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.

Charles Lwanga Puozing (middle), Upper West Regional Minister,with the honoured officers
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Ghana Law Enforcement: Officers Honoured for Dismantling Gang as Police Foil Targeted Assassination in Accra

Ghana’s law enforcement agencies have intensified their crackdown on violent crime across the country, marked by successful intelligence-led operations in the Greater Accra and Upper West regions. In a significant victory for regional security, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) recently approved the promotion of four gallant officers for their bravery in dismantling a violent robbery syndicate in the Upper West Region. General Sergeant Kwashe Divine Mort, Detective/Sergeant Salifu Ishmeal Allketisiwin, General Corporal Ernest Ameyaw Akunfi, and General Corporal John Bekaar Vitus were recognized for their dedication in identifying and arresting gang members who had terrorized residents of the Wa West District and Wa Municipality. The gang, which used machetes to assault victims, was responsible for the theft of over GH"25,344, leaving a trail of fear that the Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozing, stated can only be quelled through such professional police-public collaboration. In the capital, the Madina Divisional Police Command successfully thwarted a planned assassination in the Botwe area. On September 4, 2026, police arrested Abubakar Altine and Eric Tettey Adejetey following an intelligence-led ambush at the Botwe Taxi Rank. The suspects were allegedly preparing to murder Esther Dankwa, a local Susu collector. Preliminary investigations suggest that Altine, who reportedly owed Dankwa a significant sum of money, orchestrated the conspiracy to avoid repayment. The two suspects appeared before the Adenta Magistrate Court on September 7, 2026, where they were remanded into custody pending further hearings scheduled for late September. This proactive intervention highlights the increasing efficacy of police surveillance and rapid response in preventing violent debt-related crimes. However, while police efforts are yielding results, the rise of vigilante justice remains a challenge for authorities. In East Legon, an alleged phone snatcher narrowly escaped death on the evening of September 10, 2026, after being intercepted by an angry mob near the A&C Mall. The suspect and an accomplice on a motorbike attempted to snatch a phone from a passerby, but the failed attempt led to a confrontation where onlookers threatened to lynch the suspect. The incident, captured in the vicinity of the high-traffic mall, serves as a stark reminder of the public's growing impatience with petty crime, though security experts continue to warn against mob justice, urging citizens to hand suspects over to the police to ensure the rule of law is maintained. These collective developments underscore the dual reality of Ghana's current security landscape: a more proactive and celebrated police force grappling with sophisticated criminal plots, alongside a public that occasionally resorts to extrajudicial measures. As the administration of President John Mahama continues to prioritize national safety, the emphasis remains on strengthening the bond between security agencies and the communities they serve. Regional commanders have reiterated that while two members of the Upper West robbery gang remain at large, the ongoing cooperation of the public is essential for ensuring that all criminals are brought to justice through the proper legal channels.

Fatal Collision at Matsekorpe Junction Leaves One Dead and Eight Injured on Tema-Aflao Highway
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Fatal Collision at Matsekorpe Junction Leaves One Dead and Eight Injured on Tema-Aflao Highway

A tragic road accident at Matsekorpe Junction on the Sege-Kasseh stretch of the Tema-Aflao Highway has claimed the life of one female passenger and left eight others injured. The incident, which occurred at approximately 14:30 on Tuesday, involved a multi-vehicle collision between a Toyota Corolla and two Opel Astra taxis. Emergency responders transported the injured victims to the Sege Polyclinic, where medical personnel have reported that two individuals remain in critical condition. According to eyewitness reports, the crash was triggered by the reckless maneuvers of the Toyota Corolla driver. Witnesses, including Reverend Sampson Agbemabiase, stated that the Corolla was speeding and attempted a dangerous overtake, leading to an initial collision with one of the taxis. This first impact caused a chain reaction that pulled a second taxi into the crash. The force of the collision resulted in significant structural damage to all three vehicles and immediate casualties among the passengers. Local officials and community leaders have expressed grave concern following the incident. Mr. Ofori Apronti, the Local Assembly Member, highlighted the recurring issue of overloaded commercial vehicles, specifically taxis, which he noted often exacerbates the severity of road accidents. He urged commercial drivers to prioritize road safety over speed and profit. Additionally, witnesses criticized the response times of emergency services, with Reverend Agbemabiase calling for more efficient protocols to ensure that victims of highway accidents receive timely medical attention. As the police continue their investigation into the specific circumstances of the crash, the tragedy has renewed public calls for stricter traffic enforcement on the Tema-Aflao Highway, a route frequently cited for high-speed travel and risky driving behavior. Authorities are urging all motorists to exercise maximum caution and adhere to safety regulations to prevent further loss of life on the nation's roads.

Tafo Court Remands Driver Clement Ofori Following Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash in Krofrom
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Tafo Court Remands Driver Clement Ofori Following Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash in Krofrom

The Tafo Circuit Court has remanded 49-year-old driver Clement Ofori into police custody following a devastating multi-vehicle accident in the Krofrom area of the Ashanti Region, which resulted in one fatality and several injuries. The incident occurred when Ofori’s DAF trailer truck, which was transporting transit goods to Burkina Faso, reportedly experienced a mechanical failure while navigating the busy Krofrom-Tafo-Nhyiaeso stretch. The court, presided over by His Honour Festus Fovi Nukunu, has ordered the driver to remain in custody while investigations proceed. The crash, which took place at approximately 4:00 p.m., saw the heavy-duty vehicle lose control and collide with six other vehicles, a tricycle, and a motorbike before finally crashing into several roadside shops. The tragedy claimed the life of a 20-year-old pillion rider, while multiple other victims sustained various degrees of injury. Emergency responders, including the Ghana National Fire Service, were deployed to the scene to rescue individuals trapped in the wreckage, with many survivors transported to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital for urgent medical care. Driver Clement Ofori has attributed the cause of the accident to a sudden brake failure while descending a hilly section of the road. Following the collision, local police secured the scene to gather evidence and facilitate the towing of damaged vehicles. Technical officers from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) are currently assisting the police in a formal investigation to determine the exact cause of the mechanical failure and assess the truck's roadworthiness at the time of the incident. This fatal event has intensified concerns regarding heavy-duty vehicle safety in the Ashanti Region. In a related development, the Forestry Commission of Ghana has reaffirmed its directive mandating that all logs must be securely fastened before transport following a separate incident in Trede where a truck struggled to navigate a hill. As the court prepares for the next hearing on September 25, 2026, authorities are urging all commercial drivers and transport operators to prioritize regular maintenance and cargo security to prevent further loss of life on Ghana's roads.

French customs seize $260 million of cocaine shipped from Ghana to Dunkirk
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French Customs Seize $261 Million Cocaine Shipment Originating from Ghana in Massive Narcotics Bust

French customs officials have intercepted one of the largest narcotics shipments linked to Ghana in recent years, seizing nearly 3.9 metric tonnes of cocaine at the port of Dunkirk. The illicit cargo, valued at approximately –225 million (US$261.45 million), was discovered concealed within a shipping container of plastic waste. According to reports from the French organized crime prosecutor’s office, the vessel had originated in Ghana and was partially destined for Antwerp, Belgium. The seizure, which took place on September 10, 2026, represents a significant victory for European law enforcement in the ongoing battle against international drug trafficking. The operation was the result of a targeted investigation into a suspected criminal network involved in organized narcotics importation. Upon discovery, the cocaine was immediately confiscated and destroyed by authorities. French judicial police have since opened a formal investigation into the associated criminal associations, with the importation of organized narcotics carrying a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. This enforcement action highlights the scale of the challenge; in 2025 alone, French customs confiscated a total of 108.81 tonnes of various narcotics with a market value of approximately –2.197 billion. In a separate but notable enforcement action, authorities at Dublin Airport uncovered an increasingly creative smuggling method, seizing approximately five kilograms of cocaine hidden inside bags of lollipops. The discovery, made by revenue officers and garda’ during a passenger baggage search, led to the recovery of drugs valued at –500,000. Subsequent follow-up searches yielded an additional –16,000 in cash and other controlled substances worth –14,500. A man in his 60s was arrested and charged in connection with the Dublin incident, appearing in court shortly thereafter. These high-profile seizures underscore the persistent use of both massive commercial shipments and clever individual concealment techniques to move illicit substances across borders. As investigations continue into the criminal networks behind the shipment from Ghana, international law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify cooperation to dismantle the supply chains linking West African ports to European hubs. The focus remains on improving scanning technologies and intelligence sharing to prevent legitimate trade routes, such as plastic waste recycling, from being exploited by organized crime syndicates.

7 dead, 21 injured in Hwidiem-Acherensua highway crash
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Ahafo Road Crash: Seven Dead and 21 Injured in Hwidiem-Acherensua Highway Collision

A devastating road accident on the Hwidiem-Acherensua Highway in the Ahafo Region claimed the lives of seven people and left 21 others injured on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The collision involved a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus and a Kia Picanto, occurring after a mechanical failure led to a loss of vehicle control. Emergency response teams were quickly deployed to the scene to manage the wreckage and attend to the victims of the high-impact crash. Preliminary investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) indicate that the accident was triggered by a tyre burst on the Sprinter bus. The sudden failure caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, which then veered into the path of the Kia Picanto. Firefighters worked to rescue trapped passengers from the mangled vehicles, and those who survived with various degrees of injury were rushed to St. Elizabeth Hospital for urgent medical attention. ACFO I, the Ahafo Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service, visited the injured at the hospital to offer support and wish them a speedy recovery. While the identities of the seven deceased individuals have not yet been officially released pending notification of their next of kin, medical staff are working to stabilize the 21 survivors currently receiving treatment. The incident has once again sparked serious concerns regarding road safety and the necessity for regular vehicle maintenance within the region. This latest tragedy highlights the persistent dangers on major highways and the critical importance of tyre safety and speed management. Local authorities and road safety advocates are expected to use this incident to renew calls for stricter enforcement of safety protocols and more frequent vehicle inspections. For now, the Hwidiem-Acherensua community remains in mourning as families await further information regarding those lost in the collision.

Police rescue Bismark Amoh allegedly abducted at Assin Fosu
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Central North Regional Police Rescue Bismark Amoh Following Abduction and Ransom Demands in Assin Fosu

The Central North Regional Police Command has successfully rescued 30-year-old Bismark Amoh, who was kidnapped in Assin Fosu, Central Region. Mr. Amoh was abducted on September 6, 2026, sparking an intensive search and rescue operation by law enforcement. The rescue marks the end of a harrowing ordeal for the victim, who was held in captivity for over 48 hours while his family faced escalating financial demands and threats from his captors. Following the abduction, the kidnappers initially contacted Mr. Amoh’s family to demand a ransom of GH¢45,000 for his safe release. In a desperate attempt to secure his freedom, the family managed to raise and send GH¢19,500 to the perpetrators. However, rather than releasing the victim as expected, the kidnappers increased their demand to GH¢49,500 and threatened to take his life if the additional payment was not completed. To exert further pressure, the suspects sent disturbing audio and video recordings to the family, which documented the victim being abused and threatened. The Central North Regional Police Command intensified its investigative efforts and searches after the incident was reported, eventually leading to the successful rescue of Mr. Amoh. Following his recovery, he was immediately transported to a medical facility to receive professional care and treatment for the physical and psychological trauma sustained during his time in captivity. Police officials have confirmed that while the victim is now safe, he remains under medical observation. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the abduction are ongoing as the police continue to hunt for the suspects involved. Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide any information that could lead to the apprehension of the kidnappers. The successful rescue reinforces the police's commitment to tackling violent crime, though the incident has raised local concerns regarding security and the safety of residents in the Central Region.

Infographic with a chart showing average monthly temperatures by year since 1940, and the record reached in August 2026, according to Copernicus data. By Paz PIZARRO, Sylvie HUSSON (AFP)
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Copernicus Climate Service Declares August 2026 Hottest Month Ever Recorded Globally

Global temperatures reached an unprecedented peak in August 2026, marking it as the hottest month ever recorded in human history. According to data from Europe’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, the average global temperature reached 16.96°C, shattering the previous record established in July 2023. This climatic milestone coincided with a summer of extreme weather events, including intense heatwaves and devastating wildfires that have particularly impacted Western Europe and the contiguous United States. Climate scientists attribute this alarming spike in temperature to the dual impact of long-term human-induced climate change and the emergence of a powerful El Niño weather pattern. The ongoing burning of fossil fuels remains the primary driver of the underlying warming trend, while the intensifying El Niño—characterized by the warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean—has added significant momentum to the record-breaking heat. Experts noted that the synergy between these two factors created the atmospheric conditions necessary for the historic temperatures observed throughout the month. The outlook for the near future remains concerning as the current El Niño is expected to reach its peak later this year. The Copernicus Climate Change Service warns that without immediate and substantial reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions, these record-high temperatures will likely become a recurring reality rather than an anomaly. Furthermore, early projections for 2027 suggest it could potentially set even higher records as the compounding effects of global warming and the tail end of the El Niño cycle continue to influence global weather systems. This trend underscores an urgent need for global climate action to mitigate the escalating risks of extreme heat and its associated environmental consequences.

Tragic Bukavu School Fire Claims 14 Lives Following Stampede in DR Congo
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Tragic Bukavu School Fire Claims 14 Lives Following Stampede in DR Congo

A horrific fire at the Ujamaa primary school in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, has claimed the lives of at least 14 children, sparking a chaotic and deadly stampede as students desperately tried to escape the inferno. The blaze broke out while classes were in session, transforming a routine school day into a scene of utter devastation. According to local reports and eyewitness accounts, the rapid spread of the fire and the resulting panic created a lethal environment, leading to multiple fatalities and leaving dozens of others injured. The tragedy was compounded by the school's physical structure and its location within a densely populated area. Witnesses described a harrowing scene as trapped students, finding their exits blocked by flames and smoke, resorted to jumping from the upper floors of the building to escape the heat. The school’s wooden construction allowed the fire to intensify with terrifying speed, quickly overwhelming any immediate attempts at containment. Local health sources have indicated that in addition to the fatalities, approximately 50 students and several teachers were rushed to medical facilities suffering from severe asphyxia and other fire-related injuries. This latest disaster highlights a recurring and troubling pattern of deadly fires in Bukavu, often attributed to substandard construction practices and a chronic lack of adequate firefighting infrastructure. Residents and observers have pointed out that the region’s dense urban layout and the prevalence of flammable building materials make such incidents both frequent and difficult to manage. This tragedy mirrors a similar event in Bukavu from the previous year, which also resulted in 14 deaths, underscoring an urgent need for improved safety regulations and emergency response capabilities to protect vulnerable students in the region.

Station Worker Jonathan Quaicoe Honored for Returning £3,000 as Public Shaming Parade Occurs in Begoro
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Station Worker Jonathan Quaicoe Honored for Returning £3,000 as Public Shaming Parade Occurs in Begoro

Recent events in Ghana have highlighted contrasting approaches to community ethics, ranging from a remarkable act of honesty by a transport worker to the public shaming of an alleged petty thief. In Greater Accra, Jonathan Quaicoe, a station loading boy at Ayi Mensah, is being celebrated as a model of integrity after returning a substantial sum of foreign and local currency left behind in a commercial vehicle. In sharp contrast, a man in Begoro Christom was subjected to a public parade of shame after being accused of stealing food items from a local farm. Jonathan Quaicoe discovered a bag containing £3,000 and GH¢1,000 that had been forgotten by a passenger. Rather than keeping the windfall, Quaicoe promptly handed the bag over to the police to ensure it reached its rightful owner. The owner, a woman who had realized her loss after arriving in Koforidua, had already reported the incident. The subsequent police investigation led them to Quaicoe, whose transparency facilitated the swift return of the funds. His actions have earned him significant praise and financial rewards from both the grateful owner and the police department, highlighting the impact of individual honesty on community trust. Meanwhile, a different form of community justice was captured in a video from September 10, 2026, in Begoro Christom. A suspect accused of stealing plantains and cassava was forced to carry the stolen produce on his head while being paraded through the town. The exercise, reportedly organized by the owner of the stolen items, was intended to force a public confession and expose the suspect's intended destination for the goods. The spectacle drew a crowd and has since sparked debate over the use of public humiliation as a deterrent for petty theft in rural areas. These two incidents reflect the diverse ways in which Ghanaian communities navigate the complexities of morality and justice. While Quaicoe’s story demonstrates the positive outcomes of individual integrity and formal law enforcement cooperation, the Begoro incident highlights a more traditional and controversial method of social enforcement. Together, they underscore a continuing national dialogue regarding the values of accountability, trust, and the most effective ways to address criminal behavior within the society.

AP A large sinkhole is seen outside a mansion in Malibu, with emergency servicves attending, and palm trees and the ocean seen in the background
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Nicolas Cage's Malibu Home Affected by Massive Sinkhole Following Heavy Storms

A massive sinkhole measuring approximately 30 feet by 30 feet has opened outside the Malibu residence of Hollywood actor Nicolas Cage, following a period of intense weather in Southern California. The structural failure began with the collapse of the property's driveway earlier this week, escalating from what residents initially perceived as a minor eight-foot fissure into a significant geological hazard. While the incident caused substantial property damage, local authorities have confirmed that no injuries were reported during the event. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene early Tuesday morning after the collapse triggered a gas leak, posing an immediate threat to the neighborhood. Response teams successfully secured the leak, but the stability of the site remains a primary concern. The sinkhole has now reached a scale that allows ocean waves to surge within it, further eroding the ground beneath the coastal road and complicating recovery efforts for the actor's estate. This development has significantly hampered access to the property and surrounding residences. The environmental catastrophe is attributed to a combination of heavy rainfall and coastal flooding exacerbated by Tropical Storm Marie. Although the storm remained offshore, its influence brought high waves and significant precipitation to the Malibu coastline, weakening the soil structure. The sheer volume of water led to the sudden failure of the driveway, which officials note was the precursor to the larger crater that eventually consumed part of the public access area and street infrastructure. In the wake of the collapse, local officials have declared several homes on the street unsafe for occupancy, warning that the ground remains unstable. Access to the area is strictly restricted as engineers and emergency crews assess the extent of the road damage. The incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Malibu's coastal properties to extreme weather events, leaving residents and city planners to face difficult questions regarding the long-term safety and stability of beachfront infrastructure.

Bishop Daniel Obinim Issues Curses Against Journalist Ola Michael Following Divorce Claims
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Bishop Daniel Obinim Issues Curses Against Journalist Ola Michael Following Divorce Claims

Bishop Daniel Obinim, the founder and leader of the International God’s Way Church, has reportedly invoked spiritual curses against media personality and Neat FM presenter Ola Michael. The confrontation stems from public statements made by the journalist regarding the status of the Bishop’s marriage. This latest incident highlights the ongoing tension between the controversial clergyman and media figures who report on his private life, leading to a significant stir within the Ghanaian social and religious landscape. The controversy was sparked during a broadcast on Neat FM, where Ola Michael alleged that the Bishop and his wife were experiencing severe marital difficulties that could result in a divorce. To substantiate his claims, Michael informed his audience that his report was based on details provided by a close member of Bishop Obinim’s family. The assertion quickly gained traction online, prompting a swift and aggressive response from the spiritual leader who chose to address the journalist directly through his platform. In his reaction, Bishop Obinim denounced the reports as false and directed several curses toward Ola Michael for what he considered an attempt to bring public ridicule to his household. Rather than pursuing legal action or a formal media rebuttal, the Bishop’s decision to use spiritual pronouncements has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While some supporters defend his right to spiritual defense, others have raised concerns about the appropriateness of such responses to media reports. As of now, Neat FM and the journalist involved have not retracted the story, leaving the public divided on the veracity of the divorce allegations.

The arrested suspects
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Ghana Police Intensify Crackdown on Criminal Networks with Major Arrests and Live Radio Operation

The Ghana Police Service has significantly escalated its efforts to combat organized crime, marked by a series of high-profile operations that have resulted in numerous arrests and the recovery of a significant cache of weaponry. Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohuno recently announced the dismantling of several dangerous robbery syndicates following extensive operations spanning from April to September 2026. This broader sweep against violent crime coincided with a dramatic, viral incident where officers interrupted a live radio broadcast to apprehend a suspect involved in international fraud, signaling a proactive and multifaceted stance by law enforcement. According to IGP Yohuno, the nationwide operations led to the apprehension of 20 suspects linked to various organized criminal networks. During these raids, police successfully seized 11 AK-47 rifles along with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, effectively neutralizing groups believed to be responsible for several bank robberies and high-profile murders, including the tragic case of a missing couple. The Inspector-General emphasized that these successes are part of a strategic initiative to dismantle the infrastructure of violent crime across multiple regions. Several of the suspects have already been remanded into custody as investigations continue into their broader criminal connections. In a separate but equally striking display of police activity, officers recently stormed the studios of Ahenfie FM during a live program to execute an arrest related to international scamming. The operation took place during a show hosted by Ohenini Adazoa, where officers apprehended a man suspected of acting as a "middleman" in a sophisticated UK visa fraud scheme. The dramatic encounter, which was captured on video and has since gone viral on social media, showed the moment a police officer entered the studio to take the suspect into custody mid-broadcast. This incident has sparked significant public discussion regarding the persistence of authorities in tracking down individuals who exploit citizens through fraudulent travel schemes. As the Ghana Police Service continues its investigations, these recent actions highlight a dual focus on eradicating violent robbery and addressing the rising tide of visa-related fraud. The authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining public safety and ensuring that those involved in organized criminal activities face the full rigors of the law. With over 20 suspects currently entering the judicial system and further investigations pending into the visa fraud network, law enforcement officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with the police to sustain this momentum in the fight against crime.