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.

Nintin and Hwidiem Residents Mobilize for Road Safety on Mampong Scarp After Recent Fatalities
news|

Nintin and Hwidiem Residents Mobilize for Road Safety on Mampong Scarp After Recent Fatalities

Residents of Nintin and Hwidiem in the Ashanti Region have launched a massive communal bush-clearing exercise along the Mampong Scarp to mitigate a rising tide of road accidents. This grassroots intervention follows three serious crashes on the treacherous stretch within the last fortnight, which claimed at least one life and left several others with various degrees of injury. The move marks a critical effort by local stakeholders to restore safety to a route notorious for its challenging terrain and a recent spike in avoidable collisions. Motorists and road users have consistently identified overgrown vegetation as a primary hazard, noting that the lush greenery has obscured essential road signs and severely limited visibility on the winding scarp. Many have expressed frustration over the perceived neglect by the Ghana Highway Authority, whose responsibility it is to maintain these corridors. In the absence of timely state-led maintenance, the community stepped in, arguing that the lack of clear sightlines transformed an already difficult drive into a death trap for unsuspecting drivers. The initiative was heavily supported by the Mampong Municipal Assembly, with local leaders hailing the exercise as a display of patriotism and civic responsibility. Mampong Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Yakubu Issifu commended the residents for their proactive stance, emphasizing that such communal spirit is vital for local development and accident prevention. During the exercise, the MCE acknowledged the gravity of the safety concerns and assured the communities that the assembly would supplement their efforts through additional infrastructure. Looking ahead, the assembly has committed to addressing other deficits contributing to the danger, most notably the lack of illumination. MCE Yakubu Issifu promised that streetlights would be provided for the Nintin community to improve night-time visibility and security. While the immediate clearing of the bushes has provided temporary relief, local leaders continue to urge motorists to exercise caution and are calling for more consistent maintenance schedules from national road agencies to prevent the scarp from falling into such a hazardous state again.

Wa High Court Sentences Elyasu Kunateh to 10 Years Imprisonment for Defiling Seven-Year-Old Boy
news|

Wa High Court Sentences Elyasu Kunateh to 10 Years Imprisonment for Defiling Seven-Year-Old Boy

The Wa High Court, presided over by Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi, has sentenced 42-year-old Elyasu Kunateh to 10 years in prison with hard labour for the defilement of a seven-year-old boy. The conviction, delivered on Thursday, July 23, 2026, marks the conclusion of a legal process that began earlier this year in Wa, the capital of the Upper West Region. The court found Kunateh guilty of the heinous act, emphasizing the gravity of crimes committed against minors and the necessity of firm judicial consequences. The details of the case trace back to January 17, 2026, when the incident occurred. Upon discovering the abuse, the victim’s mother promptly reported the matter to the authorities on January 20, 2026, leading to Kunateh’s immediate arrest. Following the report, the Upper West Regional Police Command launched a comprehensive investigation, which included a medical examination of the young victim to secure the necessary evidence for prosecution. This swift intervention was crucial in building the state's case against the accused. During the trial, the prosecution presented a compelling case that detailed the circumstances of the assault. Presiding Judge Justice Osei-Wusu Antwi, in his ruling, noted that the ten-year sentence was intended to serve as a deterrent to others who might consider similar acts of exploitation. The efficiency of the investigation and the subsequent judicial process have been highlighted by local observers as a success for the region's law enforcement and legal systems in their fight against domestic and gender-based violence. Following the sentencing, the Upper West Regional Police Command issued a statement reaffirming its unwavering commitment to tackling child abuse and protecting vulnerable individuals within the community. The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspected cases of abuse or exploitation immediately to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. This case underscores the critical role of parental oversight and community cooperation in safeguarding children's rights across the country.

The convict
news|

Kwame Ti-Zaaekuu Sentenced to 20 Years Hard Labour for Incest and Death Threats in Lawra

The Lawra Circuit Court in the Upper West Region has sentenced 47-year-old Kwame Ti-Zaaekuu to 20 years in prison with hard labour for the repeated sexual abuse of his 17-year-old daughter. Presiding judge His Honour Stanley Adjei delivered the verdict on July 24, 2026, after the court found Ti-Zaaekuu guilty of incest and threatening the life of the minor. The sentencing serves as a stern warning against domestic abuse and the exploitation of children by those responsible for their care. The prosecution established a harrowing pattern of abuse, revealing that Ti-Zaaekuu had consistently violated his daughter while using lethal threats to ensure her silence. The court heard that the convict warned the victim he would kill her if she ever reported the crimes to the authorities or any third party. Consequently, the judge handed down a 20-year sentence for incest and an additional 10-year term for the threat of death, with both sentences ordered to run concurrently. Following the conviction, the court mandated the Department of Social Welfare in Lawra to provide immediate and comprehensive counseling and support services for the survivor. This directive aims to facilitate the victim's recovery and reintegration after the trauma she endured. The Upper West Regional Police Command expressed satisfaction with the outcome, commending the investigative team for their professionalism and diligence in gathering the evidence necessary to secure the conviction. In a statement following the trial, law enforcement officials and the judiciary emphasized the importance of community vigilance in combating domestic and sexual violence. They urged the public to report all cases of abuse to the police promptly, highlighting that silence only emboldens perpetrators. This case underscores the ongoing efforts within the Ghanaian legal system to prioritize child protection and ensure that justice is served for victims of heinous domestic crimes.

Ghanaian Woman Recounts Harrowing Death Threats and Vow of Lineage Extermination by Partner
news|

Ghanaian Woman Recounts Harrowing Death Threats and Vow of Lineage Extermination by Partner

A Ghanaian woman has come forward with a harrowing account of domestic abuse, alleging that her partner issued severe death threats against her and her entire family. The case highlights the escalating nature of intimate partner violence, where threats of extreme harm are used as tools of control when a victim expresses a desire to exit a relationship. According to the victim, the verbal abuse was not merely limited to her person but extended to her entire generation, reflecting a deeply disturbing level of psychological intimidation. Details of the ordeal suggest that the disputes often centered on her partner’s paranoid belief that she intended to end their union. In a chilling escalation of rhetoric, the partner allegedly vowed not only to take her life but to "wipe out" her entire lineage should she attempt to leave. This specific threat to eliminate an entire generation indicates a level of premeditated violence intended to exert total dominance over the victim, leaving her in a constant state of fear for her own safety and the welfare of her extended relatives. While specific names and official police case numbers were not immediately disclosed in the initial report, the incident mirrors a growing trend of reported domestic abuse and emotional battery across the country. Social commentators and advocates for women's rights often identify such extreme verbal threats as significant "red flags" for potential femicide. These instances underscore the importance of early intervention and the need for victims to find secure channels to report abuse before verbal intimidation manifests into physical violence. The story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges many individuals face within toxic and dangerous domestic environments in Ghana. Experts emphasize that the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service remains the primary resource for handling such matters. Victims and those aware of such threats are encouraged to utilize available legal frameworks, such as protection orders, to safeguard themselves against partners who use the threat of death to prevent the natural dissolution of a relationship.

Fatal Collision in County Cavan Claims Life of Woman and Leaves Young Girl in Critical Condition
news|

Fatal Collision in County Cavan Claims Life of Woman and Leaves Young Girl in Critical Condition

A tragic road traffic accident in County Cavan, Republic of Ireland, has claimed the life of a woman in her 50s and left a young girl fighting for her life. The collision, which involved a passenger car and a truck, occurred on the R162 regional road at Corclare, Shercock, during the late afternoon. Emergency services were quickly dispatched to the scene following the report at approximately 5:00 PM local time, but despite their efforts, the driver of the car was pronounced dead at the site of the crash. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community as authorities work to support the families affected by this devastating loss. The young girl, who was traveling in the car at the time of the impact, sustained severe injuries and was transported to a medical facility where she remains in critical condition. Other passengers involved in the incident were assessed by medical personnel; however, reports indicate that their injuries were not life-threatening. The driver of the truck involved in the collision did not report any major injuries, though the scale of the wreckage necessitated a significant emergency response. The identity of the deceased woman has not yet been publicly released as the police complete their formal notification processes. In the aftermath of the fatal event, the Gardaí—the Irish national police—cordoned off the R162 at Corclare to allow for a detailed technical examination by Forensic Collision Investigators. The road remained closed for several hours, with local diversions put in place to manage traffic flow through the Shercock area. Such investigations are standard procedure in fatal collisions to determine the sequence of events and any contributing factors, such as road conditions, vehicle safety, or environmental variables. The results of this forensic analysis will be crucial in understanding how the car and truck came to collide on this stretch of road. Law enforcement officials are now calling on the public to assist with their ongoing inquiries. The Gardaí have specifically requested that anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who was traveling on the R162 between Shercock and Kingscourt around the time of the accident to come forward. Investigators are also seeking dashcam footage from motorists who were in the vicinity, as these recordings often provide crucial evidence in reconstructing the moments leading up to such tragic incidents. Updates on the condition of the injured girl and any potential legal proceedings related to the crash are expected as the investigation progresses.

Lights for Life Movement Urges Urgent Repair of Faulty Traffic Lights in Accra and Kasoa to Enhance Road Safety
news|

Lights for Life Movement Urges Urgent Repair of Faulty Traffic Lights in Accra and Kasoa to Enhance Road Safety

The Lights for Life Social Change Movement has launched an urgent appeal to the Ghanaian government and relevant transport authorities to prioritize the immediate repair of faulty traffic lights across major intersections in Accra and Kasoa. Led by Ms. Salamatu Issah Zin-Mara, the advocacy group warns that the continued neglect of these essential signaling systems is significantly increasing the risk of road accidents and endangering the lives of motorists and pedestrians alike. The movement’s call comes at a critical time when urban congestion and road safety concerns remain high on the national agenda. The initiative is spearheaded by a dedicated group of Master’s students from the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), who have embarked on a rigorous 25-day advocacy campaign. Through comprehensive street assessments, the group identified that many traffic signals in the capital and the neighboring Kasoa area are either completely non-functional or malfunctioning. They attributed these failures to a combination of inadequate maintenance cultures and the persistent problem of vandalism targeting electrical components. By highlighting these systemic issues, the group aims to mobilize the Department of Urban Roads and other stakeholders to implement lasting solutions. Beyond demanding technical repairs, the Lights for Life Movement is actively engaging the public through education on road safety regulations. Their campaign aims to reach at least 4,000 individuals, fostering a culture of collective responsibility where citizens are encouraged to report faulty lights to the appropriate authorities immediately. The group believes that public awareness and proactive reporting are vital components in reducing road fatalities and ensuring that public infrastructure is protected from further damage and neglect. As the campaign progresses, the movement emphasizes that functional traffic management is a fundamental requirement for public safety and the preservation of life. With the administration under President John Mahama emphasizing infrastructure efficiency, the group remains hopeful that their advocacy will trigger swift interventions from the Ministry of Roads and Highways. Ensuring that traffic signals are operational across the country's busiest corridors is seen as a necessary step toward achieving the national goal of reducing preventable road-related injuries and deaths.

Massive Wildfires Ravage Tunisia and Southern Europe Amid Catastrophic Heatwave
news|

Massive Wildfires Ravage Tunisia and Southern Europe Amid Catastrophic Heatwave

Tunisia and parts of Southern Europe are currently grappling with a wave of catastrophic wildfires fueled by an intense and prolonged heatwave. In Tunisia alone, civil protection officials have reported a staggering 900 fires within a single 72-hour window, while in France and Spain, the escalating crisis has forced more than 220,000 people to flee their homes. This dual-continent environmental emergency has overwhelmed local resources, prompting calls for urgent national and international intervention as temperatures continue to soar and winds exacerbate the spread of flames. In Tunisia, the scale of the destruction is particularly severe, with civil protection official Khalil Mechri confirming that the blazes have moved beyond forested regions. The 900 recorded fires have torn through brushland, vital agricultural crops, and residential areas, destroying homes and threatening livelihoods. The sheer frequency of the outbreaks—averaging hundreds of fires per day—highlights the extreme vulnerability of the North African landscape during this current weather pattern. Across the Mediterranean, south-west France and central Spain are facing similarly harrowing conditions. Displaced residents and tourists have described desperate escapes from walls of flame, with the French military now deployed to assist emergency services in containment efforts. Despite the widespread evacuations, government officials in France and Spain have noted that major travel hubs such as Bordeaux and Madrid currently remain operational. Authorities are advising travelers to monitor the situation closely but have stopped short of recommending a total cancellation of travel plans, asserting that many urban and tourist zones remain safe for the time being. The broader implications of these fires point toward an increasingly catastrophic trend of extreme weather events across the Mediterranean basin. As thousands seek refuge in temporary shelters, there is a growing consensus among regional leaders on the need for more robust national response strategies to combat the seasonal threat of wildfires. For now, the focus remains on life preservation and the protection of critical infrastructure as fire crews in Tunisia, France, and Spain remain on high alert, waiting for a break in the heat and wind conditions that continue to drive the flames.

Suspected gold ore thieves granted bail
news|

Ghanaian Courts Process Asanko Gold Theft Suspects and Remand Emmanuel Amoah for Violent Robbery

Recent judicial proceedings in Ghana have highlighted the dual challenges of corporate-level theft and violent street crime, as courts in different jurisdictions move forward with significant criminal cases. These legal actions involve the alleged theft of high-value natural resources from a major mining firm and a targeted robbery of a commercial transport worker. The cases underscore the ongoing commitment of the national security apparatus and the judiciary to maintain order and protect both corporate assets and individual livelihoods. In the mining sector, the court has granted bail to two men, 26-year-old Robert Mensah and 27-year-old Paul Udeze, following their alleged involvement in a gold ore theft at Asanko Gold Mining Limited. The suspects were reportedly caught by security supervisor Jonas Alban and a team of guards while attempting to transport eight sacks of gold ore from the mining site. Although the prosecution presented charges of conspiracy to steal and theft, both defendants pleaded not guilty. They were granted bail in the sum of GH¢100,000 as the legal process continues to determine their culpability in the raid on the mining firm's resources. Meanwhile, the Assin Fosu District Court has taken a sterner stance in a separate violent robbery case, remanding 23-year-old Emmanuel Amoah in custody. Amoah is accused of a brutal attack on an okada rider, Isaac Essuman, on May 21, 2026. According to court details, Amoah hired the victim for a trip but subsequently incapacitated him using powdered pepper and scissors. The suspect allegedly made off with a motorcycle valued at GH¢15,000 and other personal effects. Following a police investigation and a pursuit triggered by the complainant's identification of the suspect, Amoah was arrested and charged under the Criminal Offences Act. These cases arrive during the administration of President John Mahama, who has emphasized the importance of judicial efficiency and the protection of the mining sector as a cornerstone of the Ghanaian economy. While the Asanko Gold suspects remain at liberty under strict bail conditions, Emmanuel Amoah is expected to reappear in court on August 21, 2026. These proceedings serve as a reminder of the continuous efforts by the Ghana Police Service to curb criminal activity and ensure that perpetrators of both white-collar and violent crimes face the full rigors of the law.

7 Arrested as Police recover 17 stolen motorbikes in Upper West
news|

Upper West Police Dismantle Motorbike Theft Syndicate, Recover 17 Stolen Vehicles in Wa

The Upper West Regional Police Command has successfully apprehended a seven-member gang suspected of operating an organized motorbike theft syndicate within the Wa Municipality. In a significant blow to local criminal activity, security forces recovered 17 stolen motorbikes following a series of targeted, intelligence-led operations. This crackdown comes as part of an intensified effort by the Ghana Police Service to address property crime and restore a sense of security for residents in the regional capital. The investigation was officially triggered by a report filed on July 11, 2026, concerning a motorbike theft that took place on the premises of the Ghana National Fire Service. Using this report as a lead, police officers tracked the suspects to various locations across the municipality. Among those taken into custody is Nasiru Muftawu, who, along with his accomplices, is believed to have been central to the syndicate's operations. The recovery of 17 vehicles suggests a well-coordinated network that had been targeting unsuspecting motorists over a period of time. Following their arrest, the suspects were brought before a court and have been remanded in custody pending their next appearance, scheduled for August 11, 2026. The Regional Police Command has urged members of the public who have lost motorbikes to visit the station with valid ownership documents to identify and claim their property. Police officials reaffirmed their commitment to combating organized crime and cautioned that they will continue to pursue criminal elements to ensure the safety of all citizens under the current administration.

news|

Farmer Kwabena Badam Arrested After Fatal Shooting of Suspected Yam Thief in Krachi East

The Dambai Divisional Police Command has arrested 35-year-old farmer Kwabena Badam following the fatal shooting of a man suspected of attempting to steal yams from his farm in the Oti Region. The incident, which occurred around midnight on Saturday, July 25, has triggered an intensive investigation into the use of lethal force. According to initial reports, Badam allegedly caught the deceased red-handed with a sack of yams in the community of Abongo No. 1, located within the Krachi East Municipality. Following the shooting, Badam demonstrated a measure of transparency by voluntarily reporting himself to the police to assist with the ongoing inquiry. Philip Kwadwo Bidaba, the Local Assembly Member for the area, noted that while members of the community have made efforts to identify the deceased, the police have declined to allow residents to view the body. This measure is intended to preserve the integrity of the investigation and manage the identification process through official channels. The Dambai Divisional Police have maintained a cautious approach, keeping the formal identities of both parties protected in official statements while investigations continue. This case has brought to the fore concerns regarding farm security and the legal implications of protecting property in rural Ghana. As the investigation progresses, the police will determine the appropriate legal context for the farmer's actions and whether they fall under the scope of self-defense or criminal negligence.

Asante Abuakwa Circuit Court Sentences 19-Year-Old Bright Oduro to Six Months for Attempted Theft
news|

Asante Abuakwa Circuit Court Sentences 19-Year-Old Bright Oduro to Six Months for Attempted Theft

The Asante Abuakwa Circuit Court in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality has sentenced 19-year-old Bright Oduro to six months in prison. Oduro, an unemployed youth, was handed the custodial sentence after pleading guilty to three separate charges: unlawful entry, causing unlawful damage, and attempted stealing. The court's decision follows a swift legal process in which the defendant admitted to all counts brought against him. The incident leading to the conviction occurred on July 17, 2026, when Oduro targeted the residence of the complainant, Kojo Isaac. According to the facts presented, Oduro unlawfully entered the property with the intent to steal but was discovered by Isaac during the act. Upon being spotted, the teenager attempted to flee the scene; however, he was apprehended by the complainant and subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation. Presiding over the case, Her Honor Mrs. Philomena Ansaah Asiedu delivered the six-month sentence after the defendant’s guilty plea. The court's ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing property-related crimes and unlawful entry within the municipality. With the sentencing concluded, Oduro begins his term immediately, serving as a cautionary example for youth regarding the legal repercussions of criminal activities and the importance of adhering to the rule of law.

President Mahama and Rebecca Foundation Lead Humanitarian Support for Flood Victims and Pediatric Care
news|

President Mahama and Rebecca Foundation Lead Humanitarian Support for Flood Victims and Pediatric Care

In a concerted effort to alleviate the hardships of vulnerable populations, humanitarian initiatives led by the state and private foundations have delivered essential relief to flood victims and pediatric health facilities across the country. In the Ada West District, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) distributed critical supplies to 149 residents of Luhuor who were displaced by recent flooding. Simultaneously, the Rebecca Foundation, headed by former First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, extended significant support to specialized children's medical centers in Accra, emphasizing a nationwide commitment to social welfare. The NADMO distribution in Luhuor was specifically bolstered by the support of President John Dramani Mahama. Affected residents received a package of essential items, including rice, cooking oil, mosquito nets, blankets, and mattresses, aimed at addressing immediate domestic needs following the disaster. Mr. Eric Doku Abayateye, the Ada West District Director of NADMO, highlighted the necessity of the aid, while Deputy Director Madam Abigail Sebbie explained that a rigorous verification process was implemented to ensure that only the 149 most-affected individuals qualified for the assistance. Local leaders, including Assembly member Mr. Jonathan Tetteh Asamanyua, praised the intervention while urging residents to cooperate with disaster management protocols during future emergencies. Parallel to these disaster relief efforts, the Rebecca Foundation donated essential food items, including rice and cooking oil, to the Rebecca Akufo-Addo Ghana Parents Childhood Cancer Association’s Sunshine House at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital. These donations are vital for supporting children undergoing intensive treatment and their guardians who are accommodated at these facilities. Officials from both hospices expressed profound gratitude for the foundation's ongoing support, which they noted is indispensable for feeding malnourished children and maintaining high standards of care services during recovery. As these interventions provide immediate relief, they also highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Ghana's most vulnerable citizens in the post-disaster and medical recovery phases. While beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation for the items provided by President Mahama and the Rebecca Foundation, many have appealed for further aid to address the long-term impacts of their displacement and health struggles. These collective efforts underscore the importance of sustained partnerships between government agencies, private foundations, and local communities to ensure no Ghanaian is left behind in times of crisis.