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.

NADMO Issues Urgent Flood Alert for North East Region Amid Bagre Dam Spillage and Regional Security Developments
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NADMO Issues Urgent Flood Alert for North East Region Amid Bagre Dam Spillage and Regional Security Developments

The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has issued a critical flood alert for communities in the North East Region and along the White Volta River following the planned spillage of Burkina Faso's Bagre Dam. Commencing on August 11, 2026, the spillage is expected to significantly increase water levels, posing a severe threat to residents, farmers, and fishermen in flood-prone areas. NADMO has urged immediate evacuation of river banks and the relocation of valuables to safer ground, emphasizing that early action is essential to saving lives as the organization monitors the situation closely and provides timely updates to the public. In the Ashanti Region, local security faced a unique challenge as tension erupted in Kumawu when police officers clashed with church members. The confrontation began when a suspected cannabis dealer sought refuge inside a church during a service to evade arrest. An informant's pursuit of the suspect into the sanctuary led to chaotic scenes, resulting in a physical altercation between the congregation and law enforcement officers who had intervened to apprehend the suspect. The incident highlights the growing friction between police operations and community sanctuaries. Regional security concerns have also intensified across West and North Africa. In Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command successfully raided a bandits' hideout in the Dajin Madam Forest, situated between Plateau and Bauchi states. This operation, led by insights from arrested arms and drug suppliers, resulted in the recovery of two FN FAL rifles and a cache of live ammunition. Meanwhile, in western Libya, a massive prison break occurred at the Surman prison amid fierce clashes between rival armed groups. The violence in Surman and the nearby city of Zawiya has claimed at least three civilian lives and caused significant property damage, heightening fears of instability west of Tripoli. These developments highlight a period of heightened vigilance for both disaster management authorities and security forces. While NADMO focuses on mitigating the environmental impact of the Bagre Dam spillage, law enforcement agencies are grappling with volatile situations ranging from local civil-police friction to organized banditry and international conflict. Residents in the affected northern regions of Ghana are advised to remain updated on weather and water levels, while regional leaders continue to address the underlying security instabilities affecting the Sahel and Mediterranean corridors.

Two human traffickers in Tema jailed 20 years each
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Tema Court Sentences Human Traffickers to 20 Years; Retired Fire Officer Remanded Over GH"303,200 Recruitment Scam

In a series of significant judicial developments addressing fraud and exploitation, the Tema Circuit Court has handed down substantial prison sentences to two individuals involved in a human trafficking syndicate. Kingsley Ndifon, 29, and Emmanuel Akong, 25, both Nigerian nationals, were sentenced to 20 years each for their roles in a scheme that lured victims to Ghana under the guise of lucrative job opportunities. Beyond the trafficking charges, the duo received an additional 10-year sentence for causing harm, with the court ordering the sentences to run concurrently. The conviction follows their arrest in August 2023 after a successful police operation in Tema that led to the rescue of eleven Nigerian nationals who had been held in confinement and subjected to severe physical abuse and forced illegal activities. Simultaneously, the Accra Circuit Court has taken action against domestic recruitment fraud, remanding Thomas Dorkenu, a retired officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). Dorkenu is accused of defrauding approximately 60 prospective recruits of a total sum of GH"303,200. The prosecution alleges that the retired officer operated a scam promising victims positions within the fire service in exchange for significant monetary payments. While the court has yet to take his plea, the case highlights a persistent challenge within the security services as authorities crack down on individuals exploiting the desperation of job seekers. On the international front, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio has sentenced Abdoul Issaka Assimiou to 63 months in prison for his involvement in a multi-million-dollar romance fraud scheme. Assimiou, a Ghanaian national, was convicted of orchestrating complex online deceptions that specifically targeted elderly Americans. U.S. District Judge John R. Adams presided over the case, which underscored the global reach of cyber-enabled fraud and the increasing cooperation between international law enforcement agencies to bring perpetrators to justice regardless of their location. These cases collectively reflect a robust stance by the judiciary and law enforcement agencies under the current administration of President John Mahama to combat various forms of organized crime and financial exploitation. As the government continues to prioritize public safety and the integrity of national institutions, these legal outcomes serve as a stern warning to those engaging in human trafficking and fraudulent schemes. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious recruitment or investment offers to the police to prevent further victimization within the country and across borders.

Fatal Collisions on Accra-Kumasi and Mankessim Highways Claim Nine Lives Amid Rising Road Safety Concerns
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Fatal Collisions on Accra-Kumasi and Mankessim Highways Claim Nine Lives Amid Rising Road Safety Concerns

Ghana's major highways have been the scene of several devastating accidents recently, resulting in at least nine fatalities and fifteen injuries across three separate incidents. The most severe of these occurred at the Birimso Bridge on the N6 Accra-Kumasi Highway, where a fiery multi-vehicle pile-up claimed seven lives, including five males and two females. This tragic event, involving a fuel tanker, a Mitsubishi Pick-Up, a KIA Sorento, and an STC bus, highlights the extreme dangers present on the nation's primary transit corridors. The collision on the N6 highway resulted in a massive inferno that completely destroyed the fuel tanker and other involved vehicles. Firefighters from the Bunso and Suhum Municipal Fire Stations worked jointly to contain the blaze and secure the area. While the specific cause of this multi-vehicle crash remains under investigation, the scale of the destruction has necessitated a prolonged response from emergency services. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution and cooperate with responders as they work to clear the site and determine the factors that led to the tragedy. In a separate incident on the Mankessim–Accra Highway, two people were killed and seven others injured following a crash involving a Toyota Voxy at Abor Junction. The Ghana National Fire Service and the National Ambulance Service responded to the scene to assist the victims, five of whom were male and two female. While the driver of the vehicle reportedly escaped unharmed, the casualties were rushed to local hospitals for urgent care. This follows another accident on the Tema–Akosombo Highway, where eight individuals, including four children, were injured after a Toyota Hiace overturned due to a rear tyre burst. These recurring incidents have reignited national discussions regarding road safety and the necessity of rigorous vehicle maintenance. From tyre bursts to high-impact collisions involving heavy-duty tankers, the variety of causes suggests a multi-faceted challenge for transport authorities. Emergency teams, including the Kpong and Bunso fire stations, continue to play a critical role in victim recovery and debris clearance. However, road safety advocates emphasize that regular vehicle inspections and adherence to speed limits remain the most effective tools in preventing such loss of life on Ghana's roads.

Police Apprehend MP's Bodyguards and Four Others Over Targeted Gold Dealer Robberies
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Police Apprehend MP's Bodyguards and Four Others Over Targeted Gold Dealer Robberies

The Ghana Police Service has made significant progress in investigating a series of violent crimes targeting the mining sector, resulting in the arrest of six individuals across two separate incidents. In a development that has sparked public concern, two security guards serving as bodyguards for the Member of Parliament (MP) for Awutu Senya East, Naa Koryoo Okunor, were among those taken into custody. These suspects allegedly conducted an armed robbery against a gold dealer while dressed in tactical uniforms—including military and police-style gear—that had been issued to them for their official protection duties. The misuse of official security regalia has prompted calls for stricter oversight of personnel assigned to high-profile individuals. According to preliminary reports, the bodyguards leveraged the authority associated with their uniforms to facilitate the operation. This incident has cast a spotlight on the potential for institutional equipment to be diverted for criminal gain, a challenge that law enforcement is currently addressing through enhanced monitoring and vetting processes of private security details attached to public officials. Parallel to the arrests involving the Central Region MP's detail, police in the Western Region successfully apprehended four suspects linked to a substantial robbery in Wassa Akropong. The individuals, aged between 24 and 28, were captured during specialized intelligence-led operations conducted on July 21 and 22, 2026. They are accused of participating in a March 11 robbery where a gold dealer was stripped of GH"24,000 in cash, mobile devices, and gold valued at GH"94,530. While the four suspects have been remanded in custody to assist with further investigations, police have launched a manhunt for a fifth suspect who remains at large. These recent enforcement actions underscore the commitment of the police to securing the gold trading value chain, which remains a high-value target for organized criminal groups. Authorities have urged players within the industry to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, particularly those involving individuals in uniform who may be acting outside of their official jurisdiction. The cases are expected to proceed through the court system as investigators work to retrieve the stolen assets and dismantle the networks responsible for these coordinated attacks.

4 dead, others injured in dynamite explosion at Aboso, Police commence investigation
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Tragedy in Aboso: Fatal Explosion at Tailings Site Caused by Shotgun Blast at Python

The Western Central Regional Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into a devastating explosion at a tailings site in Aboso, within the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality. The incident, which occurred around midday on August 4, 2026, resulted in the deaths of at least four people and left several others with serious injuries. Preliminary reports indicate the blast was triggered by a freak accident involving a firearm and illegally stored explosives, causing widespread panic and significant property damage throughout the Breman and Aboso communities. According to eyewitness accounts and police findings, the tragedy began when workers at the site discovered a large python and alerted the site owner, David Kofi Fletcher. Fletcher arrived shortly after with a shotgun to kill the snake. However, when he fired at the reptile, the discharge inadvertently ignited a cache of dynamite and other explosive materials stored at the facility. The resulting blast was catastrophic, instantly killing Fletcher and at least two other individuals identified as Solomon and Baba. The explosion also caused significant damage to nearby vehicles and structures, while three other victims were rushed to the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital for medical treatment. The investigation is being conducted in close collaboration with the Minerals Commission to determine the legality of the operations at the site and the source of the explosive materials. Authorities have expressed grave concern over the improper storage of industrial explosives in unauthorized areas, which poses a severe threat to public safety. The Western Central Regional Police Command has emphasized that the storage of such materials without the requisite permits is a criminal offense and has urged the public to report any illegal explosive storage to law enforcement. This incident has highlighted the ongoing dangers of unregulated mining-related activities and the risks associated with the unauthorized use of explosives in the region. As the community of Breman mourns the loss of the deceased, whose bodies have been deposited at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital morgue for autopsy, the Minerals Commission and law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify inspections of tailings sites. Moving forward, the focus remains on ensuring stricter compliance with safety regulations to prevent a recurrence of such a preventable disaster.

London Police Arrest Woman Following Random Scissor Attack on Four Men in Covent Garden
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London Police Arrest Woman Following Random Scissor Attack on Four Men in Covent Garden

A 47-year-old woman has been taken into custody in central London following a series of random stabbings in the popular Covent Garden district during a busy lunchtime period. The Metropolitan Police have characterized the incident as an isolated event specifically linked to mental health concerns rather than a broader security threat. Authorities responded swiftly to the scene to find four men injured, leading to the immediate establishment of a large police cordon to facilitate a thorough investigation and ensure public safety. The victims, identified as men aged 34, 39, 42, and 52, were allegedly attacked with a pair of scissors. Eyewitnesses described a distressing scene, reporting that the woman exhibited erratic and incoherent behavior both before and during the assault. Medical teams confirmed that two of the victims were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, while the other two were treated and discharged shortly after the event. The suspect is currently being held on suspicion of assault and possession of an offensive weapon as the investigation proceeds. Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart has moved to reassure the community and the public about the nature of the attack. 'We are treating this as an isolated, mental health-related incident,' Stewart stated, praising the rapid response of the officers who detained the suspect. While the investigation remains in its early stages, the police presence in Covent Garden is expected to remain heightened in the short term to provide reassurance to residents and visitors in one of the city's most prominent tourist areas.

Stella Amedzorme Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Abducting Eight-Month-Old Baby at Kpando Market
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Stella Amedzorme Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Abducting Eight-Month-Old Baby at Kpando Market

The Kpando Circuit Court has sentenced 31-year-old Stella Amedzorme to three years in prison following the abduction of an eight-month-old baby at the Kpando Market in the Volta Region. The sentencing, which took place on August 3, 2026, followed Amedzorme's guilty plea. The incident began on July 17, 2026, when the child's mother, Gloria Xagbe, briefly left her son in Amedzorme's care while she attended to business in the market. Upon her return, she discovered that both the caregiver and her infant had disappeared, prompting an immediate report to the authorities. The Volta North Regional Police launched a swift investigation that led to Amedzorme's arrest in the Oti Region less than 24 hours after the report was filed. Fortunately, the infant was found unharmed and has since been successfully reunited with his family. During the proceedings, Amedzorme confessed to the crime, claiming she acted under the instructions and influence of her fiancé. While she begins her custodial sentence, the police are actively pursuing her fiancé, who remains at large and is believed to be a key accomplice in the abduction. In the aftermath of the case, law enforcement officials have issued a stern warning to parents and caregivers to exercise extreme caution. They emphasized the danger of leaving children in the care of individuals, even temporarily, in busy public spaces like markets. The police reaffirmed their commitment to child protection and the swift prosecution of those who threaten the safety of minors in Ghana.

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