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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Family of Bukom Junction Crash Victim Esther Arthur Petitions Gender Ministry Ahead of Funeral

The family of the late Esther Arthur, a victim of the tragic Bukom Junction accident, recently paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection. The visit was aimed at officially informing the Ministry of the funeral arrangements for the deceased and seeking government support during this period of mourning. Esther Arthur lost her life on July 27 when a vehicle suffered brake failure and careened into a group of pedestrians at the busy junction, a tragedy that also left seven other individuals with various degrees of injury. During the meeting, the Ministry expressed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and emphasized its commitment to supporting them through this difficult time. One of the primary concerns raised during the visit was the insensitive circulation of graphic images of the victim's body on social media. In response, the Gender Ministry revealed that it is collaborating closely with the National Security Secretariat to identify and remove these distressing visuals from online platforms. This measure is intended to preserve the dignity of the late Esther Arthur and shield her grieving family from further psychological trauma. The family used the opportunity to formally invite the Minister and other government officials to the funeral service, which is scheduled to take place on August 4. Ministry officials assured the family that the funeral details would be forwarded to President John Mahama and the Vice President for consideration and potential state support. As the family prepares for the final rites, they are calling for solidarity from the general public and the Bukom community, while the Ministry continues to engage with them to ensure a dignified farewell for the deceased.

Nigeria's NAPTIP Rescues 202 Human Trafficking Victims in Katsina State within Seven Months
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Nigeria's NAPTIP Rescues 202 Human Trafficking Victims in Katsina State within Seven Months

Nigeria’s National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has successfully rescued 202 victims of human trafficking in Katsina State during the first seven months of 2026. This significant milestone in the fight against modern slavery underscores the persistent vulnerability of individuals in the region and the aggressive tactics employed by trafficking syndicates despite intensified government intervention. The rescues highlight a critical period of activity for the agency as it seeks to curb the illegal movement and exploitation of persons across Nigerian borders. The Katsina State Commander of NAPTIP, Musa Aliyu, disclosed these figures during an event commemorating the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed globally on July 30. According to Commander Aliyu, the 202 rescues conducted between January and July serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing security and humanitarian challenges in the state. He emphasized that traffickers continue to devise sophisticated methods to lure and exploit unsuspecting citizens, often leveraging economic desperation to promise fraudulent opportunities that lead to severe human rights abuses. Despite the agency’s consistent efforts to sensitize the public through various awareness campaigns, the high volume of rescues suggests that the root drivers of trafficking—including poverty and the strategic geographic location of Katsina—remain formidable obstacles. The state serves as a frequent transit point for traffickers attempting to move victims toward North Africa and eventually Europe. NAPTIP has responded by strengthening its surveillance operations and intelligence-sharing protocols to better identify and intercept these illicit networks before they can move victims across international lines. Moving forward, NAPTIP has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to both the prosecution of traffickers and the comprehensive rehabilitation of survivors. The agency is calling for increased community vigilance and deeper collaboration between law enforcement, local traditional leaders, and civil society organizations to dismantle the infrastructure of human trafficking. As Nigeria continues to address this global menace, the recent operations in Katsina underscore the necessity of a sustained, multi-sectoral approach to protect the most vulnerable and ensure justice for those affected.

Apostle Safo Kantanka Laid to Rest at Gomoa Mpota Amid Legal Battles and Strategic Decoy Move
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Apostle Safo Kantanka Laid to Rest at Gomoa Mpota Amid Legal Battles and Strategic Decoy Move

The final funeral rites and burial of the renowned inventor and founder of the Kristo Asafo Mission, Apostle Professor Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, have been concluded at Gomoa Mpota, despite a deepening family rift and a pending court injunction. Sarah Adwoa Safo, the late Apostle's daughter and former Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya, spearheaded the proceedings amid intense legal disputes that threatened to halt the ceremony. The event, which drew significant public attention, celebrated the legacy of a man revered for his technological innovations and spiritual leadership, even as the process was overshadowed by internal discord and allegations of procedural irregularities regarding the handling of his remains.\n\nIn a dramatic revelation following the burial, Dr. Isaac Ofori Tieku, the late Apostle’s personal physician, confirmed that the body was secretly transported from Accra to the Apostle Kwadwo Safo Centre at Gomoa Mpota to evade interference. According to Dr. Tieku, the organizers received intelligence regarding an opposing family faction's plans to block the transport of the body. To bypass this, a Kantanka-branded ambulance was used as a decoy to mislead those attempting to intervene, while a separate, unmarked vehicle successfully delivered the body to the funeral grounds. Dr. Tieku attributed the success of this operation to divine guidance and the values of resilience and strategic thinking instilled by the Apostle himself.\n\nThe atmosphere surrounding the rites was fraught with controversy, including public rumors that a substitute might be used in place of the body during the ceremony. Sarah Adwoa Safo attended the funeral wearing a medical arm brace, a detail that garnered public interest alongside her brother’s earlier attempts to announce the cancellation of the event. The rites at Independence Square and Gomoa Mpota proceeded despite a 10-day interim injunction issued by the Accra High Court. The friction within the family prompted commentary from public figures such as Ghanaian actor Timothy Bentum, who used the occasion to warn against the complexities of polygamy, citing the Safo family’s dispute as a cautionary example for the youth.\n\nWhile the burial has been physically completed, the legal and social ramifications of proceeding despite a court order remain a point of concern. The absence of notable figures like Bishop Kwabena Asiamah, popularly known as Ajagurajah, also sparked discussion, though he clarified that his absence was not a mark of disrespect toward his spiritual father. As the dust settles on the funeral of one of Ghana’s most prominent religious and industrial icons, the focus shifts back to the High Court, where the resolution of the family's legal battle will likely determine the long-term management of the Apostle's extensive estate and the future leadership of the Kristo Asafo Mission.

Final Rites Set for Matriarchs Madam Gladys Naa-Afi Dodoo in Accra and Mrs. Betty Koranteng Okan in Texas
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Final Rites Set for Matriarchs Madam Gladys Naa-Afi Dodoo in Accra and Mrs. Betty Koranteng Okan in Texas

The families and communities of Madam Gladys Naa-Afi Dodoo and Mrs. Betty Koranteng Okan have officially announced the funeral arrangements for the two matriarchs, whose passing has left a significant void in their respective circles in Ghana and the United States. Madam Dodoo, a venerable centenarian-to-be who passed away at the age of 98, will be honored in Accra this August, while Mrs. Okan’s life will be celebrated through a series of services in Arlington, Texas. These announcements serve as a formal call to friends, relatives, and well-wishers to join in paying their final respects to two women who lived impactful lives dedicated to their families and faith. In Accra, the life of Madam Gladys Naa-Afi Dodoo will be commemorated on Thursday, August 6, 2026. Madam Dodoo passed away on July 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy spanning nearly a century. Her funeral proceedings will be held at the Cathedral Church of the Most Holy Trinity in Accra, beginning with a pre-burial and burial service at 8:30 am, followed immediately by thanksgiving and final funeral rites at the same venue. The family has specified that there will be no wakekeeping, and the interment will be conducted as a private burial. She is survived by her children, Edwin Kwarteng Bekoe and Sophia Frema Annan, as well as seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Across the Atlantic, the Ghanaian community in the United States prepares for the "Call to Glory" services for Mrs. Betty Koranteng Okan. Her transition will be marked by a multi-day celebration of life in Arlington and Grand Prairie, Texas, starting on Friday, August 21, 2026, with a viewing at the Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home. A memorial service is scheduled for the following morning, Saturday, August 22, at the Wesley Methodist Church, followed by burial at Moore Funeral Home. The final funeral rites, where attendees are requested to wear black and white attire, will take place on Saturday evening at the Divine Grace Church in Arlington. The weekend of tributes will conclude on Sunday, August 23, with a thanksgiving service at the Presbyterian Church of Ghana Resurrection Congregation DFW in Grand Prairie. Mrs. Okan is survived by her widower, Daniel Okan, and a large family including her children Erica, Mitzi, Betsy-Ann, Lilian, Agnes, and Sammy, alongside in-laws Kweku Boateng and Frank Marfo. For both families, these ceremonies represent a transition from mourning to the celebration of long-lived legacies. As the dates approach, the respective communities are expected to gather in large numbers to offer support and reflect on the contributions of these two women to their families and the broader Ghanaian society, whether at home in Accra or within the vibrant diaspora in Texas.

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Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly Empowers 61 Persons with Disabilities with GH¢142,500 Support Package

The Ablekuma North Municipal Assembly has underscored its commitment to social inclusion by distributing tools and financial aid worth GH¢142,500 to 61 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) within the municipality. This initiative, designed to foster economic independence and alleviate poverty, was executed through the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development. The support package aims to transition beneficiaries from dependency to self-reliance, ensuring they can contribute meaningfully to the local economy and improve their overall standard of living. The support was meticulously tailored to the specific entrepreneurial needs of the recipients. Among the items distributed were deep freezers, industrial sewing machines, and a laptop, alongside direct financial assistance. The 61 beneficiaries comprised 36 males and 25 females, reflecting a diverse range of vocational interests. By providing these essential tools of trade, the Assembly is addressing the physical and financial barriers that often prevent PWDs from establishing or expanding their small-scale businesses, thereby promoting long-term financial stability. During the presentation ceremony, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Kalamu Musah Adamu, reiterated the government's dedication to improving the welfare of PWDs across Ghana. He highlighted that the increased allocation from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) specifically for PWDs is a testament to the administration's proactive stance on social protection. He urged the beneficiaries to utilize the equipment and funds for their intended purposes, warning against the sale of the items which are meant to serve as long-term assets for their livelihoods. The beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the intervention, noting that the equipment would provide a sustainable source of income for their families. This exercise is part of a broader national strategy to ensure that no citizen is left behind in the country's development agenda. Moving forward, the Assembly's Department of Social Welfare is expected to conduct follow-up monitoring to ensure the tools are being utilized effectively, ensuring that the investment yields the desired socio-economic impact within the Ablekuma North community.

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Calvin Kwadwo Fosu to Pursue Legal Action Over Defamatory Claims Against the Fosu Family

Calvin Kwadwo Fosu, the eldest son of the late highlife legend Daddy Lumba, has officially announced that his family is pursuing legal action against individuals spreading defamatory statements and falsehoods about them. Speaking following the one-year memorial service of his father, Fosu emphasized that the family has reached a breaking point regarding the persistent misinformation circulating in the public domain. The move marks a significant shift from the family's previous stance of silence, signaling a new commitment to protecting the Lumba legacy through formal judicial channels. In a video statement released online, Fosu revealed that a dedicated legal team has already been engaged to monitor and address specific claims that aim to tarnish the family's reputation. While he did not name specific individuals or entities in the initial announcement, he made it clear that the family’s tolerance for malicious rumors has ended. The decision comes at a sensitive time as the family observes the first anniversary of the music icon’s passing, a period that should be dedicated to honoring his contributions to Ghanaian culture rather than defending against baseless allegations. The Fosu family's move to seek legal redress underscores the growing trend among Ghanaian public figures and their estates to utilize the court system to combat digital misinformation and character assassination. By taking this stance, Calvin Kwadwo Fosu is asserting the family's right to privacy and dignity during their time of mourning and beyond. As the legal team begins its work, the public and media outlets are cautioned to verify information concerning the Fosu family or risk facing litigation for contributing to the spread of unverified and harmful narratives.

Daniel Adongo Deported from US as Global Jurisdictions Clamp Down on Migration and Environmental Crimes
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Daniel Adongo Deported from US as Global Jurisdictions Clamp Down on Migration and Environmental Crimes

In a series of significant legal and immigration actions across the globe, authorities in the United States, United Kingdom, and Nigeria have moved to enforce national laws through deportations and criminal sentencing. Most notably, former Indianapolis Colts linebacker Daniel Ogama Adongo has been deported to Kenya following the conclusion of removal proceedings by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 37-year-old rugby-to-NFL convert, who played for the Colts between 2013 and 2015, had reportedly overstayed his visa for nearly a decade after his professional football career ended. His deportation follows a series of criminal convictions in the U.S., marking a stark turn for the once-promising athlete who transitioned from professional rugby in South Africa to the peak of American football. Similarly, the United Kingdom’s judiciary has taken a firm stance on criminal conduct involving foreign nationals to ensure public safety. Obinwa Obichukwu, a 45-year-old Nigerian man residing in Hertfordshire, was recently sentenced to two years in prison by the Inner London Crown Court. Obichukwu was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault committed against a woman at London’s Euston railway station. The sentencing, following an investigation by the British Transport Police, highlights the rigorous enforcement of order within the UK's transit infrastructure and the legal consequences for individuals found guilty of violent or predatory behavior abroad. In West Africa, the Nigerian Police Force has addressed international environmental crime by deporting a Chinese national involved in the massive trafficking of endangered species. The individual was apprehended for his role in an operation attempting to smuggle 12 tonnes of pangolin scales to China. Pangolins are currently listed as critically endangered, yet their scales remain highly sought after for traditional medicine despite a lack of scientific evidence regarding their medicinal properties. This deportation underscores Nigeria's commitment to disrupting the lucrative global black market for animal parts and protecting biodiversity through strict law enforcement and international cooperation. Beyond individual criminal cases, Mediterranean border security remains under immense pressure due to mass migration patterns. In North Africa, hundreds of migrants recently attempted to reach European soil by swimming from Morocco to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Local authorities reported that the surge in crossings has overwhelmed border security measures. Although favorable weather often facilitates such attempts during the summer months, officials noted that the scale of this recent influx is particularly unusual for this period. These events collectively reflect the ongoing challenges and significant risks individuals face while navigating international borders, as well as the heightened vigilance of global authorities in managing migration and cross-border crime.

Ministry of Energy Manages Grid Recovery as Serious Truck Accident Impacts Infrastructure at Aggrey Memorial
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Ministry of Energy Manages Grid Recovery as Serious Truck Accident Impacts Infrastructure at Aggrey Memorial

The Ministry of Energy and Green Transition has issued a high-priority warning regarding the restoration of electricity services across Ghana following a significant power system disturbance that occurred on July 29. According to Ministry spokesperson Richmond Rockson, while the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) has successfully restored power to several affected communities, the remaining restoration efforts must remain systematic and deliberate. The Ministry emphasized that any attempt to rush the reconnection of affected areas could jeopardize the stability of the national grid, potentially leading to a more severe and widespread collapse of the electrical infrastructure. Engineers from GRIDCo are currently engaged in a phased restoration procedure, which involves carefully rebalancing the load to maintain system frequency. Mr. Rockson reiterated that safety remains the paramount concern during this period of technical recovery. GRIDCo has officially initiated its internal restoration protocols and has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the root cause of the initial disturbance. Customers still experiencing outages are urged to remain patient as technical teams work to ensure that the return of power is both stable and permanent, preventing further disruptions to households and businesses. In a separate but equally distressing incident involving national infrastructure, a serious road accident occurred at the Aggrey Memorial Senior High School (SHS) Overhead. A RHINO truck traveling along the route suffered a sudden tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The truck veered off its path and crashed violently into a concrete pillar of the overhead structure. The impact left both the driver and his mate with critical injuries. Prompt action from bystanders and emergency responders was required to rescue the victims from the wreckage before they were rushed to a nearby health facility for intensive medical care. These twin events highlight the ongoing challenges regarding national safety and infrastructure resilience. While the Ministry of Energy manages the complexities of the national power grid to ensure economic stability under the administration of President John Mahama, the tragic accident at Aggrey Memorial serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities on Ghana's highways. Authorities continue to investigate the specifics of the truck crash, while energy officials remain on high alert to stabilize the power supply. Citizens are encouraged to prioritize safety in all sectors, from adhering to electrical restoration guidelines to ensuring rigorous vehicle maintenance to prevent further road tragedies.

Widow of Obuasi Police Inspector Richard Aduko Recounts Events Leading to Fatal Road Accident
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Widow of Obuasi Police Inspector Richard Aduko Recounts Events Leading to Fatal Road Accident

The Obuasi community is mourning the tragic loss of Police Inspector Richard Aduko, a dedicated officer stationed at the Obuasi Central Police Station, following a fatal road accident. His widow, Rosemond Aduko, has shared a poignant account of her husband's final hours, providing context to the circumstances that preceded the crash. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local police command and the wider community, highlighting the suddenness with which tragedy can strike those in the line of service. According to Rosemond Aduko, the day of the incident began with the Inspector returning home from an arduous night shift. His rest was unexpectedly interrupted when he received a telephone call that prompted him to leave their residence abruptly. He informed his wife that he needed to attend to a quick "personal errand," which would ultimately be his last interaction with his family before the fatal incident occurred. This account paints a picture of a man caught between his professional duties and undisclosed personal obligations in the moments leading up to the tragedy. The narrative surrounding the Inspector's death has been further complicated by reports regarding the specific destination of his final journey. Details emerged suggesting that Inspector Aduko was allegedly en route to visit a woman with whom he shared a child in secret. This revelation has added a layer of personal complexity to the public loss, as his family and colleagues grapple with both the grief of his passing and the discovery of his private affairs. While the technical cause of the road crash remains a matter for investigative authorities, the human element of the story has captured significant local attention. As the Ghana Police Service and the Obuasi community process this loss, the story serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of road travel and the complex private lives often hidden behind a uniform. Official investigations into the exact mechanics of the accident are expected to follow standard procedure, while the Aduko family seeks privacy and closure. The loss of an experienced officer is a significant blow to the Obuasi Central Police Station, where Inspector Aduko was a recognized figure in local law enforcement efforts.

Police Intervene in Funeral of Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka Amid Legal Dispute and Court Injunction
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Police Intervene in Funeral of Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka Amid Legal Dispute and Court Injunction

The funeral rites for the late Apostle Prof Emeritus Ing Kwadwo Safo Kantanka have been overshadowed by legal drama and police intervention. Recent reports indicate that the Ghana Police Service intercepted a hearse intended to transport the body of the renowned inventor and religious leader from the Transitions Funeral Home. This action was taken in enforcement of a High Court injunction that has placed a temporary halt on the burial process, creating a tense atmosphere as family and followers gather to pay their final respects. Confusion intensified at the Gomoa Mpota funeral grounds when a white Toyota Hilux truck was spotted arriving with an object closely resembling a casket. This occurrence sparked widespread speculation regarding the status of the burial, as observers questioned whether the body was being moved despite the legal restrictions. While the true nature of the object remains unverified, its presence has added to the uncertainty surrounding the funeral preparations and the adherence to the court's directives. Despite the police intervention and the blockage of the hearse, certain funeral proceedings have reportedly continued at Gomoa Mpota. Supporters and members of the Kristo Asafo Mission have converged at the site, maintaining a presence even as the legal validity of the immediate burial remains in question. Some reports suggest that while current activities are ongoing, the formal conclusion of the funeral rites could be extended significantly, with some scheduling even pointing as far ahead as July 2026 to allow for the resolution of internal disputes. The ongoing situation highlights the complex intersection of customary rites and the modern legal system in Ghana. As one of the country's most prominent figures in indigenous technology and spirituality, the resolution of Apostle Kwadwo Safo’s burial is of significant public interest. For now, the public and his followers await further directives from the High Court, as authorities maintain their stance on enforcing the current injunction to prevent any breach of the legal order during this high-profile transition.

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Accra High Court Rejects Faiza Seidu Wuni’s Plea to Seek Overseas Medical Treatment for Son

An Accra High Court has dismissed an application filed by Faiza Seidu Wuni, the second accused in a significant criminal trial, seeking permission to travel abroad for her seven-year-old son's medical assessment. The application, which requested leave to travel during the court’s legal vacation, was aimed at securing specialized healthcare for the child. However, the court found the arguments for international intervention insufficient to warrant a temporary modification to the accused's status or the trial's schedule. The request was presented by defense counsel Augustine Obour, who emphasized the need for specialized care that he suggested was best sought outside of Ghana's borders. In a sharp rebuttal, the prosecution opposed the motion, questioning the necessity of the trip and the lack of evidence supporting a medical emergency. The state argued that the child’s condition could be competently managed by medical facilities available locally and raised concerns that granting the request might lead to delays in the criminal trial, which involves Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba. In delivering the ruling, the court highlighted that while the welfare of the child is a priority, the defense failed to provide convincing evidence that Ghana’s medical system is incapable of providing the required treatment. The judge also pointed to reports that the child is currently performing well in school, suggesting that his health status does not require immediate foreign intervention. Ultimately, the court maintained that the public interest and the need for a timely conclusion to the criminal trial outweighed the travel request, concluding that the child’s needs can be adequately addressed within the country.

Liaoning Province: Bridging 5,000 Years of Heritage with Modern Smart Manufacturing
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Liaoning Province: Bridging 5,000 Years of Heritage with Modern Smart Manufacturing

Liaoning, a pivotal region in northeastern China, is successfully rebranding itself as a land where ancient history and cutting-edge industrial innovation coexist. With a civilization spanning over 5,000 years, the province is home to the Niuheliang Hongshan culture site—a cornerstone of prehistoric Chinese history. Today, Liaoning is leveraging this deep-rooted heritage alongside a massive digital transformation, transitioning from its traditional role as an industrial powerhouse into a modern center for smart manufacturing. The province’s historical landscape is marked by the legacies of the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring the iconic Shenyang Imperial Palace and unique coastal sections of the Great Wall. Beyond these monuments, Liaoning preserves a rich tapestry of intangible cultural heritage, including the intricate art of Xiuyan jade carving and traditional Manchu paper-cutting. These crafts offer a glimpse into the Eastern craftsmanship that has defined the region for millennia, providing a cultural anchor as the province modernizes. Once regarded strictly as the backbone of China's heavy industry, Liaoning is now undergoing a significant economic revitalization. The region is aggressively embracing digital technologies and smart manufacturing to remain competitive in the global market. This shift is not just about technology but also about redefining the province's identity, moving away from old industrial stereotypes toward a future-oriented, high-tech economy that welcomes international partnership and investment. Complementing its industrial grit is a diverse and untamed natural wilderness that draws tourists from across the globe. From the vibrant Red Beach wetlands and the expansive Bohai Bay coastline to its majestic, snow-covered forests, Liaoning offers a striking visual contrast to its urban centers. As the province continues to open up to the world, it presents a unique synthesis of history, nature, and innovation, positioning itself as a dynamic destination for both cultural exploration and global business.