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.

VIP Jeoun Coach Destroyed by Fire at Abuakwa Station; No Casualties Reported
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VIP Jeoun Coach Destroyed by Fire at Abuakwa Station; No Casualties Reported

On the evening of Saturday, August 15, 2026, a VIP Jeoun bus with registration number GT 6770-18 was completely gutted by fire at the Abuakwa station along the Kumasi-Sunyani road. The incident, which occurred at approximately 6:45 p.m., caused significant alarm among commuters and bystanders but fortunately resulted in no injuries or loss of life. At the time the blaze began, the vehicle was stationary and preparing for its scheduled departure from Abuakwa to Accra. According to reports from station management and eyewitnesses, the fire was first detected by the bus conductor, who noticed thick smoke emanating from the vehicle. Acting swiftly, the conductor shut off the power supply and alerted the station supervisor. Despite these immediate efforts and a prompt call to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the fire intensified rapidly, engulfing the coach within minutes and reducing it to a shell. The GNFS arrived on the scene to extinguish the remains and prevent the flames from spreading to nearby structures or other vehicles. In the aftermath of the incident, VIP Jeoun management confirmed that a replacement coach was immediately deployed to ensure that the scheduled journey for waiting passengers could proceed with minimal delay. The company issued a statement reiterating its commitment to providing safe and comfortable transportation services across the country. While the physical damage to the bus was total, the timely detection of the smoke ensured that the situation did not escalate into a tragedy. Authorities have since launched an investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire, which also led to temporary traffic congestion along the busy Abuakwa main road. This incident serves as a stark reminder for transport operators and private vehicle owners to prioritize regular maintenance and rigorous safety checks. Travelers are encouraged to remain vigilant, as the swift response of the bus crew in this instance was instrumental in preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome.

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GRIDCo and ECG Schedule Significant Power Outages for Emergency Repairs and Maintenance in Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions

Residents and businesses in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions are set to face a series of power interruptions as the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) undertake critical infrastructure work. The disruptions began with a major 15-hour emergency outage on Sunday, August 16, 2026, affecting Ashaiman and several parts of the capital. This will be followed by staggered maintenance outages in the Ashanti Region on Tuesday, August 18, and Thursday, August 20, aimed at enhancing the reliability and quality of the national power supply. In the Greater Accra Region, the 15-hour outage, which ran from 3:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, was necessitated by emergency repairs on the 161kV Tema–Achimota transmission line. According to GRIDCo, a damaged transmission tower at Ashaiman required immediate replacement after it was compromised by a fuel tanker explosion during welding activities in the area. The utility provider emphasized that the replacement was essential to restoring full capacity and ensuring the stability of the grid serving the metropolitan area. Meanwhile, the Electricity Company of Ghana has announced a separate schedule for planned maintenance in the Ashanti Region to improve service delivery. On Tuesday, August 18, power will be cut from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in communities including Nwamase, Apire, Hemang, Ampatia, Darko, Trede, and Ampabame. A second phase of maintenance is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., which will affect residents in Kronom Cement, Boussie, Asuofua, and surrounding areas. The ECG has apologized for the inconvenience and urged customers to make the necessary arrangements to mitigate the impact of the downtime. Beyond the immediate repairs, GRIDCo has issued a stern warning regarding the safety of transmission line corridors. The company highlighted the dangers of unauthorized activities and encroachments near high-voltage pylons, citing the fuel tanker explosion as a direct consequence of violating protective regulations. Moving forward, the utility companies have reiterated their commitment to maintaining safe and efficient infrastructure, urging the public to respect legal boundaries around power installations to prevent future accidents and unscheduled disruptions.

Rev. Prof. Frederick Mawusi Amevenku Elected 15th EPCG Moderator as GCCI Launches Ultramodern Chapel Project in Tema
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Rev. Prof. Frederick Mawusi Amevenku Elected 15th EPCG Moderator as GCCI Launches Ultramodern Chapel Project in Tema

The Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Ghana (EPCG) has announced the election of Reverend Professor Frederick Mawusi Amevenku as its 15th Moderator during the 12th General Assembly held in Ho. The election, which took place on August 15, 2026, marks a significant leadership transition for one of the country's oldest Christian denominations. Rev. Prof. Amevenku, a distinguished theologian and the current President of Trinity Theological Seminary, secured a decisive victory with 111 votes, representing 72.55% of the total ballots cast. His main contender, Rev. Prof. Daniel Yao Bruce, received 41 votes, accounting for 26.80% of the total. Set to officially assume office on January 1, 2027, the Moderator-elect has pledged to lead with a philosophy of servant leadership. His tenure is expected to prioritize spiritual direction, institutional strengthening, and the promotion of unity and renewal across the church’s various congregations. The EPCG leadership and members have expressed confidence in his ability to provide the spiritual and administrative guidance necessary for the church's growth in the coming years. In a parallel development within the Ghanaian religious community, the Great Commission Church International (GCCI) has broken ground for the construction of an ultramodern chapel for its Maranatha Assembly in Tema. Apostle Dr. Samuel Vincent Ansah, Chairman of the Ghana National Council of GCCI, performed the sod-cutting ceremony as part of the GCCI Women’s Ministry Week Celebration. The proposed facility is designed as a one-thousand-seater auditorium and will feature modern amenities, including administrative offices, a boardroom, and a dedicated children’s chapel. The GCCI project is slated for completion within three years, with Apostle Dr. Ansah emphasizing the need for commitment and active congregational support to realize the vision. He also urged members to balance physical infrastructure development with their spiritual mandates, specifically focusing on evangelism. Together, these developments in the EPCG and GCCI highlight a period of administrative renewal and infrastructural expansion within Ghana’s Christian landscape, as leadership transitions and modern facilities become central to the mission of local churches.

Emmanuel Adotey Allotey (3rd from right), Ga Central Municipal Chief Executive, presenting a student mattress to a flood victim.
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GMet Issues Severe Rainstorm Warning for Northern Ghana as Ga Central Distributes Flood Relief

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued an urgent weather warning for Northern Ghana, alerting residents to an impending severe rainstorm originating from northern Benin. Projected to move westward, the storm is expected to impact the Upper East, North East, Northern, Upper West, and Savannah regions through the night of Sunday, August 16, 2026, and into Monday morning. This weather system brings the threat of destructive winds, frequent lightning, and heavy downpours, prompting emergency services to urge high levels of caution among the public and motorists. Beyond the northern sector, GMet reports that much of the country will experience mostly cloudy conditions. Isolated thunderstorms and rain are forecasted for the transition and middle sectors, while coastal areas may see slight rain or drizzle. In the north, the specific hazards include significantly reduced visibility and slippery roads. Residents are strongly advised to avoid open spaces and seek sturdy shelter during the height of the storm to mitigate the risk of lightning strikes and wind-related injuries. GMet also noted that misty conditions may develop in certain areas following the rainfall. Amidst these new warnings, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) continues to manage the aftermath of previous weather events in the southern part of the country. In the Greater Accra Region, the Ga Central Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with NADMO, has distributed vital relief items to over 11,000 flood victims. During an event held at Antieku, Municipal Chief Executive Emmanuel Adotey Allotey oversaw the donation of mattresses, rice, and mosquito nets. Mr. Allotey also committed to issuing new health insurance cards to residents who lost their documentation in the floods, emphasizing the assembly's dedication to community recovery. As the rainstorm traverses the northern regions, the public is urged to stay updated via official weather channels and contact NADMO emergency lines (0302 964 884 or 0291 913 077) or the national emergency number (112) for immediate assistance. The convergence of severe weather warnings and ongoing relief efforts highlights the increasing vulnerability of both urban and rural communities to seasonal storms, necessitating heightened preparedness and rapid response from both citizens and local authorities.

Zimbabwe Ferry Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 72 on Lake Kariba After Overloaded Vessel Capsizes
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Zimbabwe Ferry Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to 72 on Lake Kariba After Overloaded Vessel Capsizes

The death toll from a catastrophic ferry capsizing on Zimbabwe’s Lake Kariba has reached 72, including at least 18 children, following the recovery of additional bodies by local authorities. The vessel, which was significantly overloaded, sank amidst rough waters and strong waves, marking one of the deadliest maritime incidents in the country’s history. Police confirmed that 26 more bodies were retrieved in the latest search operations, bringing the confirmed fatalities to 72, as families and the nation grapple with the scale of the loss. Preliminary investigations indicate that gross negligence played a central role in the disaster. The ferry, managed by the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (RIDA), was reportedly carrying approximately 153 passengers at the time of the incident, despite having a certified maximum capacity of only 90 people. Witnesses and survivors recounted harrowing moments shortly after departure, reporting that passengers had pleaded with the crew to return to shore as the vessel began taking on water. However, the boat continued into the rough conditions, eventually succumbing to the waves and capsizing. Amidst the grief, there were reports of survival, with 77 people rescued from the lake. Many of those who survived are being treated for trauma and physical injuries, while others have been assisting in the identification of victims at a local hospital. An emotional memorial service was recently held near the site of the disaster, allowing grieving relatives to pay their respects even as search and recovery teams continue their grim task of scanning the waters for any remaining missing persons. This disaster has prompted urgent calls for stricter enforcement of maritime safety regulations in Zimbabwe, particularly regarding the monitoring of passenger limits and vessel maintenance for state-operated transport. As the government investigates the Rural Infrastructure Development Agency's oversight of the ferry, the tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the risks associated with overloaded water transport in the region. The search for more victims remains active, while the nation mourns the loss of dozens of lives in the treacherous waters of Lake Kariba.

Chief Superintendent Benedicta Akpene Ansah, Volta Regional MTTD Commander explaining a point to two occupants of vehicles intercepted during the exercise
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Volta Regional MTTD Crackdown Seizes Illegal Lamps and Sirens in Peki and Juapong

The Volta Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has intensified its enforcement of road regulations with a specialized task force operation targeting illegal vehicle accessories. Conducted on July 29, 2025, the exercise focused on the Peki and Juapong areas, resulting in the seizure of dozens of unapproved lamps, sirens, and high-pitched horns from both private vehicles and motorbikes. The operation marks a renewed commitment by regional authorities to curb the use of unauthorized lighting and sound devices that often impair the visibility and safety of other road users. In the Peki leg of the operation, led by Chief Superintendent Benedicta Akpene Ansah, the task force intercepted 25 vehicles and two motorbikes. While no arrests were made during this specific phase, officers successfully confiscated 27 unapproved lamps and one siren that were found to be in violation of standard safety protocols. The removal of these accessories is part of a broader effort to ensure that all vehicles operating on public roads adhere to the specifications mandated by law, preventing accidents caused by blinding lights or confusing signals. The enforcement continued in Juapong, where authorities encountered a higher volume of non-compliant vehicles and accessories. During this phase, the task force stopped 36 vehicles and 25 motorbikes, leading to the seizure of 61 unapproved horns and an additional 36 lamps. These items are frequently used by drivers to bypass traffic or intimidate other motorists, creating hazardous conditions on the highway. By stripping these accessories at the point of interception, the MTTD aims to send a clear message that illegal modifications will not be tolerated. These operations are grounded in the strict enforcement of Regulations 65 and 74 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), which prohibit the installation of unauthorized lamps, sirens, and other sound-making devices on vehicles not designated for emergency use. Moving forward, the MTTD has signaled that such crackdown exercises will be periodic and unannounced across the region. Motorists are urged to voluntarily remove illegal accessories to avoid confiscation and potential prosecution, as the police strive to improve overall road safety and discipline.

GNFS Firefighters Battle Major Blaze at Labadi Wireless; Multiple Homes Affected
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GNFS Firefighters Battle Major Blaze at Labadi Wireless; Multiple Homes Affected

Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) have successfully contained a significant fire outbreak that destroyed several homes in the Labadi Wireless neighborhood of Accra. The emergency, which occurred recently, sparked concern among residents as flames threatened to spread through the residential enclave. The quick intervention of the fire service prevented a potential catastrophe in the densely populated community. The firefighting operation was a collaborative effort involving personnel from three major stations: Trade Fair, Ministries, and Accra City fire stations. Upon arrival, the crews faced a raging inferno but managed to bring it under control through strategic deployment and water application. Following the suppression of the main fire, the teams remained on-site to conduct extensive overhaul and salvage operations, ensuring that all hotspots were extinguished and assisting victims in identifying salvageable items from the debris. While the fire has been extinguished, the scale of the destruction is still being assessed. Several households have been displaced, and the emotional and financial toll on the affected residents is expected to be substantial. As of the time of reporting, the GNFS has not yet identified the official cause of the fire, nor has a formal valuation of the property damage been released. Investigators are currently on the ground to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the origin of the blaze. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by emergency services in navigating urban residential areas during fire outbreaks. As the community of Labadi Wireless begins the process of recovery, the GNFS has reiterated the need for residents to adhere to fire safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Further updates are expected as the national fire investigators conclude their assessment of the site and provide a comprehensive report on the disaster.

Professor Jason Arday's Sudden Passing Mourned by UK Political and Academic Leaders
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Professor Jason Arday's Sudden Passing Mourned by UK Political and Academic Leaders

The academic community and political leaders are expressing profound shock following the sudden death of Professor Jason Arday, a former Cambridge professor and trailblazing educator. Arday, whose body was discovered in Battersea, south London, on a Friday afternoon, was widely celebrated for his historic achievement as one of the youngest Black professors at the prestigious University of Cambridge. His death marks the loss of a significant voice in the study of race and education, leaving a void in the academic landscape that colleagues say will be difficult to fill. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham led the tributes, describing the professor’s passing as a 'tragedy on so many levels.' Burnham emphasized the weight of this loss, noting that Arday’s journey and his contributions to the discourse on social mobility and equality were deeply influential. The Mayor called for a 'moment for reflection' to honor Arday’s legacy and the barriers he broke throughout his career. This sentiment has been echoed by many who saw Arday not just as an academic, but as a symbol of possibility for underrepresented groups in higher education. As the news of his passing continues to resonate, the focus has shifted to the lasting impact of his work and the inspiration he provided to students and fellow academics alike. Arday’s rise within the British academic system was a testament to his intellect and perseverance, and his loss is felt across various sectors of society. While the details surrounding the discovery in Battersea remain a point of somber discussion, the priority for many is ensuring that his contributions to social justice and educational reform are remembered and built upon by future generations.

ECG Schedules Maintenance and Repairs Following Power Outages in Accra West and Central Regions
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ECG Schedules Maintenance and Repairs Following Power Outages in Accra West and Central Regions

The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has officially notified the public regarding a series of power outages affecting various communities across the Accra West and Central regions. These disruptions stem from a combination of technical cable faults requiring urgent attention and scheduled maintenance works aimed at upgrading the power distribution network. The company has emphasized that while some outages were unforeseen, others are part of a broader strategy to improve overall service reliability for its customers in the southern part of the country. In the Accra West operational area, residents have experienced unplanned outages specifically attributed to localized cable faults. According to ECG reports, a significant fault in the New Bortianor area has disrupted supply to the community and its immediate surroundings. Similarly, a separate technical fault identified at Dansoman Kitkat has impacted several localities within that vicinity. Technical teams from the ECG are currently on-site working to rectify these faults and restore power to the affected households and businesses as quickly as possible. Beyond the emergency repairs in Accra, the ECG has also announced a comprehensive schedule for planned maintenance activities within the Central Region. These works are slated to take place over two days, specifically on August 18 and August 19. During this period, residents in the designated maintenance zones should anticipate temporary power interruptions. The company explained that these scheduled activities are essential for the long-term health of the grid and to prevent future unplanned breakdowns, thereby enhancing the quality of electricity supply to the region. As the maintenance window approaches, the ECG has advised its customers in the affected areas to make the necessary preparations for the disruptions and to treat all electrical installations as live, as power could be restored at any time during the day. The utility provider expressed its commitment to completing both the emergency repairs and the planned maintenance within the shortest possible timeframes to minimize inconvenience. These infrastructure works are part of the utility's goal to ensure that the national grid remains robust and capable of supporting the energy needs of all Ghanaians.

State of one of the vehicles after the collision
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Accra-Kumasi Highway Fatality and Western North Collision Highlight Increasing Road Safety Concerns

A fatal accident on the Accra-Kumasi Highway and a near-miss collision in the Western North Region have once again highlighted the critical issue of road safety in Ghana. These incidents, occurring on major transit routes, resulted in one confirmed death and numerous injuries, prompting renewed calls for caution among motorists. Emergency services were deployed to both scenes to manage the aftermath and assist the victims, as authorities begin investigations into the specific causes of each crash. On the Accra-Kumasi N6 highway, a tragic collision near Paradise Restaurant claimed the life of a female passenger and left 14 others with various degrees of injury. The accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. when a MAN Diesel truck, in an attempt to provide space for an overtaking vehicle, veered into the opposite lane. This maneuver led to a direct impact with an oncoming Toyota Hiace. First responders who arrived at the scene shortly after a distress call provided medical attention to the survivors and confirmed the fatality, with the injured being transported to nearby facilities for further treatment. In a separate incident on August 13, 2026, twenty-one travellers narrowly escaped death following a crash at the Lineso Barrier in the Western North Region. A Sprinter bus, transporting passengers from Bibiani to Kumasi, collided with a private Hyundai car that reportedly crossed its path unexpectedly. Despite the impact, all 21 passengers—including three children—managed to survive the ordeal. While immediate details on the extent of vehicle damage and specific minor injuries remain limited, the incident has caused significant concern among local residents and commuters frequenting the Bibiani-Kumasi route. The Ghana Police Service and road safety authorities have launched investigations into both occurrences to determine the exact circumstances and potential negligence involved. These accidents underscore the persistent dangers on Ghana’s highways, particularly the N6 corridor, which remains one of the busiest and most accident-prone routes in the country. As the government under President John Mahama continues to address infrastructure and transport safety, officials are urging drivers to adhere strictly to speed limits and exercise maximum patience to prevent further loss of life on the nation's roads.

Kumasi: 22-year-old man jailed 10 years for robbery
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Ashanti Region Courts Jail Two Young Men for Violent Robberies in Kumasi and Asokore Mampong

Two young men have been sentenced to a combined 25 years in prison with hard labour by separate courts in the Ashanti Region after being convicted of robbery-related offenses. The sentences, handed down in August 2026, follow distinct incidents that both occurred on July 21, 2026, underscoring the judiciary's commitment to swift justice in the region. These cases involve 22-year-old Christian Owusu and 19-year-old Ahmed Mustapha, both of whom were apprehended following investigations by local police commands. In the first case, Christian Owusu was sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labour by the Atasemanso Circuit Court in Kumasi. Presided over by Judge Kwaku Baah Frimpong, the court heard how Owusu threatened and robbed a woman of her handbag and cash while she was on her way to the Konkromase township. Owusu was arrested on August 4, 2026, and pleaded guilty to the charges, asking the court for forgiveness. The court applied the minimum statutory sentence for the crime, and Owusu has since been moved to the Kumasi Central Prisons to begin his term. In a more severe ruling at the Asokore Mampong District Court, 19-year-old Ahmed Mustapha received a 15-year sentence with hard labour. Mustapha’s conviction stemmed from a robbery in the Asabi area where he not only stole from his victim but also caused significant physical harm using a cutlass. Judge Vida Achiaa Yeboah delivered the judgment on August 10, 2026, reflecting the gravity of the violent assault. The harsher sentence in this instance reflects the additional charge of causing harm alongside the act of robbery. These convictions represent a significant success for the Ashanti Central District Police and the broader Ghana Police Service in their efforts to curb street crime and ensure public safety. The quick turnaround from the date of the crimes to the final sentencing demonstrates an efficient judicial process aimed at deterring potential offenders in the region. Legal experts suggest that these sentences serve as a firm reminder of the stiff penalties associated with violent crime under Ghanaian law, particularly when weapons are involved or physical injury is inflicted on victims.

Ghana Police Apprehend Labone GCB Robbery Suspect Augustine Okechukwu Maazi in Dramatic Operation
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Ghana Police Apprehend Labone GCB Robbery Suspect Augustine Okechukwu Maazi in Dramatic Operation

The Ghana Police Service has successfully apprehended Augustine Okechukwu Maazi, a key suspect linked to the recently foiled robbery attempt at the GCB Bank branch in Labone. Footage of the dramatic "Rambo-style" arrest has since gone viral on social media platforms, capturing the high-stakes moment the suspect was tracked down and taken into custody by law enforcement officers. The operation marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the attempted heist that targeted one of the capital's busy financial hubs. Detailed video evidence, which has been widely circulated on platforms such as X, shows tactical units from the Ghana Police Service extracting Maazi from a concealed hideout. In the intense recording, the suspect is seen being forcibly removed from his hiding spot and escorted under heavy guard to a waiting white police pickup truck. The precision and force displayed during the apprehension have sparked widespread public interest and discussions regarding the police's heightened response to violent crime in Accra. The arrest follows the initial failed heist at the Labone GCB Bank, an incident that put the surrounding business district on high alert. While the robbery was successfully thwarted by security forces on-site, the capture of Maazi is considered a critical breakthrough for authorities as they work to identify and prosecute all individuals involved in the criminal plot. The swift nature of the apprehension underscores the intensified efforts by the police to crack down on organized crime and ensure the safety of the banking sector. Following the arrest, Maazi remains in police custody as investigations continue to uncover further details of the planned robbery. The Ghana Police Service is expected to provide formal updates as the legal process unfolds and as they continue their sweep for any potential accomplices. This successful operation is being viewed as a demonstration of the police's readiness to tackle armed robbery, though it also highlights the persistent security challenges facing urban financial institutions.