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.

Flood Alert: NADMO orders immediate evacuation of communities along Weija Dam spillway
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Greater Accra Floods Force Substation Shutdowns and Weija Dam Evacuations as ECG Restores Power Services

Severe flooding in the Greater Accra Region has triggered a series of emergency measures, including the temporary shutdown of critical power substations and an urgent evacuation order for communities near the Weija Dam. The Ghana Grid Company Ltd. (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) took the precautionary step of deactivating the Mallam and Achimota (Dzorwulu) Primary Substations to protect high-voltage equipment and personnel from rising waters. This strategic shutdown led to widespread power interruptions across several districts, prompting the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to deploy independent teams to monitor the impact and ensure the safety of utility consumers. The Commission expressed regret over the outages' impact on households and businesses while maintaining its commitment to reliable service. Parallel to the power crisis, the Weija-Gbawe Municipal office of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) issued an immediate evacuation notice for residents living along the Weija Dam spillway. Following heavy inflows from Nsawam, authorities were forced to open three spill gates to manage the dam's integrity, significantly raising the risk of flooding in downstream low-lying areas. Communities such as Tetegu, Weija, SCC, and surrounding settlements were urged to move to higher ground immediately. Residents have been cautioned against attempting to cross floodwaters and advised to carry only essential items as the situation remains volatile, with emergency services standing by to assist those in distress. The flooding also paralyzed digital infrastructure, with the ECG reporting major disruptions to its vending systems and the ECG PowerApp. Technical teams worked around the clock to restore payment platforms, which were eventually recovered by the morning of June 30. While many outages were intentional for safety reasons, others resulted from physical damage to infrastructure in areas including Kwashieman, Avenor, and Dome Pillar Two. These incidents coincided with previously scheduled maintenance in Accra West and East, as well as separate network faults that caused unplanned blackouts in parts of the Tema Region, adding to the complexity of the restoration efforts. As of late June 30, the Ministry of Energy and ECG confirmed that power supply has been restored to the majority of the affected areas, including Dansoman and Labone. Ministry spokesperson Richmond Rockson expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to households and businesses, emphasizing that the safety-first approach was necessary to prevent electrical accidents. However, the recovery remains fragile; the Ghana Meteorological Agency has warned of further rainfall on the horizon, urging citizens to remain vigilant. The ECG continues to advise the public to report any downed lines or electrical hazards to local offices to prevent potential fatalities as the rainy season progresses.

Greater Accra Minister Linda Ocloo directs MMDCEs to intensify flood response
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Ghana Meteorological Agency Issues Severe Weather Warning Following Fatal Flooding in Accra

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued an urgent weather warning for southern Ghana as a slow-moving rainstorm from the Togo-Benin coastline approaches, threatening further instability following torrential rains that claimed three lives in Accra on Monday. The Agency forecasts widespread thunderstorms and rain across the Volta, Greater Accra, Eastern, and Central regions, with the storm expected to move inland toward the Ashanti, Bono, Ahafo, and Western North regions. Rainfall probabilities in several areas exceed 60 percent, with GMet’s Flood Early Warning System providing updates every ten minutes to assist emergency planners and residents in high-risk zones. In response to the deteriorating conditions, the Presidency has released a critical safety advisory, urging residents in flood-prone areas to stay indoors or move to higher ground if necessary. Motorists have been specifically cautioned to avoid heavily flooded routes, such as the Mallam-Kasoa and Graphic Roads, where water levels have previously disrupted movement. Public safety remains a primary concern as the Ghana Grid Company and the Electricity Company of Ghana have shut down several local substations as a precaution against electrical hazards. Citizens are strongly advised to unplug appliances and stay clear of downed power lines to prevent electrocution. Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo has further intensified the government’s response by directing all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to mobilize emergency rescue teams and assess local damages. Minister Ocloo emphasized the need for immediate relief efforts and instructed MMDCEs to work closely with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to support displaced individuals. As the storm system continues to move westward, GMet has also warned of dangerous sea conditions for fishermen and reduced visibility for motorists due to mist and fog in mountainous regions. Authorities continue to stress that adherence to official safety protocols is essential to prevent further loss of life and property.

Fire Service deploys rescue team following morning floods in several areas in Accra, Tema and Kasoa
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Ghana National Fire Service Rescues 479 in Three-Day Emergency Operation Amid Deadly Floods and Fires

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) successfully rescued or evacuated 479 individuals during a massive three-day emergency operation across Greater Accra and Tema. From June 28 to June 30, 2023, firefighters and rescue teams worked around the clock to mitigate the effects of torrential rains, multiple fire outbreaks, and structural failures. Despite the scale of the successful evacuations, the GNFS reported a tragic toll of five fatalities, one injury, and one person—identified as a trader from Tema—who remains missing. The operations highlighted the severe impact of seasonal rains on urban infrastructure and the critical role of rapid emergency response in preventing higher casualty rates. Flooding remained the most widespread challenge, with rescue teams deployed to high-risk areas including Ningo, Miotso, Kasoa, Ridge Hospital, and Tema New Town. In Accra alone, joint operations involving the Ghana Police and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) rescued 105 people trapped by rising waters, while over 300 individuals were assisted in Tema and Tse-Ado. The heavy downpour caused significant disruptions to the capital’s transport network, leading to severe traffic congestion at the Tetteh Quashie interchange and along the N1 highway. Residents in inundated homes and shops were urged to share their locations via emergency channels to facilitate faster response times as water levels rose dangerously. Beyond the floods, the GNFS managed a series of fire incidents and structural emergencies. A major commercial fire at the Odawna Rubber Market was contained without casualties, while another fire in Labadi was linked to a faulty solar battery system. A fuel tanker fire proved more lethal, resulting in one fatality. In a notable narrow escape, 12 occupants of a four-storey building at Tabora No. 6 managed to evacuate unharmed just moments before the structure collapsed. Witnesses reported hearing structural cracks following the heavy rains, allowing for a swift exit before the building was reduced to rubble. Firefighters remained on-site at various locations to monitor for potential re-ignitions and to stabilize other vulnerable structures. As the operations concluded on the morning of June 30, the GNFS emphasized the importance of structural safety and public vigilance during the rainy season. Investigations into the causes of the various fire outbreaks are ongoing, and emergency agencies continue to monitor weather warnings from the Ghana Meteorological Agency. This wave of emergencies underscores the urgent need for improved drainage systems and stricter adherence to building codes in flood-prone urban centers to safeguard lives and property against future environmental disasters.

Accra and Tema floods: 9 confirmed dead
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Ghana Floods: Record-Breaking June Rainfall Displaces Thousands and Leaves 12 Dead Across Greater Accra

Ghana is grappling with the aftermath of one of the most devastating weather events in its history, as record-breaking rainfall has led to widespread flooding, at least 12 confirmed deaths, and the displacement of over 38,800 people. According to the Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, the country recorded an unprecedented 593.2 mm of rainfall in June—the highest monthly total in its history. The crisis peaked during a single day when a torrential downpour of 169.2 mm overwhelmed drainage systems, submerging 25 communities across 18 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), particularly in the Greater Accra, Volta, and Western North regions. The human toll of the disaster has been profound, with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) confirming multiple tragedies. In Dome, a woman and two children were found dead in floodwaters, while in Tema Manhean, the bodies of a postpartum mother, Elizabeth Quansah, and a father, Obeng Cudjoe, were recovered. Search and rescue teams have worked tirelessly, successfully saving nearly 500 individuals from submerged areas such as Odawna and Tse Addo. Despite these efforts, at least seven people remain missing, and authorities fear the death toll could rise as recovery operations continue in hard-hit zones like Krowor, Tema West, and Ga East. Beyond the capital, the impact has stretched across dozens of communities. In the Volta Region, over 60 communities were affected, while the Western North Region saw more than 1,200 residents displaced. The flooding caused severe infrastructure disruptions, including a collapsed pedestrian walkway in Tema and significant traffic gridlock on the Kasoa-Accra highway, where the body of a man in his 30s was discovered following the rains. Economic activities have ground to a halt in many areas as homes, vehicles, and businesses remain submerged, with residents in Tema New Town describing the flooding as the worst they have seen in over 20 years. During a briefing to Parliament, Minister Muntaka highlighted a combination of climate-driven extreme weather and human activities—such as construction on waterways and poor waste disposal—as the primary drivers of the catastrophe. He noted that while the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) had anticipated rain, the sheer volume of the downpour was not communicated until shortly before the event. In response, the government has allocated GH300 million for relief efforts and began implementing stricter measures against illegal structures that block drainage paths. President John Dramani Mahama also joined officials to assess the damage and emphasize shared responsibility in flood management. As the nation moves into a recovery phase, emergency services remain on high alert with more rainfall forecasted for the coming week. Government officials and disaster management experts are calling for a national shift toward sustainable urban planning, emphasizing desilting of major drains and the urgent relocation of residents in flood-prone areas. For now, the focus remains on providing humanitarian aid to the more than 7,700 displaced households and continuing the search for the missing, as Ghana confronts the growing challenges of urban resilience and climate change.

14-Year-Old JHS Graduate Allegedly Suffers Mental Breakdown Following Defilement in Dormaa Akwamu
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14-Year-Old JHS Graduate Allegedly Suffers Mental Breakdown Following Defilement in Dormaa Akwamu

A tragic incident has gripped the community of Dormaa Akwamu in the Bono Region, where a 14-year-old girl is reportedly suffering from severe mental health challenges following an alleged defilement. The victim, a recent Junior High School graduate, was purportedly targeted by a man in his mid-30s identified as Ezekiel Tabiri, also known as "One Day." This distressing case highlights the profound and immediate psychological trauma that sexual violence can inflict on minors, sparking significant concern among local residents and child rights advocates regarding the safety of children in the area. The alleged incident occurred on June 7, 2026, when Tabiri, who is described as an undertaker, reportedly used a deceptive ploy to lure the young girl into his residence. According to reports from Crime Check News, the suspect claimed he had a gift intended for the girl’s mother, persuading her to enter his room to collect it. Once inside, the suspect allegedly took advantage of the minor, an act that has since had devastating consequences for the victim's health and well-being. The aftermath of the ordeal has been particularly harrowing for the victim's family, as the young girl has allegedly lost her sanity following the trauma of the assault. The sudden shift in her mental state has brought to light the urgent need for comprehensive medical and psychological intervention for survivors of defilement. In many regions, access to specialized mental health services can be limited, further exacerbating the challenges faced by victims and their families as they navigate the recovery process in the wake of such heinous crimes. As the community calls for justice, the case underscores the critical importance of community vigilance and the strict enforcement of laws protecting children from sexual predators. The reported mental breakdown of the 14-year-old serves as a somber reminder of the life-altering impact of sexual abuse. Moving forward, local authorities are expected to ensure a thorough investigation into Ezekiel Tabiri's actions, while state agencies and social services are being urged to provide the necessary support systems to aid in the victim's recovery and safeguard other vulnerable children in the Bono Region.

Outrage in Apam Atajowa After Friends Filmed Eating Banku on Deceased Peer’s Coffin
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Outrage in Apam Atajowa After Friends Filmed Eating Banku on Deceased Peer’s Coffin

A viral video depicting a group of individuals eating a meal on top of their deceased friend's coffin has sparked widespread condemnation across social media platforms. The incident, which reportedly occurred in Apam Atajowa, features the group consuming banku and okro soup directly on the casket during the funeral service. The footage has ignited a heated debate regarding the boundaries of grief and the preservation of cultural respect for the dead in modern Ghanaian society. The video, which surfaced on the social media platform X on June 28, 2026, shows the friends gathered around the coffin, using it effectively as a dining table. While some observers suggest this may have been intended as a final tribute or a symbolic "last meal" with their departed companion, the visual of soup being consumed over the remains of the deceased has been widely interpreted as a display of gross insensitivity. The casual nature of the act stands in stark contrast to the solemnity and reverence usually associated with traditional Ghanaian burial rites. Public reaction to the footage has been overwhelmingly negative, with many netizens expressing disbelief and anger at the perceived lack of decorum. Critics have raised questions regarding the role of the deceased's family, specifically whether they granted permission for such a display or if the act was an impromptu decision made by the friends. Many commentators argued that such behavior undermines the sanctity of the funeral process and reflects a growing trend of prioritizing viral social media content over traditional values. As the video continues to circulate, it raises broader questions about the evolving nature of mourning in the digital age. While funeral traditions in Ghana are diverse and can sometimes be celebratory, the specific act of using a coffin as a dining surface has crossed a line for many. The incident serves as a polarizing example of how social media can transform private moments of grief into public controversies, leaving the local community and the public at large to grapple with the fallout of perceived cultural desecration.

Rev. Stephen Wengam Urges Pastors in Deprived Communities to Remain Steadfast During Apostolic Visit to Zebilla
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Rev. Stephen Wengam Urges Pastors in Deprived Communities to Remain Steadfast During Apostolic Visit to Zebilla

Rev. Stephen Yenusom Wengam, the General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, has called on clergy serving in deprived and remote communities to remain resolute in their divine calling despite the various ministerial challenges they face. Speaking during his Apostolic Visit to the Upper East Region 'B' in Zebilla, the General Superintendent emphasized that the hardships encountered by these ministers are not in vain, asserting that God often performs His most profound work through difficult circumstances. His message of encouragement was aimed at revitalizing the spirits of those working on the frontlines of faith in economically disadvantaged areas. Beyond spiritual exhortation, the visit served as a practical assessment of the church's infrastructure and welfare systems in the region. Rev. Wengam inspected the ongoing construction of the Regional Office project, where he personally pledged to provide essential support materials to facilitate its completion. This commitment is part of a broader effort by the national leadership to strengthen the church's administrative capacity across all regions of Ghana, ensuring that even remote districts have the necessary facilities to manage their congregations effectively. The welfare of the clergy and their families was also a central theme of the engagement. The visit highlighted the contributions of the General Superintendent’s spouse, Lady Mrs. Wengam, who was acknowledged for her dedicated efforts in supporting the families of vulnerable pastors. In recognition of their leadership and the tangible support provided to the local community, the Zebilla local council honored the Wengams with traditional gifts, symbolizing the deep respect and bond between the church leadership and the grassroots members. The gathering concluded with a focus on national stability and organizational growth. Rev. Wengam led a prayer session dedicated to the preservation of peace within Ghana and the success of the church’s upcoming strategic meetings. This apostolic visit underscores the Assemblies of God Ghana's commitment to balanced growth, ensuring that while the national leadership pursues broad strategic goals, the spiritual and physical needs of those in the most remote corners of the country are actively addressed and supported.

MTN Ghana Confirms Nationwide Internet Disruptions Following Undersea Cable Cut Near Côte d'Ivoire
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MTN Ghana Confirms Nationwide Internet Disruptions Following Undersea Cable Cut Near Côte d'Ivoire

MTN Ghana, the nation’s leading telecommunications provider, has officially acknowledged significant internet disruptions affecting subscribers across the country. The service degradation, which has left many users struggling with connectivity, has been attributed to a physical breach in undersea cable infrastructure located near Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. This technical failure is not limited to Ghana; the damaged submarine cable serves as a critical data artery for several countries within the West African sub-region, leading to a broader regional impact on digital communications. In a statement addressing the crisis, MTN noted that the damage to the undersea cable has severely limited the capacity available for international data traffic. This has resulted in slow browsing speeds, intermittent timeouts, and in some cases, a total loss of internet service for millions of mobile and enterprise customers. The company explained that the specific location of the cut near Abidjan makes it a strategic failure point, as that area acts as a primary landing station for major international cable systems connecting Africa to global networks. The incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the region's digital infrastructure. While telecom companies typically have some level of redundancy, the scale of this particular cable cut has overwhelmed existing backup systems. Repairing undersea cables is a complex logistical operation that requires specialized repair vessels equipped with deep-sea submersibles to retrieve and splice the severed fiber-optic lines. Consequently, restoration times can vary depending on the availability of these vessels and the prevailing sea conditions near the Ivorian coast. As technical teams work toward a resolution, MTN Ghana has assured the public that it is exploring all possible avenues to reroute traffic and stabilize the network. For now, users are advised to expect continued fluctuations in service quality until the physical infrastructure is fully restored. The disruption serves as a stark reminder of the importance of the digital economy in Ghana and the critical need for diversified infrastructure to prevent such widespread outages from paralyzing business and social activities in the future.

Tricycle Operators’ Association of Ghana to Launch Nationwide Protest Over Dumpsite Closures
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Tricycle Operators’ Association of Ghana to Launch Nationwide Protest Over Dumpsite Closures

The Tricycle Operators’ Association of Ghana has announced plans to embark on a nationwide demonstration to express grievances over the lack of designated waste disposal sites across the country. This decision follows the recent abrupt closure of the Tambourine dumpsite located at McCarthy Hill in Weija, a move that has significantly disrupted waste management services provided by these operators. The association emphasizes that without access to proper disposal facilities, they are unable to carry out their essential role in maintaining urban sanitation. The Tambourine dumpsite was shuttered by National Security authorities approximately one week ago. According to official reports, the closure was necessitated by the severe traffic congestion caused by the high volume of tricycles frequenting the area. While authorities cited public order and traffic flow as the primary reasons for the shutdown, the Tricycle Operators’ Association maintains that the action was taken without providing an alternative site, effectively halting their operations and leaving them in a state of uncertainty. Tricycle operators play a critical role in Ghana's waste management ecosystem, particularly in navigating narrow streets and serving low-income communities where larger waste collection trucks cannot reach. The association argues that the current shortage of dumping sites is a systemic failure that penalizes informal workers who are providing a public service. They contend that the closure of the McCarthy Hill site is emblematic of a broader neglect of the infrastructure needed to support sustainable waste disposal for smaller-scale operators. As the association prepares for its nationwide protest, the situation highlights the urgent need for a collaborative approach between the government and waste management stakeholders. The planned demonstration aims to pressure the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and other relevant bodies to designate permanent, accessible dumping sites for tricycles. Failure to resolve these infrastructure challenges could lead to a significant sanitation crisis if waste remains uncollected in communities across the country.

Prophet Stephen Adom Kyei-Duah Faces Intense Backlash After Failed Black Stars World Cup Prophecy
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Prophet Stephen Adom Kyei-Duah Faces Intense Backlash After Failed Black Stars World Cup Prophecy

Prophet Stephen Adom Kyei-Duah, the founder and leader of the Believers Worship Centre, has found himself at the center of a social media firestorm following the failure of his high-profile prophecy regarding Ghana’s Black Stars. During the buildup to the national team's encounter against Croatia, the religious leader had confidently predicted a victory for the Ghanaian side, a claim that ultimately did not materialize. The disconnect between the spiritual declaration and the actual outcome of the match has sparked intense debate across the country, particularly among football enthusiasts and religious critics who follow the intersection of faith and sports. In his pronouncement, Prophet Adom Kyei-Duah was categorical in his assessment of the game's outcome, leaving no room for ambiguity. He asserted that there was no possibility of a draw or a victory for the Croatian side, framing the Black Stars' win as a divine certainty. Such definitive statements have become a recurring feature in the Ghanaian religious landscape, where several prophets often venture into the realm of sports to offer spiritual insights into the fortunes of the national team. However, the absolute nature of this particular prophecy made it a focal point for intense public scrutiny once the final whistle blew. In the wake of the match, social media platforms erupted with a mixture of mockery, disappointment, and calls for greater accountability within the prophetic ministry. Many users took to platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook to point out the pattern of failed sports prophecies, questioning why religious figures continue to make such high-stakes declarations despite the inherent unpredictability of football. While some of the prophet's staunch followers have attempted to defend the spiritual context of his words, the prevailing sentiment online has been one of skepticism, with many highlighting the potential harm such false hopes can cause to the national psyche. This incident underscores a growing tension in Ghana between traditional religious influence and a more critical, modern public discourse. As the Black Stars continue their international campaigns, the conversation has shifted from tactical analysis to the legitimacy of spiritual interventions in the sport. The backlash against Prophet Adom Kyei-Duah serves as a significant reminder of the risks associated with public prophecies, especially those concerning events of high national interest like the World Cup, where the emotional stakes for the citizenry are exceptionally high.

Alleged Members of National Chief Imam’s Convoy Accused of Vandalism During Funeral Rites in Kokompe
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Alleged Members of National Chief Imam’s Convoy Accused of Vandalism During Funeral Rites in Kokompe

Tensions flared in the Kokompe neighborhood of Darkuman following reports that members of the National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu’s convoy allegedly engaged in acts of vandalism. The incident occurred on Friday, October 20, 2023, while the convoy was attempting to navigate through a congested street where residents were gathered for funeral observances. Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as the convoy’s passage was obstructed by the local assembly, leading to a confrontation that resulted in significant damage to private and commercial property. According to accounts from the scene, the altercation began when individuals associated with the convoy reportedly grew frustrated with the slow movement or blockage of the road caused by the ongoing funeral rites. In an attempt to clear a path, some members of the entourage were accused of targeting vehicle windscreens and local business structures. Several private cars and commercial vehicles parked along the road suffered smashed glass, while nearby vendors reported damage to their stalls and merchandise as the group moved through the busy commercial area. The incident has sparked significant concern among the Kokompe community, a hub well-known for its bustling spare parts trade and dense traffic. Residents expressed shock at the level of aggression reported, noting that while the National Chief Imam is a highly respected figure of peace and tolerance in Ghana, the behavior of those allegedly accompanying his motorcade on this occasion was uncharacteristic and destructive. Local authorities were reportedly alerted to the scene to restore order and begin assessing the extent of the financial losses incurred by the affected vehicle owners and business operators. As investigations into the matter continue, there are growing calls for the office of the National Chief Imam to address the conduct of the security and support personnel within his convoy. This event highlights the recurring challenges of managing VIP motorcades in densely populated areas of Accra, where social events like funerals often occupy public roadways. The community currently awaits an official statement regarding potential compensation for the damaged property and measures to ensure better coordination between convoy security and local residents in the future.

Nobyah FM Operations Grounded After Devastating Fire Renders North East Station Non-Functional
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Nobyah FM Operations Grounded After Devastating Fire Renders North East Station Non-Functional

Nobyah FM, a prominent broadcasting station in the North East Region and an affiliate of Citi FM, has been forced off the air following a catastrophic fire on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. The blaze, which erupted in the early morning hours, completely decimated the station’s studio and all broadcasting equipment, leaving the media house in a state of total loss. The incident reportedly occurred shortly after power was restored following an electricity outage in the area, raising immediate concerns about electrical surges as a potential catalyst for the disaster. This event represents a significant setback for media coverage and information dissemination within the regional community. According to reports, the fire started around 5:00 a.m. and was first spotted by a technician on duty who immediately alerted the Ghana National Fire Service. Despite the station's proximity to the local fire station, the response was hampered by significant logistical challenges. Firefighters arrived at the scene but were reportedly unable to effectively contain the inferno due to inadequate equipment. This delay proved fatal for the station’s physical assets, as the fire quickly consumed the entire studio complex before it could be brought under control, resulting in the total destruction of vital broadcasting infrastructure. The General Manager of Nobyah FM, Yaw Boakye, expressed profound devastation over the incident, confirming that no equipment could be salvaged from the ruins. In an appeal for solidarity, Mr. Boakye called for public support and assistance to help the station resume its essential service to the people of the North East Region. While investigations into the exact cause of the blaze are still ongoing, the management is already exploring options for temporary operations to restore local broadcasting. The loss of Nobyah FM is viewed as a major blow to the local media landscape, as the station served as a critical platform for community engagement and regional news.