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.

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Ghana Police Apprehend Suspect Abraham Awondok in Dubai for the Murder of Dr. Jesse Amuah and Wife

The Ghana Police Service has achieved a major breakthrough in the investigation into the gruesome murder of Dr. Jesse Amuah and his wife, Elizabeth Esi Amuah, with the arrest of 32-year-old Abraham Awondok. Awondok, who served as an errand boy for the couple, was apprehended in Dubai and deported to Ghana following the issuance of an INTERPOL Red Notice. This development follows months of intensive investigation after the couple was first reported missing in March 2026, only for their bodies to be discovered a month later in April. According to Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohunu, the suspect allegedly fled the country shortly after the crime, taking several of the victims' personal belongings. During police interrogation upon his return to Ghana, Awondok reportedly admitted to the murders. The investigation had previously led detectives to search the couple’s residence and other locations they frequented, eventually uncovering evidence of foul play that linked the errand boy directly to the tragic event. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that the vehicle stolen from the couple has been successfully recovered as part of the ongoing probe. The suspect remains in police custody while authorities finalize their case for prosecution. This arrest marks a significant step toward justice for the Amuah family and underscores the effectiveness of international police cooperation via INTERPOL in tracking suspects who flee across borders to evade local law enforcement. The Ghana Police Service has used this opportunity to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities within their communities. While the primary suspect is now in custody, the police maintain that the investigation remains active to ensure all facets of the crime are fully understood and documented. The tragic loss of the Accra-based doctor and his spouse has deeply impacted the community, and this arrest brings a sense of progression toward a legal resolution in the criminal proceedings.

Ghana Police Neutralize Armed Robbery Syndicates Targeting Banks and Gold Dealers
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Ghana Police Neutralize Armed Robbery Syndicates Targeting Banks and Gold Dealers

The Ghana Police Service has successfully dismantled two major criminal syndicates responsible for a string of violent robberies across the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Western regions. Following months of intelligence-led operations, security forces disrupted a sophisticated group targeting bank customers in the capital and an armed gang preying on mining sites and gold dealers. These operations, which intensified between August and September 2026, resulted in several arrests and the recovery of high-grade weaponry, including AK-47 rifles and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. In Accra, police foild a planned attack in Labone on August 13, 2026, targeting customers withdrawing large sums of money. The syndicate, which had been under surveillance since April, was linked to a May robbery in Tema where a woman was robbed of GH¢50,000 and a June attack in Achimota. The confrontation in Labone escalated into a shootout, resulting in the deaths of two suspects and the arrest of Augustine Okechuku Maazi. Investigators recovered a firearm and various stolen vehicle registration plates used by the group to evade detection while monitoring bank premises. Simultaneously, police operations in the Ashanti and Western regions targeted a violent gang responsible for attacks on gold shops and mining communities in Wassa Akropong and Diaso. Between August and early September, five suspects—including Clinton Mawuli and Richmond Mensah—were apprehended. One suspect, Seidu Salifu, died during the operation. Authorities also recovered three AK-47 rifles, one of which was found buried on farmland to conceal evidence, and over 350 rounds of ammunition. Some members of this gang have been further linked to the robbery and murder of gold buyer Seth Kobina. In response to these threats, the Police Administration has deployed special tactical teams to the affected mining communities and increased surveillance around financial hubs in the capital. While several key figures are in custody, investigations remain active as security forces pursue additional syndicate members still at large. The Ghana Police Service continues to urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, particularly when conducting large financial transactions or operating in remote mining areas.

GWCL to Resume Weija Dam Spillage on September 9 Amid Rising Water Levels
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GWCL to Resume Weija Dam Spillage on September 9 Amid Rising Water Levels

The Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) has announced that it will resume the controlled spillage of water from the Weija Dam on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. This decision comes as a direct response to a significant rise in water levels following heavy rainfall in the dam's catchment area and regions upstream. The management of GWCL explained that the spillage is a necessary precautionary measure to safeguard the structural integrity of the dam and prevent potential disaster as the reservoir nears its maximum capacity. Technical reports indicate that the water level in the Weija Dam has reached 45.2 feet, which is perilously close to the critical safety threshold of 46 feet. With further rains expected, the water utility company noted that the rate of inflow necessitated the opening of the spillways to manage the excess volume safely. The GWCL emphasized that maintaining the water level within safe limits is vital to ensuring the continued operation of the treatment plant and the overall safety of the surrounding infrastructure. Residents living downstream have been placed on high alert and are strongly advised to prepare for possible evacuation and potential flooding. Specific communities identified as high-risk areas include Tetegu, Oblogo, Pambros Salt, Lower Weija, and Ade Kopey. The GWCL has urged inhabitants in these flood-prone zones to take immediate precautionary measures, move valuable items to higher ground, and remain vigilant as the spillage begins. The company is actively collaborating with local authorities to monitor the situation and provide necessary guidance to those affected. The GWCL has called for maximum cooperation from all stakeholders and community members to ensure the safety of lives and property during this period. While the spillage is a standard operational procedure during heavy rainy seasons, the company stressed that compliance with official directives and evacuation orders is essential. Local emergency services and disaster management agencies are expected to remain on standby to assist residents as the controlled release of water continues.

Investigators Recover Flight Recorders Following Fatal Amazon Cargo Plane Crash at Miami International Airport
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Investigators Recover Flight Recorders Following Fatal Amazon Cargo Plane Crash at Miami International Airport

Federal investigators have successfully recovered the flight data and cockpit voice recorders from a Boeing 767-300 cargo plane that crashed at Miami International Airport. The incident, which occurred as the aircraft attempted to land during adverse weather conditions, resulted in five fatalities and five injuries. The aircraft, operated by 21 Air on behalf of Amazon, reportedly overran the runway, leading to a significant emergency response and the launch of a comprehensive investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The crash took place amidst severe thunderstorms, which investigators believe may have played a critical role in the aircraft's inability to shed speed during its descent. After overrunning the runway, the cargo jet reportedly lost control and struck several vehicles on a nearby road, further complicating the rescue efforts. A 32-person team from the NTSB has been deployed to the site to examine the wreckage and analyze the recovered "black boxes." Their probe will specifically focus on flight history, crew training, maintenance records, and whether existing runway safety features were sufficient to prevent the overrun. The incident caused widespread disruption at Miami International Airport, one of the busiest hubs in the United States, particularly as it occurred during the busy Labor Day holiday period. The resulting runway closures led to numerous flight cancellations and delays, affecting thousands of travelers. The Mayor of Virginia Gardens, a community adjacent to the airport, noted the profound impact the crash had on local residents and praised the coordinated rescue response that prioritized victim recovery and human safety in the immediate aftermath. Both Amazon and 21 Air have issued statements expressing their deepest condolences to the families of those lost and have pledged full cooperation with federal authorities. As the NTSB begins the meticulous process of analyzing the flight recorders, the aviation community awaits findings that could influence future safety protocols for cargo operations and runway management in inclement weather. For now, the focus remains on supporting the survivors and understanding the sequence of events that led to this tragic accident.

Travel Agent Clement Osei-Wusu Remanded Over GH₵107,000 Security Services Recruitment Scam
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Travel Agent Clement Osei-Wusu Remanded Over GH₵107,000 Security Services Recruitment Scam

Clement Osei-Wusu, a travel and tour agent, has been remanded into lawful custody by an Accra Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a civil servant and his family of GH₵107,000. The accused is facing charges of defrauding by false pretenses after promising his victims non-existent job placements within several of Ghana's primary security and regulatory agencies. Appearing before presiding judge Mr. Joseph Y. Kunsong, Osei-Wusu pleaded not guilty to the charges despite prosecution claims that he admitted to the offense during initial police interrogations. The fraudulent scheme reportedly began when the complainant encountered advertisements for recruitment slots on a WhatsApp group. Exploiting the high demand for public sector employment, Osei-Wusu allegedly convinced the civil servant that he had the influence to secure positions within the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the Ghana Police Service (GPS), the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Trusting these representations, the complainant and his relatives paid various sums totaling GH₵107,000 to the agent to facilitate their enlistment. The situation came to light after the accused failed to deliver on any of the promised recruitment slots. Prosecution details indicate that after receiving the funds, Osei-Wusu eventually blocked the complainant’s communication channels to avoid accountability. Realizing they had been scammed, the victims reported the matter to the police, leading to the agent's arrest. While Osei-Wusu maintains his innocence in court, the prosecution argued that he had no legitimate means or authority to provide the promised employment. This case underscores a persistent challenge in Ghana, where scammers frequently target job seekers with false promises of entry into the security services. The Accra Circuit Court has adjourned the case, and Osei-Wusu is scheduled to reappear on September 22, 2026. The remanding of the accused serves as a cautionary tale for the public regarding the risks of paying private individuals for government recruitment slots, which are strictly managed through official state protocols.

Ghana Repatriates Musician Barosky as King Charles III Clarifies Royal Status for Harry and Meghan
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Ghana Repatriates Musician Barosky as King Charles III Clarifies Royal Status for Harry and Meghan

Significant developments involving the United Kingdom have emerged this week, ranging from the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad to the formal structuring of the British Monarchy. Following a successful diplomatic intervention, veteran highlife musician Barosky has been repatriated to Ghana from Manchester. Simultaneously, King Charles III has provided definitive clarity on the official status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as they return to British soil. The repatriation of Barosky was initiated after distressing footage of the artist surfaced online, sparking concerns among the Ghanaian public and the diaspora. Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Sabah Zita Benson, personally visited the musician to facilitate his return. Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the government under President John Mahama’s administration funded the repatriation and is currently providing the veteran artist with reintegration support. The Minister expressed gratitude to the public and broadcaster Nana Romeo for their vigilance in highlighting the musician's plight. In London, King Charles III has reaffirmed that Prince Harry and Meghan will remain non-working royals, ending speculation about a potential return to official duties. A formal letter from the Lord Chamberlain clarified that the couple’s role cannot evolve into a "hybrid" status, maintaining the strict conditions established during the 2020 Sandringham Agreement. As private citizens focused on independent ventures, the Duke and Duchess will no longer have access to public funds for their activities, and any operational security matters will be strictly managed through Buckingham Palace and relevant authorities to ensure accountability. These two events highlight different facets of international and domestic governance. For the Ghanaian government, the swift response to Barosky’s situation underscores a commitment to citizen diplomacy and the welfare of national icons regardless of their location. Meanwhile, the reaffirmation of the Sussexes' status provides a clear path forward for the British Monarchy, ensuring institutional stability. As Barosky begins his recovery in Ghana, the focus remains on the state's capacity to support its citizens, while the Royal Family continues to navigate its modern identity.

Ghanaian Law Enforcement Targets Counterfeit Trade and Narcotics in Recent Enforcement Actions
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Ghanaian Law Enforcement Targets Counterfeit Trade and Narcotics in Recent Enforcement Actions

Ghanaian law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts against illicit commercial activities, resulting in a significant court fine for a counterfeit trader and the closure of a popular pub in Accra. In two separate enforcement actions, authorities have targeted the sale of forged goods and the suspected distribution of narcotics, signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward illegal trade that threatens public health and intellectual property rights. At the Asokwa Circuit Court, trader Jeanice Mensah was sentenced to pay a fine of GH¢12,000 for her involvement in the sale of counterfeit Amuzu Bitters and the forgery of trademarks. The court’s decision underscores the legal consequences of intellectual property theft in the Ghanaian market. Mensah faces a two-month prison sentence with hard labor should she default on the payment. This ruling highlights the ongoing battle against the infiltration of counterfeit beverages into the retail chain, which poses significant health risks to consumers and financial losses to legitimate manufacturers. Meanwhile, in Accra, the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) carried out a targeted overnight operation on September 4, 2026, at the Laboma beach area. The operation led to the closure of the Amsterdam Pub and the arrest of three individuals suspected of facilitating narcotics-related activities. While the three suspects are currently assisting with investigations, the primary suspect remains at large. This raid is part of NACOC’s broader strategy to disrupt hubs of illicit drug distribution within the hospitality and entertainment sectors. Following the raid, NACOC issued a stern warning to owners of entertainment venues, cautioning that their establishments must not be used as conduits for drug trafficking or consumption. These combined actions by the judiciary and specialized law enforcement agencies reflect a heightened vigilance against criminal activities embedded in daily commerce. As investigations continue and the court enforces penalties, the focus remains on ensuring that business operations across the country comply with legal standards and public safety regulations.

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Regional Initiatives Drive Professional Excellence and Public Safety in Ashanti and Bono East

Regional authorities in the Ashanti and Bono East regions have introduced new measures to elevate professional standards and enhance public safety. In Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has officially launched the 2025 Ashanti Media Excellence Awards, inviting nominations to recognize outstanding journalism across the region. Simultaneously, the Bono East Regional Fire Command has initiated a specialized fire safety drive in Techiman targeting master artisans. Both initiatives highlight a decentralized approach to improving institutional accountability and community welfare. The Ashanti GJA awards are being held under the theme "Celebrating Excellence, Championing Credibility: Journalism in the Age of AI." Regional Chairman Kofi Adu Domfeh emphasized the urgency of maintaining professionalism and transparency as the industry grapples with the rise of artificial intelligence and the spread of misinformation. The awards feature various categories, including health, education, and sports, with updated nomination guidelines to ensure a transparent selection process. The final ceremony is slated for the first week of October, providing a platform to honor those who uphold the integrity of the press. In a parallel effort to protect local industries, the Bono East Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) organized a fire safety session for 55 artisan leaders on September 8, 2026. Led by ACFO I Rev. Naomi Ofori-Adubea Sarpong, the initiative aimed to equip master craftsmen with the skills to identify and mitigate workplace hazards. Participants described the session as a "first-of-its-kind" opportunity, expressing a strong desire for regular training to keep their apprentices and workshops safe from preventable fire disasters. This proactive engagement is seen as vital for protecting the livelihoods of those in the informal sector. These regional programs demonstrate a concerted effort by professional bodies and emergency services to address modern challenges at the local level. While the GJA works to safeguard the integrity of the press in an increasingly digital world, the GNFS is focusing on the practical safety needs of the regional workforce. Together, these initiatives contribute to a more resilient and professional society, fostering a culture of excellence and safety that benefits the broader Ghanaian community.

A section of the road
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Minister Agbodza Updates on Suame Interchange Progress Amid Infrastructure Challenges in Berekum and Abuja

The Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has confirmed that Phase Two of the Suame Interchange project in the Ashanti Region is nearing completion, with the facility expected to open to traffic by late October. Currently standing at 87% completion, the second phase of this GH""3 billion infrastructure investment includes the construction of three vital overpasses at Anoamangye, Maakro, and Abusuakruwa. Resident Engineer Dennis Kusi Boateng noted that dualization of the Offinso Road (N10) is also 77% finished. While the project has faced hurdles such as vandalism and the necessity of additional demolitions, the Minister expressed satisfaction that the new routes will provide significant relief to motorists by the Christmas season, allowing the government to shift focus to Phase One, which is slated for completion by 2028. While progress continues in the Ashanti Region, the Berekum Municipality in the Bono Region is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating rainstorm. The downpour caused extensive property damage across the Kyiribaa, Brenyekwa, and Berekum Zongo areas, where floodwaters breached numerous homes and displaced residents. Local Assembly Member Florence Adusah attributed the severity of the flooding to a combination of clogged drainage systems and unregulated building practices. Impacted citizens have called for immediate intervention from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Municipal Assembly to provide relief and address the structural drainage deficiencies that leave the community vulnerable to seasonal weather patterns. In a separate and more critical infrastructure failure, a building collapsed in the Wuse Zone 4 district of Abuja, Nigeria, shortly after being sealed by the Development Control Department of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The collapse occurred on a Monday evening, hours after authorities had ordered the building's occupants to evacuate due to safety concerns. Emergency responders, including the Federal Fire Service, launched immediate rescue operations to search for potential victims trapped beneath the debris. This incident, occurring alongside the drainage issues in Berekum, underscores the growing concerns regarding building code enforcement and urban safety across the sub-region. These collective events highlight a period of intensive infrastructure activity and the persistent challenges of urban management. As the government under President John Mahama continues to push for the completion of major transport hubs like the Suame Interchange, the concurrent disasters in Berekum and Abuja emphasize the need for rigorous oversight. Moving forward, the focus remains on balancing rapid development with the enforcement of building regulations and the maintenance of essential drainage infrastructure to prevent future property loss and ensure public safety during the implementation of large-scale national projects.

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Bunkpurugu Security Crisis: Regional Council Meets as Renewed Gunshots Heighten Tensions

Residents of Bunkpurugu in the North East Region are living in a state of heightened fear as renewed gunshots echoed through the township on Tuesday afternoon, signaling a sharp escalation in local tensions. The volatile situation has prompted the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to convene an emergency session to devise an immediate response to the growing insecurity. This latest outbreak of violence follows a series of skirmishes that have already resulted in casualties and widespread anxiety among the civilian population. The unrest intensified on Monday when initial reports of gunfire emerged, leading to at least two people sustaining significant injuries. While the specific underlying causes of this recent flare-up remain under investigation, the immediate impact has been a disruption of daily life and commerce in the area. To contain the situation, a joint force of police and military personnel has been mobilized and stationed at key vantage points across the community. These security teams are tasked with patrolling the streets and deterring further aggression between the factions involved in the conflict. As the Regional Security Council deliberates, the possibility of a total curfew looms over the town. Authorities have indicated that such a restrictive measure may be necessary to facilitate the restoration of law and order and to allow security personnel to conduct targeted operations. In the interim, officials have issued a plea for calm, urging residents to stay indoors and cooperate with the armed forces. The community remains on edge as the government and regional leaders seek a sustainable resolution to the violence that threatens the stability of the North East Region.

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Kelvin Oppong Sentenced to 15 Years for Defiling Teenager After Posing as Pastor in Tarkwa

A Tarkwa Circuit Court has handed down a 15-year prison sentence to Kelvin Oppong, a 20-year-old galamsey operator, for the defilement of a 14-year-old student. The sentencing follows a distressing incident where Oppong used a religious facade to lure and assault the minor. The conviction was secured after the defendant pleaded guilty to the charges, bringing a swift legal conclusion to a case that has sparked significant concern in the Western Region. The court heard that Oppong orchestrated the assault by posing as a pastor to gain the victim's trust. The 14-year-old, who was engaged in selling goods to support her education, was lured to Oppong’s residence under the pretext of a purchase. Once inside, the victim was given a concoction that caused her to lose consciousness. It was during this period of vulnerability that the sexual assault occurred. The victim reported the ordeal immediately upon regaining consciousness and returning to her family. The gravity of the situation was brought to light when the victim’s stepmother reported the matter to the authorities. A subsequent medical examination provided clinical confirmation of the defilement, serving as critical evidence in the case. Facing the weight of the evidence and the medical report, Oppong did not contest the allegations when he appeared before the court, leading to the immediate custodial sentence. This case highlights the persistent dangers of child exploitation and the specific risks faced by young students who work to fund their schooling. Local advocates have pointed to the incident as a stark reminder of the need for heightened vigilance and community-based protection for children. The court's firm sentence is intended to serve as a deterrent against such predatory behavior, emphasizing the judiciary's commitment to protecting minors from sexual violence and deceptive predators.

Police Probe Mysterious Death of Woman in Have Etoe and Tragic Loss of Anti-Galamsey Advocate
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Police Probe Mysterious Death of Woman in Have Etoe and Tragic Loss of Anti-Galamsey Advocate

The Ghana Police Service has initiated separate investigations into the tragic deaths of two individuals in the Volta and Central Regions, incidents that have left their respective communities in a state of shock. In the Afadzato South District, authorities are working to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman found in her backyard, while in Assin Amoabeng, residents are mourning the loss of a prominent spiritualist and anti-illegal mining advocate who was found dead in a suspected suicide. Both cases have drawn significant local attention as police work to provide answers to the grieving families. In the Volta Region, the deceased, identified as Enyonam, was discovered on a Sunday afternoon in the backyard of her residence at Have Etoe. Madam Peace Ayisem, the local Assembly Member, reported that she was alerted to the grim discovery by concerned residents through a series of urgent phone calls. Following the report, the community's traditional leadership was informed, and the police were promptly summoned to the scene to secure the area. The body has since been conveyed to a medical facility for preservation and forensic examination, and the family of the deceased has been formally notified as the investigation continues to establish the cause of death. Simultaneously, in Assin Amoabeng near Nyankumasi Ahenkro, the Central Region community is grappling with the sudden death of 52-year-old Baba Ibrahim. Ibrahim, a spiritualist and farmer widely known for his vocal advocacy against illegal mining (galamsey), was found hanging in his home. The discovery was made shortly after one of his daughters had left the house to escort her younger sibling to school. A father of seven, with his youngest child being only five years old, Ibrahim was a well-respected figure whose death has stunned his peers and fellow advocates. While the specific motives and causes behind both incidents remain under investigation, the Ghana Police Service is working to establish the full facts in each case. In Have Etoe, the focus remains on determining if foul play contributed to Enyonam's death, whereas the inquiry in Assin Amoabeng is centered on confirming the circumstances surrounding Ibrahim's suspected suicide. These separate tragedies have left both districts in mourning as families and local leaders await official autopsy results and further updates from law enforcement officials.