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.

Ghana weather today: GMA forecasts morning drizzle, afternoon thunderstorms nationwide
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Ghana Meteorological Agency Warns of Nationwide Afternoon Thunderstorms Triggered by Transboundary Rainstorm

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued a comprehensive weather forecast for Friday, warning of a significant shift from morning drizzles to widespread afternoon thunderstorms across the country. This transition is attributed to an active rainstorm system moving into Ghana from neighboring Nigeria, which is expected to influence weather patterns in all sixteen regions. The agency has placed several areas under various alert levels, including "Be Aware" and "Low Risk" categories, to ensure public safety and preparedness as the storm system progresses westward. In the coastal and middle belts, the day is expected to begin with a mix of light rain and misty conditions. Coastal cities, including Accra, Takoradi, and Aflao, are likely to see slight morning rain with temperatures fluctuating between 22°C and 30°C. Further inland, residents in Kumasi and Koforidua should anticipate early morning mist that may affect visibility, with temperatures eventually rising to a maximum of 33°C. As the afternoon heat builds, these regions will likely experience varying intensities of thunderstorms, with some southern areas seeing temperatures as high as 34°C. The northern sector, specifically regions surrounding Bolgatanga, Wa, and Nalerigu, is projected to face the most intense weather activity. GMet forecasts heightened chances of heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in these areas, driven by the core of the incoming rainstorm. Beyond land-based concerns, the agency has also issued a specific advisory for the maritime sector. Travelers and fishing communities along the coast are urged to exercise extreme caution due to anticipated rough sea conditions resulting from the turbulent weather system. As the rainy conditions settle in later in the day, GMet advises the general public to stay updated on further weather developments and take necessary precautions to avoid the hazards of flash flooding or lightning. The transition from mist to intense storm activity highlights the volatile nature of current atmospheric conditions in the West African sub-region. This detailed forecast serves as a critical guide for logistics, maritime operations, and daily commuting across Ghana, emphasizing the need for vigilance during this period of heightened storm activity.

ACFO II Emmanuel Ofori Asamoah Outlines Six-Point Vision to Revitalize Eastern Regional Fire Command
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ACFO II Emmanuel Ofori Asamoah Outlines Six-Point Vision to Revitalize Eastern Regional Fire Command

The newly appointed Eastern Regional Fire Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Fire Officer (ACFO) II Emmanuel Ofori Asamoah, has successfully concluded a month-long familiarisation tour across various fire stations in the region. The comprehensive assessment was designed to evaluate the operational readiness of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the Eastern Region and to engage directly with personnel on the ground. During the tour, ACFO II Asamoah inspected facilities and equipment, gaining firsthand insight into the critical state of the region's firefighting infrastructure and the daily hurdles faced by officers in the line of duty. The tour highlighted several systemic challenges that currently impede effective emergency response in the Eastern Region. Most notable among these are the acute shortage of functional fire tenders and the prevalence of faulty fire hydrants, which significantly hamper firefighting efforts. Additionally, the Commander identified poor road access to emergency scenes and the lack of adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as major barriers to safety and efficiency. Beyond technical logistics, the Commander noted a distressing trend of attacks on firefighters by the public and a severe lack of staff accommodation, both of which have a detrimental impact on personnel morale and retention. In response to these findings, ACFO II Asamoah has introduced a strategic six-point vision aimed at transforming the command into a model of operational excellence. This roadmap prioritizes the enhancement of emergency response capabilities and the acquisition of critical logistics. Furthermore, it focuses on intensive personnel development and the strict enforcement of discipline within the ranks. A key pillar of his strategy involves proactive public education on fire safety to foster better community relations and reduce the frequency of fire incidents. The Commander also emphasized a renewed focus on staff welfare, pledging to address accommodation and safety concerns to ensure that firefighters are well-supported in their roles. Moving forward, the Regional Commander has committed to working closely with the National Fire Service Headquarters and local stakeholders to secure the necessary resources for these improvements. By addressing the identified gaps in equipment and infrastructure, ACFO II Asamoah aims to significantly improve service delivery and ensure a more robust fire safety framework for the people of the Eastern Region. This leadership transition marks a pivotal moment for the command as it seeks to overcome long-standing obstacles and establish a more sustainable and efficient emergency response system.

Ghana National Fire Service Battles Massive Blaze at Melcom Warehouse in Tema Free Zones Enclave
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Ghana National Fire Service Battles Massive Blaze at Melcom Warehouse in Tema Free Zones Enclave

A major fire broke out at a large warehouse within the Tema Free Zones enclave on Saturday evening, triggering a massive emergency response from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). The blaze, which reportedly originated in a facility identified as a Melcom warehouse, intensified rapidly, prompting fire authorities to issue an urgent call for reinforcements. The scale of the incident necessitated a coordinated effort to prevent the inferno from spreading to adjacent industrial structures in the high-density zone. First responders from the Tema Regional Headquarters were the first on the scene, initially deploying seven fire pumps to tackle the flames. However, as the situation escalated, the operation was significantly scaled up, with over 10 fire appliances and personnel from various stations throughout the Tema Region mobilized to the site. Firefighters have been working under intense conditions to create fire breaks and contain the blaze, which threatened to engulf nearby facilities and cause even more extensive property damage. As of the latest reports, the Ghana National Fire Service has focused on preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings. While the main warehouse sustained substantial damage, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or injuries. The GNFS has issued an urgent advisory to the public to stay clear of the area to allow for the safe and efficient movement of emergency vehicles. The heavy smoke from the site also posed visibility challenges for motorists in the Tema industrial area during the height of the incident. Investigations into the cause of the fire are expected to begin once the area is fully cooled and declared safe by fire experts. This incident underscores the critical importance of fire safety protocols in industrial enclaves and the need for robust emergency response infrastructure in industrial hubs. Authorities are expected to release a comprehensive report detailing the extent of the financial losses and the potential triggers of the blaze in the coming days.

PRINPAG and WASH Journalists Network Demand Radical Urban Planning Reforms Following Accra’s Deadly June Floods
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PRINPAG and WASH Journalists Network Demand Radical Urban Planning Reforms Following Accra’s Deadly June Floods

In the wake of devastating floods that struck Accra on June 29, the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) and the Ghana WASH Journalists Network (GWJN) are demanding an immediate overhaul of the nation's urban planning and flood management strategies. The disaster, which resulted in at least 34 fatalities and affected more than 38,800 residents, has sparked a national conversation on government accountability and the urgent need for resilient infrastructure. Both organizations have expressed deep condolences to the victims while criticizing the systemic failures and government inaction that allowed the perennial flooding to reach such a catastrophic scale. PRINPAG President Mr. David Tamakloe emphasized that the current crisis requires more than temporary fixes; it necessitates a holistic approach to urban management. The association is advocating for a zero-tolerance policy regarding construction in flood-prone areas and is urging the government to rigorously enforce existing building codes. PRINPAG argues that the recurrent nature of these disasters is exacerbated by a lack of modern drainage infrastructure and a blatant disregard for environmental laws. To mitigate future risks, the association insists that authorities must prioritize the implementation of comprehensive urban designs that can withstand increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. Adding to the call for action, the Ghana WASH Journalists Network (GWJN) identified poor planning, illegal developments, and outdated infrastructure as the primary drivers of the capital's flooding woes. The network is calling for permanent engineering solutions and the immediate protection of wetlands, which serve as natural drainage systems. GWJN also stressed the importance of conducting proper hydrological studies before embarking on road and construction projects to ensure that new developments do not inadvertently block water flow or worsen existing drainage issues. The network's stance highlights a growing demand for data-driven, long-term environmental stewardship over reactionary political responses. Beyond governmental responsibility, media leaders are also calling for a significant attitudinal change among the Ghanaian public, particularly regarding waste disposal and environmental hygiene. PRINPAG and GWJN both stressed that citizen awareness is a critical component of flood mitigation, as blocked gutters and the destruction of natural waterways often stem from local activities. The media has been tasked with providing accurate reporting and safety education to help communities prepare for future events. Moving forward, the focus remains on whether the government will heed these calls for radical reform or if the capital will remain vulnerable to the next major downpour.

Government begins distribution of relief items to flood victims – Felix Kwakye Ofosu
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Ghana's Flood Crisis: 34 Dead and Nearly 90,000 Displaced as Government Intensifies Relief Operations

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has confirmed that the death toll from the devastating floods on June 29 has risen to 34, with nearly 90,000 people displaced across seven regions. The Greater Accra Region was the hardest hit, accounting for 12 of the fatalities and over 54,000 displaced individuals. President John Dramani Mahama has reported that the Ghana Armed Forces are actively involved in recovery and search operations, as officials warn the death toll could still rise while search teams reconcile the list of missing persons with recovered bodies. In response to the scale of the disaster, the government has launched a phased distribution of emergency relief items. Minister of State for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, announced that the distribution, coordinated by NADMO, began in earnest on July 1 with a focus on communities in La Dade Kotopon, Ayawaso Central, and Korle Klottey. By July 4, the operation expanded nationwide to reach all affected districts in the Volta, Central, and Greater Accra regions. Essential supplies, including food, clean water, medical aid, and temporary shelter materials, are being mobilized to assist families who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Prominent figures have not been spared by the disaster; Dennis Miracles Aboagye, the Communications Director for the NPP's presidential campaign, shared a harrowing account of losing his home and all belongings when floodwaters breached his property. To further support victims, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced an expedited process to replace passports lost or damaged in the floods, promising a one-week turnaround for affected citizens who apply between July 3 and July 17. Meanwhile, public discourse has shifted toward institutional accountability, with programs like JoyNews' Newsfile scrutinizing the recurring nature of these disasters and calling for urgent policy reforms to improve Accra's drainage and disaster management infrastructure. As recovery efforts continue, the government has committed to staying on the ground until every displaced family is housed and affected communities are restored. Mr. Kwakye Ofosu has urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with emergency services, emphasizing that the focus is now on rebuilding lives and preventing future occurrences. While the immediate priority remains the distribution of aid, the scale of this disaster has reignited a national conversation on the long-term lessons unlearned since previous major flood events in the capital.

Fire Destroys Peki Dzogbati Provision Store as Ghana National Fire Service Prevents Major Spread
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Fire Destroys Peki Dzogbati Provision Store as Ghana National Fire Service Prevents Major Spread

On Thursday, June 29, 2023, a significant fire incident occurred in Peki Dzogbati, located in the Volta Region, resulting in the total destruction of a local provision store. The blaze, which broke out during the day, quickly engulfed the wooden structure, threatening to consume neighboring properties in the busy commercial zone. The prompt arrival and strategic intervention of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were critical in managing the situation, as firefighters worked tirelessly to prevent the flames from leaping to adjoining buildings. While the store itself was lost, the swift response mitigated what could have been a much larger disaster for the community. The affected establishment, primarily constructed of timber, served as a vital provision hub for residents of Peki Dzogbati. Due to the highly flammable nature of the building materials and the contents within, the fire spread with alarming intensity. Despite the rapid response of the GNFS crew, the store and all its inventory were reduced to ashes. Firefighters deployed specialized techniques to create a firebreak, effectively isolating the blaze and ensuring that the structural integrity of nearby residences and businesses remained intact. The total loss of the store underscores the persistent risks associated with wooden commercial structures, which often lack the fire-resistant properties of modern masonry. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by fire emergency services in Ghana, particularly in regions where timber-based construction is common. The Ghana National Fire Service has frequently highlighted the susceptibility of such structures to rapid fire spread, urging business owners to prioritize fire safety measures and early detection systems. While the cause of this specific fire remains under investigation, the successful containment effort in Peki Dzogbati highlights the effectiveness of the GNFS's rapid intervention protocols. Moving forward, local authorities may need to review building codes and fire safety regulations within commercial hubs to prevent similar occurrences and safeguard the livelihoods of small-scale entrepreneurs.

Interpol Issues Red Notice for Anastasiia Berezovska Over Monaco Parcel Bombing of Multi-Millionaire Vadym Yermolaiev
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Interpol Issues Red Notice for Anastasiia Berezovska Over Monaco Parcel Bombing of Multi-Millionaire Vadym Yermolaiev

Interpol has issued a Red Notice for Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian national identified as the primary suspect in a high-profile parcel bombing in Monaco. The targeted attack, which occurred as victims were entering their residential building, resulted in serious injuries to sanctioned multi-millionaire real estate developer Vadym Yermolaiev and two others. Berezovska now faces grave charges, including attempted murder, as international law enforcement agencies intensify their search for her following the explosion. The incident has sent shockwaves through the principality, known for its high level of security and elite residents. According to reports, the explosion occurred when a package detonated as Yermolaiev, his partner, and a 13-year-old child were entering their premises. While Yermolaiev and his partner sustained severe wounds requiring intensive medical attention, the child fortunately escaped with only minor injuries. Prince Albert II of Monaco has officially condemned the attack, describing the bombing as a ‐heinous crime‐ that challenges the peace and safety of the region. Investigative leads suggest that immediately following the blast, Berezovska was spotted fleeing the scene toward the neighboring French commune of Beausoleil. The investigation has since crossed international borders, with authorities securing critical evidence from a rented apartment in Germany linked to the suspect. Police are currently working to determine if Berezovska acted alone or if there were additional accomplices involved in the planning and execution of the assassination attempt. As Berezovska remains at large, the Interpol Red Notice serves as a global alert to law enforcement agencies to locate and provisionally arrest her pending extradition. The case highlights the complex nature of targeted attacks against high-profile individuals, particularly those under international sanctions like Yermolaiev. The investigation remains ongoing as Monaco and its international partners piece together the motivations behind the attack and the logistical network that may have supported the suspect’s movements across Europe.

Tanker Explosion on Akosombo–Tema Highway Claims Life and Leaves One Critically Injured
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Tanker Explosion on Akosombo–Tema Highway Claims Life and Leaves One Critically Injured

A fatal accident involving a fuel tanker on the Akosombo–Tema Highway has resulted in the death of one person and left another in critical condition. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, June 28, 2026, when a tanker transporting fuel overturned and erupted into flames, causing significant distress to road users and nearby residents. The driver of the vehicle was confirmed dead at the scene, while his assistant, commonly referred to as the "mate," sustained severe burn injuries and was rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. Upon receiving a distress call at approximately 4:41 a.m., the Somanya Municipal Fire Station dispatched a team of firefighters to the site of the explosion. The emergency responders worked swiftly to manage the volatile situation, arriving to find the tanker engulfed in a massive blaze that threatened to spread. Through coordinated efforts, the fire department successfully brought the inferno under control by 5:58 a.m., preventing what could have been a much larger disaster given the proximity of the highway to other transport routes and potential hazards. The aftermath of the crash revealed a scene of total devastation, with the fuel tanker completely destroyed by the intense heat and flames. While the immediate cause of the vehicle overturning remains under investigation, the incident has once again brought to the forefront the inherent dangers associated with the transportation of hazardous and flammable materials on Ghana's major highways. Local authorities are expected to conduct a thorough review of the circumstances leading to the crash to determine if mechanical failure, road conditions, or driver fatigue played a role in the tragedy. This tragic event underscores the critical need for enhanced safety protocols and rigorous maintenance checks for heavy-duty vehicles, especially those carrying petroleum products. As the injured mate continues to receive medical attention for life-threatening burns, the community mourns the loss of the driver. Road safety advocates are calling for stricter enforcement of transport regulations to mitigate the risks of such high-impact accidents, which not only claim lives but also pose severe environmental and economic challenges for the region.

Philip Kwakye Demands Compensation Following Disputed Paternity and Conflicting DNA Results
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Philip Kwakye Demands Compensation Following Disputed Paternity and Conflicting DNA Results

Philip Kwakye, a Ghanaian expatriate currently residing in Italy, has initiated a demand for compensation from his wife, Elizabeth Boatemaa, following a series of DNA tests that have cast doubt on his paternity of a child he believed was his. The dispute has sparked significant conversation regarding marital trust and the legal implications of paternity fraud within the Ghanaian community. Despite two separate DNA tests indicating that Kwakye is not the biological father of the child, his wife continues to insist that he is the father, leading to a complex emotional and legal stalemate between the couple. The background of the case reveals a story common to many in the Ghanaian diaspora. Kwakye married Elizabeth Boatemaa in Ghana before migrating to Italy in search of better economic opportunities. His primary motivation for the move was to provide robust financial support for his wife and the family they were building together. For years, Kwakye channeled resources back home under the impression that he was fulfilling his duties as a father and husband, only to have those foundations shaken by the recent scientific findings. Kwakye’s demand for compensation stems from the emotional and financial investment he poured into the child's upbringing and the marriage under what he now considers false pretenses. The refusal of Elizabeth Boatemaa to accept the validity of two independent DNA results adds a layer of psychological distress to the situation. While the wife remains adamant about his paternity, the scientific evidence has led Kwakye to seek a formal resolution to reclaim the resources and dignity he feels were lost during the period of alleged deception. This case highlights broader issues surrounding family law and the rising frequency of paternity disputes involving Ghanaians living abroad. As the situation develops, it underscores the need for clear legal frameworks to handle such domestic conflicts, especially when they involve international residence and significant financial claims. The resolution of this case may set a precedent for how similar paternity disputes and subsequent claims for compensation are managed within the context of Ghanaian traditional and civil law.

President Mahama Receives Blessings in Cape Coast as Ghana Prepares to Bury Chief Supt Kwadwo Oppong (Rtd)
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President Mahama Receives Blessings in Cape Coast as Ghana Prepares to Bury Chief Supt Kwadwo Oppong (Rtd)

Former President John Dramani Mahama and his delegation were recently hosted by Madam Efe Amissah-Arthur, the mother of the late former Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, at her residence in Cape Coast. In a poignant moment captured in a viral video, the matriarch of the Amissah-Arthur family offered fervent prayers for the former President, seeking divine guidance and success for him and his team. This high-profile visit underscores the enduring relationship between Mr. Mahama and the family of his former deputy, highlighting a significant moment of spiritual and emotional support amidst the former President's regional engagements. While the political sphere reflects on this gesture in Cape Coast, the nation also prepares to honor the life and service of another distinguished public servant, Chief Superintendent Kwadwo Oppong (Rtd). The Aduana and Bretuo families, alongside the Inspector General of Police (IGP), have formally announced the final funeral arrangements for the late senior officer, who passed away on February 1, 2026, at the Police Hospital. His death marked the end of a long career dedicated to the Ghana Police Service, leaving behind a legacy carried on by his seven children, several of whom currently serve in the police force and various government ministries. The funeral rites for Chief Supt Oppong are scheduled to commence with a wake-keeping on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Asante Akyem Kyekyebiase, near Konongo. A burial service will follow on the morning of Saturday, July 4, at the local Presbyterian Church of Ghana, with final funeral rites being held later that afternoon at the Kyekyebiase School Park. The retired officer is survived by his widow, Madam Agnes Stella Asante, a retired educationist, along with 35 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, representing a massive family tree spanning multiple sectors of Ghanaian professional life. These concurrent events—a former President seeking counsel and blessings from the mother of a late statesman, and the official transition of a veteran security officer—highlight a weekend of deep reflection and honor for those who have served the state. The thanksgiving service for Chief Supt Oppong will take place on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at the Presbyterian Church in Kyekyebiase, concluding a series of ceremonies that celebrate a life of discipline and public devotion. Together, these stories reflect the intersections of political legacy and community service that define Ghana's national narrative.

Kwabena Kissi Sentenced in UK for £117,000 Santander Bank Fraud Using Falsified G4S Identity
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Kwabena Kissi Sentenced in UK for £117,000 Santander Bank Fraud Using Falsified G4S Identity

Kwabena Kissi, a 40-year-old Ghanaian national, has been handed a prison sentence in the United Kingdom following a bold and sophisticated bank heist that resulted in the theft of £117,000. The sentencing, which took place in April 2026, concludes a legal process that began after Kissi targeted a Santander bank branch located in Brixton, London. The court proceedings highlighted a calculated attempt to exploit his former professional connections and specialized knowledge to bypass standard security protocols and deceive bank personnel. The incident occurred on July 5, 2022, when Kissi arrived at the bank dressed in the official uniform of G4S Security Services, his previous employer. Utilizing the guise of a legitimate security official, he also presented a fraudulent identification card to gain the trust of the bank's staff. This deceptive strategy allowed him to orchestrate the removal of the significant sum of money before any alarm could be raised. Despite the initial success of his plan, investigators were eventually able to utilize high-quality CCTV footage to identify and track him, leading to his eventual arrest and prosecution. During the court trial, Kissi pleaded guilty to charges of fraud by false representation, admitting to the calculated nature of the crime. His confession and the subsequent sentencing mark the end of a multi-year investigation into the high-value theft. The case has drawn significant attention due to the brazen nature of the heist and the specific use of a security uniform to facilitate financial crime. While the specific length of his prison term was not immediately detailed, the conviction serves as a firm conclusion to a case that has spanned nearly four years since the original crime was committed.

Ghana Police Arrest Man on Live Lawson TV Show Over Alleged Defilement of 14-Year-Old Minor
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Ghana Police Arrest Man on Live Lawson TV Show Over Alleged Defilement of 14-Year-Old Minor

In a dramatic and highly unusual turn of events, a live broadcast on Lawson TV was interrupted when a police officer moved in to arrest a man accused of defiling a 14-year-old girl. The incident occurred during a segment of a program focused on domestic issues on July 3, 2026. The live apprehension, captured in a snippet that has since circulated widely, showcased the moment law enforcement entered the studio to take the suspect into custody while the cameras were still rolling. The suspect, who was participating in the discussion regarding the allegations, appeared taken by surprise as the officer executed the arrest. The program on Lawson TV is known for tackling sensitive social topics, often involving personal disputes and community grievances. In this instance, the transition from media discussion to active law enforcement was immediate, as the officer acted on the specific charges involving a minor, which carries significant legal weight in Ghana. This public arrest has sparked a wave of reactions across the country, highlighting the intersection of media and the justice system. While the swift action by the police has been noted, the decision to carry out the apprehension during a live broadcast is rare. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the serious consequences associated with crimes against children, particularly defilement, which the Ghana Police Service and various human rights organizations have been working to combat through increased vigilance and public reporting. As the investigation continues, the suspect is expected to face legal proceedings in accordance with the law. The incident has also placed Lawson TV at the center of a national conversation regarding the role of media in facilitating justice and the protection of vulnerable minors. Further updates from law enforcement are anticipated as the case moves forward, emphasizing the commitment of the authorities to address domestic crimes and ensure accountability for alleged perpetrators.