News News from Ghana

The latest news news from Ghana, curated from the country's leading newsrooms and updated through the day. Newest stories first.

A photograph showing the interior of a classroom after a catastrophic roof collapse. The brick structure of the upper wall is exposed to the sky, and educational posters for children remain on the lower white walls amidst debris and hanging wires.
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Al-Khair Education Center roof collapse kills 28 in Pakistan

At least 27 students and one teacher died when the roof of the Al-Khair Education Center in Peshawar, Pakistan, collapsed during morning classes. The disaster, which occurred following a period of heavy rainfall in the region, has left the local community in mourning as rescue teams continue to search the rubble for survivors. Officials on the scene have confirmed that the structural failure happened while students were inside their classrooms, leading to immediate fatalities and leaving many others trapped. Rescue operations are currently ongoing, though authorities have warned that the death toll is likely to rise. The Peshawar police chief indicated that more casualties are expected as the rubble is cleared, noting that the building was reportedly in a fragile state before the accident. Early investigations into the cause of the disaster suggest that the school building suffered from severe structural defects, which were fatally exacerbated by the weight and impact of the recent heavy rains. This incident has sparked widespread outrage and renewed urgent concerns regarding building safety standards and the lack of regulatory oversight for educational facilities across Pakistan. In the wake of the tragedy, there have been intensifying calls for the government to conduct immediate safety audits of all schools to prevent similar occurrences. The collapse underscores a long-standing issue with the maintenance of infrastructure in the region, particularly for private and community education centers that often operate in substandard facilities.

Transport unions give government one week to clear traders from bus stops
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Transport unions give government one week to clear traders from bus stops

Commercial transport unions in Ghana have issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government to remove traders and unauthorized vendors from bus stops and pedestrian walkways. The demand, spearheaded by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other driver organizations, comes ahead of the full implementation of the TraffiTech-GH automated enforcement system scheduled for November 1, 2026. Drivers expressed concern that they will be unfairly penalized by the automated system for stopping in non-designated areas because their official bays are currently occupied by market stalls and traders. Union representatives highlighted that major transport hubs, including Kaneshie, Accra CMB, and Kasoa, have been effectively converted into marketplaces, obstructing the safe operation of commercial vehicles. Samuel Amoah of the GPRTU noted that the occupation of these zones violates Regulation 142 of the Road Traffic Regulations, which prohibits the sale of goods on pedestrian walkways and at bus stops. The unions argue that the congestion forces drivers to pick up and drop off passengers in unsafe locations, creating hazards for all road users and increasing the likelihood of accidents. The TraffiTech-GH initiative, managed by the Ghana Police Service, uses digital cameras and sensors to monitor traffic violations and improve compliance with road laws. While drivers have expressed reservations about its rollout, the police report that the pilot phase of the program has already led to a notable reduction in road incidents. According to data from the Ghana News Agency, road crashes decreased from 1,108 in September 2025 to 1,003 in September 2026. During the same period, road-related injuries fell from 1,405 to 1,194, and fatalities dropped from 243 to 224. Despite these safety gains, transport operators maintain that the automated system cannot be effectively implemented until the infrastructure is cleared of obstructions. The unions have called on the relevant ministries and municipal authorities to enforce existing laws and restore order to the country's terminals within the one-week deadline. They insist that for the technology-driven program to be fair and successful, drivers must have unhindered access to designated stops to avoid being wrongfully cited by the new monitoring equipment.

Central Region police investigate death of 12-year-old boy in Opeikuma
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Central Region police investigate death of 12-year-old boy in Opeikuma

Police in the Central Region have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a 12-year-old boy’s body in a muddy pit at Opeikuma Vat. The grim discovery, which occurred hours after a reported physical altercation between the child and his mother, has prompted a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the death by local authorities. Investigators are currently focusing on visible wounds found on the boy's body to determine the precise cause of death and whether foul play was involved. The victim was found partially naked in the muddy terrain, and the discovery has left residents of Opeikuma Vat in a state of shock. Reports indicate that the boy's mother, who is said to have a history of mental health challenges, had been involved in a violent confrontation with the child shortly before he went missing. Neighbors have previously observed instances of violent behavior from the mother, leading police to treat her recent interactions with the boy as a significant lead in their ongoing inquiry. Following the initial crime scene investigation, police officers have collected physical evidence and conducted interviews to piece together the final movements of the deceased. The victim’s family remains in contact with the authorities as they await further updates and official findings from the investigation. The body has been moved to a local morgue for preservation, with a post-mortem examination scheduled to provide a definitive medical explanation for the injuries sustained.

Solomon Asamoah must open defense in $2m SkyTrain case, rules Supreme Court
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Solomon Asamoah must open defense in $2m SkyTrain case, rules Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of Ghana has dismissed an application by Solomon Asamoah, the former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), seeking to overturn a High Court order for him to open his defense. The ruling concerns a criminal case where Asamoah is accused of causing a $2 million financial loss to the state in relation to the defunct Accra SkyTrain project. By dismissing the application, the apex court has cleared the way for the trial to proceed to the next stage. Asamoah had approached the Supreme Court to challenge a High Court decision that rejected his "no case to answer" submission. He argued that the prosecution had failed to establish sufficient evidence to justify him being called to the witness stand. However, the Supreme Court found no grounds to interfere with the lower court's decision, affirming that the state had provided enough evidence to require a formal defense from the accused. The charges against Asamoah and his co-accused, former GIIF Board Chair Professor Ameyaw Akumfi, center on a $2 million payment made to the South African firm Africa Investment (AI) SkyTrain Consortium Holdings. The transaction was intended to fund a feasibility study and preparatory works for the project. Prosecutors allege that the payment was made without the requisite parliamentary approvals and that the state received no value for the expenditure, as the project never broke ground. Following this dismissal, the trial will resume at the High Court, where both Asamoah and Professor Akumfi must now present their testimony and call witnesses to answer the state's allegations. This legal development marks a critical juncture in the long-running investigation into the investment decisions made by GIIF and the accountability of its former leadership regarding public infrastructure funds.

A high-ranking Ghana Police Service official, likely Inspector General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, is pictured speaking at a white lectern. He is dressed in a formal black police uniform adorned with several medals and insignia, while other officials and the Ghanaian national colors are visible in the background.
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Supreme Court stays order to promote 40 Police Chief Inspectors

The Supreme Court of Ghana has granted a stay of execution on a Court of Appeal order that mandated the promotion of 40 Police Chief Inspectors. The ruling, delivered on October 14, 2026, effectively halts the advancement of the officers pending the final outcome of an appeal filed by the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General. This decision marks a pivotal moment in a legal dispute that has seen the officers previously secure a victory in the lower courts. The legal battle centers on a 2021 amnesty program aimed at advancing police personnel who successfully obtained academic degrees while in active service. The 40 Chief Inspectors involved in the case argued that they met the criteria for promotion under this program and sought judicial intervention to compel the police administration to recognize their qualifications. While the Court of Appeal had initially ruled in their favor, the police leadership and the state have challenged the mandate, leading to the current Supreme Court intervention. By granting the stay of execution, the Supreme Court has opted to maintain the status quo within the police hierarchy until the substantive issues of the appeal are addressed. The Attorney-General’s office and the police administration have argued against the immediate implementation of the promotions, citing procedural and administrative concerns. This legal pause represents a significant setback for the affected officers, whose career progression remains in limbo while the highest court in the land reviews the case. The final judgment on the appeal is now eagerly awaited by both the police administration and the rank-and-file officers. The eventual ruling will likely establish a clear legal precedent for how the Ghana Police Service handles academic amnesties and internal promotions based on educational achievements. Until the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict, the promotion of the 40 Chief Inspectors remains on hold.

Opening of the 10th Triennial Congress of the World Assemblies of God
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Assemblies of God Fellowship opens 10th World Congress in Accra

The 10th World Assemblies of God Congress opened in Accra on October 14, 2026, marking the first time the global triennial event has been hosted on African soil. President John Mahama and former Malawian President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera attended the opening ceremony, which gathered thousands of church leaders and delegates from more than 100 countries. Under the theme ‘Commissioned: One Mandate, Every Nation,’ the congress focuses on the global mission of the church and the promotion of spiritual revival across the continent. Rev. Dominic Yeo, the Global Chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship, described the hosting of the event in Ghana as a ‘prophetic moment’ for Africa. A primary objective discussed during the congress is the MM33 initiative, an ambitious target to plant one million new Assemblies of God churches globally by the year 2033. Rev. Yeo highlighted Ghana’s record of peace and stability as a key factor in its selection as host, noting that the event would likely boost local tourism and showcase the nation to international investors. Addressing the delegates, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Ghana, Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, emphasized the necessity for religious bodies to maintain healthy relations with the government and social institutions. He urged churches to engage constructively with the state to foster national development, arguing that isolation from government processes could hinder the church’s growth and its impact on society. Rev. Wengam stressed that such partnerships are vital for the survival and expansion of the ministry in the modern era. In addition to global mission goals, the congress is highlighting the importance of instilling discipline and civic responsibility within the Christian community. Rev. Wengam called on members to respect societal laws and contribute positively to their local communities as part of their spiritual mandate. As the three-day event progresses, church leaders aim to strengthen global unity and refine their strategies for addressing contemporary challenges while continuing the spread of the Gospel across all nations.

South Korea commits $4.5m to restore Ghana’s historic forts and castles
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South Korea commits $4.5m to restore Ghana’s historic forts and castles

South Korea has committed US$4.5 million to support the restoration of Ghana's historic forts and castles over the next five years. Minister for Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, announced the initiative, which seeks to combat the significant deterioration of these UNESCO World Heritage sites caused by climate change and persistent coastal erosion. The project represents a major international partnership aimed at safeguarding Ghana's most vulnerable cultural landmarks. The restoration is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Tourism, UNESCO, and South Korea’s National Commission for UNESCO. These sites serve as critical monuments to the transatlantic slave trade and are central to Ghana's cultural identity and tourism sector. The work will focus on structural preservation while enhancing the overall experience for visitors, particularly members of the African diaspora who frequent these sites to connect with their ancestral heritage. Beyond physical preservation, the initiative aligns with the government's broader political and social objectives. Minister Gomashie emphasized that protecting these landmarks is vital to Ghana’s ongoing advocacy for reparations under the administration of President John Mahama. By safeguarding these coastal assets, the government aims to maintain the integrity of the historical narrative and provide better economic opportunities for local coastal communities through increased heritage tourism. This five-year funding cycle provides a critical boost for the conservation of Ghana's architectural history at a time when environmental factors pose an increasing threat. As climate change continues to impact coastal structures globally, the partnership between South Korea and Ghana serves as a model for international cooperation in cultural heritage protection. The Ministry expects the revitalized sites to strengthen Ghana's position as a global hub for Pan-African history and reflection.

A close-up photograph shows a person with their hands handcuffed behind their back. The subject stands in front of metal cell bars, clearly indicating a jail or prison environment.
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Konongo police rearrest one of six inmates in Kumasi

The Ghana Police Service has rearrested one of the six inmates who escaped from the Konongo police cells in the Ashanti Region. The escapee was apprehended in a suburb of Kumasi following a coordinated manhunt launched shortly after the security breach was discovered. Authorities are currently intensifying efforts to locate the remaining five fugitives who are still at large. The inmates managed their escape by digging a hole through the wall of the station’s washrooms. This method of exit has raised significant concerns regarding the structural integrity of the municipal police facility. Asante Akyem Central Municipal Chief Executive, Dr. Ebenezer Ekow Aidoo, confirmed the incident and the subsequent arrest, noting that the search remains a top priority for regional security forces and local government. In response to the escape, local authorities have announced a series of comprehensive security upgrades for the Konongo police station. Planned measures include the reinforcement of existing cell walls with more durable materials and the installation of advanced surveillance cameras to monitor the facility around the clock. Additionally, the municipal assembly is planning the construction of an entirely new police station to replace the current aging infrastructure. To ensure immediate safety, Dr. Aidoo stated that there will be an increased police presence during night hours and improved lighting across the station's premises. These steps aim to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the escape and to restore public confidence in the local law enforcement’s ability to secure detainees as the manhunt for the five remaining escapees continues.

One of the scam centres where fraudsters operated in Accra
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Ghana security agencies rescue 117 trafficking victims in Sasaabi

Ghanaian security agencies, in collaboration with international partners including the FBI, have rescued 117 human trafficking victims during a major raid in Sasaabi, near Accra. The joint operation also led to the arrest of 19 individuals suspected of involvement in international cyber-enabled scam operations. This high-profile crackdown involved the Ghana Police Service, the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), and the UK's National Crime Agency (NCA), targeting a criminal syndicate that has allegedly defrauded victims across the globe through sophisticated digital schemes. Beyond the rescue of the trafficking victims, the taskforce uncovered a significant cybercrime hub. During the raid, authorities seized 303 electronic devices used to facilitate fraudulent activities. Investigators have already identified an additional 89 individuals who fell victim to the group’s scams, with total financial losses estimated at $8.3 million. The suspects are believed to have operated a network that leveraged trafficked individuals to run various international fraud schemes, marking a troubling intersection between human exploitation and financial crime. This local operation in Sasaabi was part of a broader international initiative supported by the U.S. Department of Justice to dismantle organized fraudulent networks. Globally, this coordinated effort has resulted in the takedown of over 3.7 million fraudulent accounts. Private industry partners also provided assistance in disrupting these scams, which have impacted individuals worldwide. The success of the raid underscores the increasing importance of international intelligence sharing and cross-border cooperation in combating modern slavery and organized cybercrime. The rescue of 117 victims highlights the growing challenge of human trafficking being used as a tool for cyber-enabled fraud in the sub-region. Ghanaian authorities have reiterated their commitment to securing the country's digital landscape and protecting vulnerable persons from such exploitation. The 19 arrested suspects are expected to face charges related to both human trafficking and cybercrime as investigations continue to trace the full extent of the network and the movement of the $8.3 million in stolen funds.

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Bernard Antwi-Boasiako to receive bail ruling on November 4

The High Court in Accra has scheduled November 4, 2026, to deliver its ruling on a bail application filed by Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, the former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Antwi-Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, is seeking release pending the appeal of his 20-year prison sentence related to illegal mining activities in the Samreboi case. Appearing before Justice Audrey Kocuvie-Tay on October 15, lead counsel for the applicant, Samuel Atta Akyea, argued that his client should be granted bail to properly prepare for his appeal. Mr. Atta Akyea emphasized that there are significant legal issues to be addressed in the challenge against the conviction and that Antwi-Boasiako’s physical presence outside of prison is necessary for an effective defense strategy. However, the application faced stiff opposition from the state. Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai contended that the applicant had not met the high legal threshold of demonstrating "exceptional circumstances" required for bail after a conviction. Dr. Srem-Sai further argued that Antwi-Boasiako constitutes a flight risk, citing reports of alleged attempts to evade arrest and noting that he faces other pending criminal charges that make his continued detention necessary. Justice Kocuvie-Tay noted the complexity of the arguments and the ongoing appeal process before adjourning the matter for a comprehensive examination of the circumstances. The upcoming ruling will determine whether the former political executive will be allowed temporary freedom or must remain in custody as the judicial system reviews his 20-year jail term for his involvement in illegal mining.

Police arrest eight over illegal drug sales at Okaishie Drug Lane in Accra
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Ghana Police Service arrest eight suspects in Okaishie Drug Lane raid

The Ghana Police Service has arrested eight individuals following an intelligence-led operation at Okaishie Drug Lane in Accra. The exercise, conducted on Friday, October 9, 2026, targeted the illegal sale and distribution of narcotic substances and unregulated pharmaceutical products. This operation forms part of a broader national effort to clamp down on the illicit drug trade and protect public health and safety within the capital. The arrested suspects, whose ages range from 23 to 64, were found in possession of various controlled substances and restricted medications. During the raid, police officers seized a significant quantity of suspected narcotics, including Tramadol, Rohypnol, and several codeine-based products. These substances are frequently abused or sold without the necessary legal permits and oversight, posing a severe risk to the health of consumers and the general public. Authorities stated that the operation was the result of extensive surveillance and intelligence gathering focused on activities within the Okaishie business district, a known hub for pharmaceutical commerce. The eight suspects are currently in police custody and are assisting with ongoing investigations. The Ghana Police Service has reiterated its commitment to purging the market of unregulated drugs and ensuring that those who facilitate the illicit trade face the full rigour of the law. The raid at Okaishie Drug Lane highlights persistent concerns regarding the accessibility of potent prescription drugs on the open market. By targeting specific distribution hubs, the police aim to disrupt the supply chain of narcotics that contribute to substance abuse. Further legal proceedings are expected as the police work with relevant regulatory bodies to verify the source of the seized pharmaceuticals and identify any broader networks involved in the distribution chain.

Husband seen in viral video assaulting wife at Agona Nkwanta sentenced to 3 months in jail with hard labour
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Emmanuel Kwofie jailed for three months for assaulting wife

The Agona Nkwanta District Court has sentenced 30-year-old farmer Emmanuel Kwofie to three months of imprisonment with hard labor. The ruling follows Kwofie’s conviction for the physical assault of his wife, Diana Mensah, an incident that drew significant national attention. The convict pleaded guilty to the charges, admitting to the violent conduct which was documented in a video that subsequently went viral across social media platforms. The assault took place on October 8, after a domestic dispute escalated at the couple's home. According to court records, Kwofie accused his wife of infidelity, which served as the pretext for the severe beating. The recorded footage of the incident, which showed the victim being physically abused, sparked widespread public outrage and led to intense pressure on local authorities to take swift action against the perpetrator. Following a police investigation triggered by the viral footage, Kwofie was arrested on October 12. He was brought before the court on October 14, where the presiding judge, Mr. Kuma Selorm Dzata, handed down the custodial sentence. The case highlights the increasing role of digital documentation in bringing domestic violence cases to the forefront of the justice system, ensuring that such acts are prosecuted when evidence emerges in the public domain.