Kwakye Duah, known as Dada KD, passed away on 16 May 2025 after a short illness aged 56.
In May 2020, Dada KD shocked many by stating that he would soon join his colleagues Kofi B and Bishop Bernard Nyarko, who had both passed on to eternity.
Dada KD is best known for songs such as Tekyere Ma, Ene Menye, Wosuro a Wondi, Honey Love, among others.
He earned several accolades, including the Best Male Vocal Artiste award at the 2004 Ghana Music Awards UK.
EOCO arrests Chairman Wontumi
The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on May 27 arrested the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The arrest occurred shortly after he left the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters in Accra.
Chairman Wontumi had earlier reported to the CID for further questioning over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities, including mining in forest reserves and entering protected areas without proper authorisation.
Former Greater Accra NDC Chairman Ade Coker passes on
Former Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Joseph Ade Coker passed on Saturday, May 31.
Akwatia MP, Ernest Yaw Kumi passes on
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.
The injunction was the result of a lawsuit filed by National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate and former Akwatia MP, Henry Boakye-Yiadom, contesting the legitimacy of the election results.
Despite the injunction, Kumi presented himself in Parliament to be sworn in on January 7, 2025.
He was laid to rest on December 6, 2025.
Ablekuma North Parliamentary Election Rerun
A rerun of the Ablekuma North parliamentary election was held on July 11, 2025, after legal challenges delayed result collation. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) had announced plans to boycott the election but its candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie at the last minute decided to participate.
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.
Highlife legend Daddy Lumba passes on
Ghanaian Highlife legend, Charles Kwadwo Fosu, affectionately known as Daddy Lumba, died on 26 July 2025 at age 60 after a short illness.
The iconic highlife musician died in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Bank Hospital in Accra.
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 killed in Adansi Akrofuom 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.
Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III passes on at 98
The Asante Kingdom was thrown into mourning following the passing of the Asantehemaa, Nana Konadu Yiadom III on August 7, 2025.
Born Nana Ama Konadu, Nana Konadu Yiadom III was the 14th Asantehemaa and the biological sister of the current Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
She became the Asantehemaa 5-years ago following the death of her mother, Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II, the then Asantehemaa.
Nana Konadu Yiadom was highly respected for her loyalty and counsel, strength, and devotion to tradition, having played a critical role in the preservation of Asante culture as she guided Asanteman in support of the reign of her brother, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
African Political Parties Summit Held in Accra
Ghana hosted the African Political Parties Summit bringing together over 100 political parties from Africa and the Caribbean to discuss democratic governance, inter‑party cooperation, and economic transformation.
The summit fostered inter-party dialogue, strengthen continental solidarity, and build consensus on shared priorities, while addressing cross-border challenges such as climate change, migration, and public health.
Delegates discussed issues including regional integration, peace and security, inclusive governance, sustainable economic growth, and the role of political parties in advancing Africa’s development agenda.
Notable participants included President John Dramani Mahama, Vice-President Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, President of São Tomé and Príncipe H.E. Carlos Vila Nova, and Vice-President of Liberia H.E. Jeremiah Koung. Civil society representatives and party officials from across Africa and the Caribbean are also in attendance.
Mahama sacks Gertrude Torkornoo as Chief Justice
President John Mahama on September 1, 2025, dismissed Chief Justice Gertrude Araba Esaaba Sackey Torkornoo, following the receipt of the report from the committee instituted to probe three petitions seeking her removal.
The decision followed consultation with the Council of State, which determined that a prima facie case had been established in relation to three petitions that sought her removal.
The President has consequently established a committee, in compliance with Article 146(6) of the Constitution and in consultation with the Council of State, to look into the petitions which have been referred to them.
Abronye arrested for offensive conduct – Police
The Ghana Police Service arrested New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, widely known as Abronye, on charges of offensive conduct likely to breach public peace.
Before the arrest, there was a high-profile raid on the residence of former NPP Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser, Moses Abor.
Security officers stormed his home in search of Abronye, an operation that has since drawn sharp criticism from sections of the public.
Days leading to the arrest, on September 5, Abronye formally petitioned several foreign embassies seeking political asylum.
His requests were sent to eight countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Canada.
In his petition, the outspoken NPP figure alleged that he has been subjected to growing political intimidation, threats to his life, and what he described as abuse of state security powers by the current government.
Ghana-U.S deportee deal
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.
They further revealed that some of the deportees are being held in detention centres against their will and have taken legal action against the government for alleged breaches of their fundamental human rights.
Akwatia by-election
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 Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie as new CJ
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.
Apostle Dr Kwadwo Safo passes on
Celebrated inventor, industrialist, and philanthropist Apostle Dr. Kwadwo Safo, the founder of Kantanka Group died on September 11 2025.
Born on August 26, 1948, in Bekwai in the Ashanti Region, Apostle Safo rose to prominence as both a spiritual leader and a technological pioneer.
He founded the Kantanka Group, which made groundbreaking strides in agriculture, electronics, as well as the automobile industry through Kantanka Automobiles.
At his 40th-day remembrance at the University of Ghana Sports Complex Park on Monday, October 20, a rainbow appeared across the Accra sky, a sight that members of the Kristo Asafo Mission interpreted as a divine sign of Apostle Safo’s continued presence and blessing over the day’s observance.
Democracy Hub Sues Gov’t Over U.S. Deportation Agreement
In October 2025, Ghanaian rights activists group Democracy Hub filed a writ at the Supreme Court of Ghana challenging the legality of a secret Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the government of Ghana and the United States for the reception and detention of involuntarily repatriated West African nationals.
The group argued that the MOU, which allowed deportees from the U.S. to be temporarily detained in Ghana, is unconstitutional and violated international human rights obligations.
Democracy Hub contended that the deal not only breaches constitutional provisions but so risks making Ghana complicit in chain refoulement, where refugees are indirectly returned to danger through a third country.
Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings – Former First Lady passes on
Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings, a former First Lady of Ghana and influential political figure, died on 23 October 2025 at age 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.
Committee submits report on August 6 helicopter crash to Mahama
Aviation expert and leader of the investigative committee, Captain Paul Forjoe, presenting the helicopter crash report on Tuesday, November 11 attributed it to a sudden loss of altitude and lift due to a powerful downdraft.
Captain Forjoe explained that the aircraft encountered a rapid downward air current while flying over high terrain, resulting in a sudden drop in altitude from which the crew could not recover.
Paul Baffoe-Bonnie is new Chief Justice
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie was officially on November 17 sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana.
His appointment followed parliamentary vetting and confirmation and filled the vacancy created after the dismissal of former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkonoo.
Court orders re-run of 2024 Kpandai Parliamentary election
The Tamale High Court presided over by Justice Emmanuel Brew Plange, on November 24, 2025, annulled the parliamentary election results for the Kpandai constituency and ordered a fresh poll within 30 days, following a successful legal challenge.
The petition was filed by National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Daniel Nsala Wakpal, who claimed that the December 7, 2024, election was marred by serious irregularities.
He alleged inconsistencies in Form 8A (the “pink sheet”) from 41 out of 152 polling stations, arguing that these breaches violated Regulations 39 and 43 of the Public Elections Regulations (CI 127).
The court ruled that non-compliance with electoral regulations materially affected the integrity of the vote, and directed the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct a rerun of the parliamentary election in the entire constituency.
The sitting Member of Parliament for Kpandai, Matthew Nyindam of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), had been declared the winner.
However, the Supreme Court on December 16 ordered the suspension of the re-run.
The court has adjourned the case to January 13, 2026, for further hearing.
Legendary Yaw Sarpong’s backing vocalist Maame Tiwaa passes on
Gospel music icon Maame Tiwaa, known for her powerful voice with Yaw Sarpong & Asomafo, died on 7 December 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy in Ghana’s gospel music scene.
For decades, Maame Tiwaa stood beside Yaw Sarpong as the soothing female voice of the Yaw Sarpong & Asomafo music group.
She contributed to numerous gospel classics that continue to inspire believers across the country.
Her last known performances were her tribute to Yaw Sarpong at this year’s TGMA night and at her son’s wedding.
Torkornoo’s legal actions
High Court Judicial Review:
After her suspension, Torkornoo filed a judicial review application at the High Court seeking to halt the removal process and challenge the decisions of the committee that investigated the petitions.
She argued that the inquiry process was arbitrary and should be declared unconstitutional, but this application was struck out on procedural grounds, with courts holding that some issues were already before the Supreme Court.
Blocking Successor’s Appointment:
Torkornoo also went to the Accra High Court to seek an order preventing the vetting and appointment of her nominee successor, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, claiming irregularities in how she was removed and in the committee’s proceedings.
ECOWAS Court Suit:
Torkornoo subsequently filed a case at the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), claiming her suspension and removal violated her human rights under both the Ghanaian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
She also sought US$10 million in compensation for alleged moral and reputational damage.
The ECOWAS Court dismissed her request for provisional measures to halt the fact-finding committee proceedings, partly because the application was filed long after her suspension but confirmed it has the power to hear her substantive human rights challenge and ordered the Ghanaian government to respond within a set period.
