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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Afghan Boxer Faces Athens Court Over Suitcase Murder of Scottish Woman Elisabeth-Jane Ross

A 26-year-old man, identified as an Afghan boxer, has appeared before an Athens court facing homicide charges in connection with the death of 38-year-old Scottish national Elisabeth-Jane Ross. The case, which has drawn significant international attention, centers on the discovery of Ms. Ross’s body inside a suitcase in a derelict building on July 18. The suspect currently faces a series of grave charges, including homicide with intent, theft, and illegal possession of weapons, following a swift investigation by Greek law enforcement. Investigators allege that the suspect systematically looted Ms. Ross’s bank accounts after her death, stealing more than €10,000. In an apparent attempt to conceal the crime, he is also accused of using the victim’s mobile phone to send misleading messages to her family and friends, creating a false impression that she was still alive. During a private court session, the suspect reportedly admitted to moving the body but firmly denied the murder allegations. Authorities successfully linked him to the scene using surveillance footage and evidence from the victim’s financial transactions. Forensic experts are currently conducting a detailed tissue and medical analysis to determine the exact cause of death, with preliminary reports from local media suggesting suffocation as a possibility. While the suspect was initially detained for illegal weapons possession, the investigation has since pivoted to focus on the homicide and the movement of the body. The Greek judiciary is expected to hold further hearings as forensic evidence is finalized. In response to the tragedy, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Police Scotland have confirmed they are providing consular support and assistance to the family of Elisabeth-Jane Ross. The collaborative effort between Greek and British authorities aims to ensure a thorough prosecution as the case proceeds through the Hellenic legal system. The suspect remains in custody pending further judicial developments.

Interfaith memorial service underway in honour of 2025 military helicopter crash victims
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President Mahama Leads National Memorial Honoring Victims of 2025 Military Helicopter Crash

President John Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang led the nation on August 6, 2026, in a solemn National Inter-Faith Memorial Service to honor the eight victims of the tragic military helicopter crash that occurred exactly one year prior. Held at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, the service brought together government officials, military leadership, religious heads, and bereaved families to commemorate the lives of those lost, including the late Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah. The event served as both a tribute to the fallen and a moment of national reflection on the sacrifices made by public servants in the line of duty. Addressing the congregation, President Mahama emphasized the government’s commitment to the welfare and safety of public service personnel, noting that their protection remains a paramount national priority. To provide tangible support to the families left behind, the President announced a comprehensive state support package, which includes the establishment of GH1 million trust funds for every child of the deceased victims. The Ministry of Defence also confirmed the unveiling of a memorial cenotaph to serve as a permanent monument to their service, while a nationwide blood donation exercise is scheduled for August 8, 2026, to conclude the commemorative activities. The service was marked by poignant reflections from the families of the deceased. Naval Lieutenant Ewuradwoa Kumi-Kyeremeh, the widow of Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, spoke on behalf of the bereaved spouses, describing the past year as a journey of profound grief sustained by faith and community support. Similarly, Percy Anala, representing the family of Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, and Charles Ohene Oti, representing the family of Dr. Omane Boamah, expressed deep gratitude for the nation's solidarity during their time of loss. They urged Ghanaians to keep the families in their prayers, noting that while the year has passed, the void left by their loved ones remains deeply felt. Religious leaders and military officials, including Brigadier General Kumi-Woode, called for national unity and a renewed spirit of service to the state. They urged the public to honor the legacies of the victims by serving Ghana with the same integrity and dedication they demonstrated throughout their careers. The interfaith service, featuring prayers from various denominations, highlighted the values of sacrifice and patriotism that the eight individuals embodied. As the nation remembers this tragedy, the government reiterated its resolve to learn from the official investigations into the crash and ensure the continued safety of Ghana's security and public officials.

Fire destroys late Tamale Central MP Murtala’s family house
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Fire Devastates Tamale Family Home of Late MP Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed on Death Anniversary Eve

A devastating domestic fire has swept through the family residence of the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, in the Changli suburb of Tamale, resulting in significant structural damage and the displacement of several occupants. The timing of the blaze has drawn particular attention as it broke out just one day before the first anniversary of the tragic helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, which claimed the life of the late lawmaker and former minister. According to officials from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the fire began at approximately 4:00 p.m. and quickly spread through the large residential property. ADO 1 Hudu Baba of the GNFS confirmed that while the fire was intense, firefighters arrived promptly and managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from consuming the entire structure or spreading to neighboring homes. Despite these efforts, nine of the 17 rooms in the family house were completely destroyed. In a heroic turn during the emergency, first responders successfully rescued two schoolchildren who were trapped inside the building when the fire started. No injuries or fatalities were reported. The late Dr. Murtala Mohammed was a prominent political figure in the Northern Region, and the news of the fire has added a layer of grief to a community already preparing to memorialize him. His death in 2025 was a national tragedy, involving a helicopter crash that also claimed the lives of other high-ranking officials. Reflecting on his legacy, Prof. Michael Ayamga, the Deputy CEO of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recently paid tribute to the late minister, recalling their final conversations regarding international environmental negotiations and highlighting Dr. Murtala’s dedication to public service and environmental policy. Investigations are currently underway by the Ghana National Fire Service to determine the exact cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this time. The family and the Changli community are now left to assess the damage to the historic family home while proceeding with the planned anniversary observations for the late statesman. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the vulnerabilities of domestic properties to fire outbreaks, even as the nation reflects on the contributions of one of its respected former public servants.

Tema: Seized suspected cocaine in port enclave has street value of US$6.928 million - Police
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Tema Police Seize Suspected Cocaine Valued at $6.9 Million in Major Port Enclave Operation

The Tema Regional Police Command has intercepted 866 parcels of a white powdered substance suspected to be cocaine with an estimated street value of US$6.928 million. The high-stakes operation, conducted on the evening of August 5, 2026, targeted a warehouse within the Tema Port enclave where the illicit drugs were being prepared for export. Acting on intelligence reports, officers moved in around 8:00 pm to disrupt the shipment before it could be moved out of the country. Three suspects were apprehended during the raid while supervising the loading of the narcotics into a 40-foot container. The suspects have been identified as 31-year-old Dutch national Gilano Horwin, along with two Ghanaian accomplices, John Mensah Sabah (41) and Alhaji Iddris Haruna. In a sophisticated attempt to bypass security, the parcels were meticulously concealed within sacks of staple foods, specifically gari and konkonte. During initial police interrogations, Horwin reportedly claimed ownership of the seized substances. In a parallel anti-narcotics effort on the same day, police conducted a second operation in Tsopoli, located in the Greater Accra Region. This led to the arrest of a taxi driver, Eric Tetteh, and the seizure of four sacks of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp. While the police successfully intercepted the taxi following a pursuit, a bus allegedly involved in the same trafficking attempt managed to evade capture. Authorities are currently searching for the escaped vehicle and an additional missing sack of the illicit substance. All suspects and intercepted items are currently in police custody as investigations continue into the broader trafficking networks involved. The Tema Regional Police Command has reiterated its dedication to dismantling drug syndicates and disrupting their operations within the country. Law enforcement officials have urged the public to provide timely information to aid in the fight against narcotics, emphasizing that active public-police collaboration remains a vital component of national security and crime prevention.

César Gastélum’s Livestream Slaying and Libya Prison Escape Headline Global Security Concerns
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César Gastélum’s Livestream Slaying and Libya Prison Escape Headline Global Security Concerns

Tragedy has struck the international digital community following the death of Mexican influencer César Gastélum, who was shot dead while livestreaming to his 500,000 followers. The incident occurred outside a fast-food restaurant in Culiacán, Sinaloa, when two gunmen on a motorbike opened fire at close range. The slaying is part of a disturbing trend of violence against social media personalities in Mexico, often linked to the ongoing conflicts between rival factions of the Sinaloa cartel. Meanwhile, in France, a Nice court has delivered a measure of justice in a separate case involving the on-camera death of streamer Jean Pormanove. Two men were convicted of grievous bodily harm and incitement to hatred, receiving suspended sentences and six-month social media bans for their roles in an incident they previously claimed was a staged performance. In North Africa, a significant security breach has unfolded in western Libya where a mass prison escape occurred at the Surman detention facility. The escape took place during fierce armed clashes between rival factions in the cities of Surman and Zawiya, west of the capital, Tripoli. Authorities report that at least three civilians were killed during the violence, which caused extensive property damage and raised serious concerns about the stability of the region. The chaos provided a window for inmates to flee, leaving local security forces struggling to contain the fallout while addressing the immediate threat posed by the warring armed groups. In the world of international sports, authorities in the United Kingdom are investigating the disappearance of several members of the Ugandan boxing team. Following their participation in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the athletes were reported unaccounted for, prompting Police Scotland to coordinate with the Home Office to determine their whereabouts. Simultaneously, the Saudi Arabian sports community continues to follow the tragic case of international footballer Fahad Al-Muwallad. Al-Muwallad remains in a coma following a severe fall from a second-floor balcony at his residence in Dubai, marking a prolonged and difficult health battle for the former star athlete. These disparate events highlight a period of global volatility, ranging from targeted violence against public figures to systemic security failures in conflict zones and the personal struggles of international athletes. As investigations continue across three continents, the international community faces growing questions regarding the safety of high-profile individuals and the underlying causes of regional instability. While judicial outcomes in France offer some accountability for digital-era violence, the ongoing search for missing athletes and the surge in cartel-related killings in Mexico underscore the complex challenges facing law enforcement and global security frameworks today.

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NADMO Issues Urgent Flood Alert for North East Region Ahead of Bagré Dam Spillage

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has issued an urgent flood alert for communities situated along the White Volta River in the North East Region, following notification of the planned spillage of the Bagré Dam in Burkina Faso. The spillage, scheduled to commence on August 11, 2026, is expected to significantly increase water levels downstream, posing a severe risk of flooding to nearby Ghanaian settlements. NADMO is urging residents to prioritize safety and take immediate action to mitigate the impact of the rising waters, emphasizing that early intervention is critical for disaster prevention. Residents, farmers, and fishermen in flood-prone areas have been specifically advised to evacuate riverbanks and relocate to higher, safer ground immediately. To minimize economic losses, NADMO has recommended that farmers in these regions harvest their crops early before the floodwaters reach the fields. Furthermore, individuals are cautioned against engaging in any activities within the river channels and are urged to move valuables and livestock away from potential flood zones. The organization emphasized that the increased water flow is a direct consequence of the dam's release, making early relocation the most effective way to prevent the loss of life and property. NADMO has reiterated its commitment to monitoring the situation closely as the spillage progresses, providing timely updates to the public as the water levels fluctuate. Operating under the slogan "Safety First – Early Action Saves Lives," the disaster management body remains on high alert to coordinate emergency responses if necessary. The annual spillage of the Bagré Dam remains a recurring challenge for northern Ghana, highlighting the ongoing need for robust cross-border water management strategies and long-term relocation solutions for those living in the direct path of the White Volta's seasonal overflow.

Two human traffickers in Tema jailed 20 years each
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Tema Circuit Court Jails Human Traffickers 20 Years as Police Arrest MP's Bodyguards for Robbery

The Tema Circuit Court has delivered a stern warning to human traffickers by sentencing two Nigerian nationals, 29-year-old Kingsley Ndifon and 25-year-old Emmanuel Akong, to 20 years in prison each. The duo was found guilty of human trafficking and causing severe physical harm to their victims. During a police operation, eleven Nigerian nationals were rescued from confinement after being lured to Ghana with false promises of employment. The court heard that the victims were instead forced into illegal activities and subjected to systematic abuse. The sentences for human trafficking and causing harm are to run concurrently, marking a significant victory for the judicial system in its fight against cross-border crime. In a separate high-profile development, law enforcement has arrested two security guards serving as bodyguards for Naa Koryoo Okunor, the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East. The suspects are allegedly involved in an armed robbery targeting a gold dealer. Investigations revealed that the guards utilized military and police-style tactical uniforms, which were originally issued to them for their official security duties, to facilitate the criminal operation. This breach of trust and the misuse of security apparel has raised serious concerns regarding the oversight and vetting of personal security details assigned to public officials. Meanwhile, police operations in the Western Region have led to the apprehension of four suspects connected to a violent robbery in Wassa Akropong. The individuals, aged between 24 and 28, were captured during intelligence-led operations in late July 2026. They are linked to a March 2026 attack where a gold dealer was robbed of GH¢24,000 in cash and gold valued at GH¢94,530. While the four suspects have been remanded in custody, the police are currently pursuing a fifth accomplice who remains at large. In the Ashanti Region, tension erupted at a church in Kumawu when a suspected cannabis dealer sought refuge within the sanctuary during a service to evade arrest. An informant's pursuit of the suspect into the building led to a confrontation between police officers and congregants who reportedly interfered with the arrest. These combined incidents highlight a period of intensive law enforcement activity across Ghana, as the police and judiciary work to address diverse threats ranging from human trafficking to high-value robberies under the current administration of President John Mahama.

Seven Dead in Fiery N6 Highway Collision as Fatal Accidents Rise Across Ghana's Road Network
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Seven Dead in Fiery N6 Highway Collision as Fatal Accidents Rise Across Ghana's Road Network

Ghana’s highway network has been struck by a series of devastating road accidents, resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries across several regions. The most severe incident occurred at Birimso Bridge on the N6 Accra-Kumasi Highway, where a catastrophic multi-vehicle collision claimed the lives of seven people, including five males and two females. The crash involved a fuel tanker, an STC bus, a Mitsubishi Pick-Up, and a KIA Sorento. The impact ignited a massive fire that completely consumed the fuel tanker and other vehicles. Firefighters from the Bunso and Suhum Municipal Fire Stations worked together to bring the blaze under control, though the cause of the initial collision is still being investigated by the authorities. In another grave incident on the Mankessim-Accra Highway, two people lost their lives and seven others were injured when a Toyota Voxy crashed at the Abor Junction. While the driver of the vehicle reportedly escaped without injury, the Ghana National Fire Service and National Ambulance Service were required to clear the wreckage and transport the wounded to nearby medical facilities. This accident, occurring in August 2026, further emphasizes the ongoing risks faced by commuters on Ghana's southern transport corridors. Additionally, eight individuals, including four children, were hospitalized following a separate accident on the Tema–Akosombo Highway. This crash involved a Toyota Hiace that overturned after experiencing a sudden rear tyre burst. Rescuers from the Kpong Fire Station attended to the victims, who were subsequently treated at the Kings and Queens Hospital. Together, these incidents highlight a critical need for enhanced road safety measures and regular vehicle maintenance. Authorities continue to urge motorists to conduct thorough checks on their vehicles and cooperate with emergency services to mitigate the high rate of highway fatalities.

4 dead, others injured in dynamite explosion at Aboso, Police commence investigation
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Police Investigate Deadly Dynamite Explosion at Aboso Tailings Site Triggered by Shotgun Blast at Python

On August 4, 2026, a tragic explosion at a tailings site in Aboso, located within the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality, claimed multiple lives and left several others injured. The Western Central Regional Police Command has launched a full investigation into the incident, which occurred around midday and sent shockwaves through the local community of Breman. Reports regarding the final death toll have varied slightly among sources, with some confirming three fatalities and others, including Graphic Online, reporting that four people died as a result of the blast. The deceased included the owner of the site, David Kofi Fletcher. The explosion was reportedly triggered by a bizarre and unfortunate sequence of events involving an attempt to kill a snake. Workers at the site discovered a python and alerted the site owner, Mr. Fletcher. Upon his arrival at the scene armed with a shotgun, he fired at the reptile. However, the discharge from the firearm accidentally struck and ignited illegally stored dynamite or other explosive materials kept at the tailings site. The resulting detonation was massive, killing Fletcher and at least two others—identified by some sources as Solomon and Baba—while causing significant damage to nearby vehicles and residential properties. Three survivors who sustained various degrees of injury were rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were transported to the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital for autopsy. The scale of the explosion caused widespread panic in the Aboso-Breman area, prompting an immediate response from emergency services and law enforcement. The blast serves as a grim reminder of the volatility of industrial explosives when not managed within strict regulatory frameworks. The Minerals Commission is now collaborating closely with the Western Central Regional Police Command to determine the legality of the explosive storage and evaluate the overall safety protocols at the site. Authorities have used this tragedy as a stern warning to the public, urging citizens to report the illegal storage of explosives to the police to ensure public safety. As investigations continue, the focus remains on identifying any further regulatory breaches that contributed to the scale of the disaster.

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London Police Arrest Woman After Random Scissor Attack in Covent Garden

London police have arrested a 47-year-old woman following a series of random stabbings in the busy Covent Garden district during a lunchtime rush. The incident, which left four men injured, is being treated by authorities as an isolated event linked to mental health concerns. Rapid intervention by emergency services ensured that the suspect was detained quickly, preventing further harm in one of the city's most popular tourist and shopping destinations. Local authorities have moved to reassure the public that there is no broader threat following the swift containment of the situation. The victims, identified as men aged 34, 39, 42, and 52, were attacked with what investigators believe to be a pair of scissors. Following the assault, two of the men were transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, while the other two were assessed and subsequently discharged. The 47-year-old suspect remains in custody on suspicion of assault and possession of an offensive weapon as the Metropolitan Police continue their inquiries into the specific circumstances surrounding the attack. Eyewitnesses at the scene described a chaotic environment, noting that the woman appeared to be acting incoherently and erratically before and during the stabbings. The immediate response from law enforcement led to the establishment of a large security cordon around the area, which remained in place for several hours as forensic teams gathered evidence. Witnesses praised the speed of the police arrival, which helped de-escalate a potentially more tragic situation in the heart of central London during a period of high foot traffic. Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart has sought to reassure the local community and visitors, emphasizing that the investigation is in its early stages but remains focused on the woman's mental health status. He confirmed that all indicators point toward a mental health-related crisis rather than a coordinated criminal or terrorist act. The Metropolitan Police are expected to provide further updates as the legal process moves forward and more details about the suspect’s background are established by medical professionals and investigators.

Stella Amedzorme Sentenced to Three Years for Abducting Infant at Kpando Market
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Stella Amedzorme Sentenced to Three Years for Abducting Infant at Kpando Market

The Kpando Circuit Court has sentenced 31-year-old Stella Amedzorme to three years in prison for the abduction of an eight-month-old baby at the Kpando Market in the Volta Region. The sentencing followed Amedzorme's guilty plea and a swift investigation by the Volta North Regional Police. The incident, which occurred on July 17, saw the infant recovered unharmed within 24 hours of his disappearance through coordinated law enforcement efforts. The abduction took place when the child's mother, Gloria Xagbe, briefly entrusted her son to Amedzorme's care while she was shopping. Upon her return, she discovered that both the woman and her child had vanished, prompting an immediate report to the authorities. Through diligent tracking, police located Amedzorme the following day in the Oti Region, where she was arrested and the baby was safely secured for reunification with his family. During the court proceedings, Amedzorme admitted to the crime but alleged that she had acted under the influence and instruction of her fiancé. While she has been convicted and sentenced, her accomplice remains at large. The police have confirmed that they are continuing their search for the fiancé and are determined to bring all parties involved in the conspiracy to justice. Following the ruling, the police issued a public advisory emphasizing the importance of parental vigilance. They urged caregivers to remain cautious when leaving children in the care of others, particularly in crowded public spaces like markets. The authorities reaffirmed their commitment to child protection and stated that they would continue to prioritize the safety of vulnerable citizens across the region.

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Afghan Boxer Charged in Athens Over 'Suitcase Murder' of Scottish National Elisabeth-Jane Ross

A 26-year-old man, identified as an Afghan boxer, has appeared before an Athens court to face charges of homicide following the discovery of the body of 38-year-old Scottish national Elisabeth-Jane Ross. Ms. Ross’s remains were found on July 18, concealed within a suitcase left in a derelict building in the Greek capital. The suspect, who was initially detained for illegal weapons possession, now faces severe charges including homicide with intent and the theft of over €10,000 from the victim's bank accounts. The investigation, which has drawn international attention, utilized surveillance footage to link the suspect to the crime. Prosecutors allege that following the victim's death, the suspect accessed her bank cards and sent deceptive messages from her mobile phone to her contacts to mask her disappearance. During a private court hearing on August 5, the suspect reportedly admitted to moving the body but explicitly denied the murder charge. Investigators are also looking into reports that the suspect may have acted under a religious or jihadist guise, though this remains an unconfirmed element of the broader inquiry. As the judicial process unfolds, Greek medical examiners are awaiting the results of comprehensive tissue and forensic analysis to confirm the definitive cause of death. While preliminary reports have suggested suffocation, a final ruling is pending further laboratory evidence. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the UK government have confirmed they are providing consular support to the family of Elisabeth-Jane Ross during this period. Additionally, Police Scotland is coordinating with Greek law enforcement to assist in the ongoing investigation. The suspect is scheduled for further hearings as the Athens court weighs the forensic evidence against his testimony. The case has highlighted the critical nature of cross-border law enforcement cooperation in managing violent crimes involving foreign nationals. For the family of Ms. Ross, the focus remains on the pursuit of justice as Greek authorities work to establish the full timeline and circumstances of her tragic death.