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.

Ghana National Fire Service Rescues Driver Trapped in Cargo Truck and Excavator Collision in Volta Region
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Ghana National Fire Service Rescues Driver Trapped in Cargo Truck and Excavator Collision in Volta Region

In a swift emergency response, personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) successfully rescued a man trapped in the wreckage of a cargo truck following a serious head-on collision with an excavator. The incident occurred on the Kpetoe-Sarakope Road in the Volta Region, a stretch currently undergoing significant construction work. The collision involved a MAN Diesel cargo truck and heavy machinery, prompting an immediate distress call to the Kpetoe Fire Station on a Sunday afternoon. Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after the alert and utilized specialized equipment to extricate the male occupant, who was pinned within the mangled cabin of the truck. Upon his successful rescue, the victim was immediately transported to the Ho Teaching Hospital for medical treatment. While the specific extent of his injuries has not been officially detailed, the GNFS confirmed that the rescue operation was prioritized to ensure the victim received urgent care as quickly as possible. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the relevant authorities. However, the incident has sparked renewed concerns among residents in the Kpetoe-Sarakope area regarding road safety protocols. Locals have attributed a recent surge in accidents along this route to the ongoing roadwork, pointing to inadequate safety measures and poor visibility around construction equipment. Residents and commuters have urged contractors and road authorities to enhance traffic management and install more prominent warning signage to protect motorists. As the Ghana National Fire Service continues to emphasize the importance of road safety, this rescue highlights the critical role of emergency services in managing highway incidents. The ongoing investigation will seek to determine whether mechanical failure, human error, or construction-related hazards played a primary role in the collision. For now, motorists are urged to exercise extreme caution and adhere to lower speed limits when navigating construction zones across the Volta Region.

Body of 11-year-old boy retrieved from pit at Adenta Aviation
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GNFS Recovers Body of 11-Year-Old Samuel Awalime After Tragic Drowning at Adenta Aviation

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has successfully retrieved the body of an 11-year-old boy, Samuel Awalime, following a tragic drowning incident at Adenta Aviation in the Greater Accra Region. The recovery, which took place on Monday, July 13, concluded a distressing search for the young boy after he was reported to have drowned in a pit located within the aviation area. The incident has left the local community in shock as they grapple with the sudden and tragic loss of a young life. The operation was a highly coordinated effort led by personnel from the Adenta Fire Station, under the command of Divisional Officer III (DO III) Obosu. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the GNFS worked in close collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including the Ghana Police Service, local chiefs, and members of the traditional council. The search and recovery mission lasted for several intensive hours, with emergency responders utilizing specialized skills to navigate the pit and eventually locate the body. Success in the retrieval operation was finally achieved at approximately 10:50 AM on Monday morning. Following the recovery, the GNFS team promptly handed over the remains of Samuel Awalime to the Adenta Division of the Ghana Police Service. This handover officially transitions the case from a search and rescue operation to a formal police investigation, as authorities seek to understand the exact circumstances and chain of events that led to the child's drowning. While the specific details regarding how the boy ended up in the pit remain under investigation, the incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety around open pits and construction sites in residential and industrial zones. The Adenta Police are currently conducting inquiries to determine if there were any lapses in safety protocols or if the pit was properly secured. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and the local traditional council reviews safety measures at the Adenta Aviation site to prevent such heart-wrenching occurrences in the future.

Road crash: 3 dead, 15 injured near Juaso on Kumasi-Accra highway
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Ghana National Fire Service Responds to Fatal Juaso Collision and Amanase Tanker Rescue on Kumasi-Accra Highway

A tragic road traffic accident at Juaso on the Kumasi-Accra highway has claimed three lives and left fifteen others with varying degrees of injury. The collision, which occurred on Monday, July 13, 2026, is the latest in a series of serious incidents along this critical transport corridor. According to reports from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the deceased included two males and one female who died at the scene, while the injured survivors were stabilized and transported to nearby medical facilities for urgent care. Detailed reports from the scene near the NEXT BON Gas station indicate that a truck carrying a load of clinker, registered as GN 9673-25 and driven by Stephen Amankwah, collided with a van, registered as GM 4002-26 and driven by Nyame Ebenezer. The impact of the crash necessitated a swift response from emergency services to manage the 18 individuals involved. GNFS personnel confirmed that while some victims were treated on-site for minor injuries, fifteen passengers required hospitalization due to the severity of their conditions following the impact. This fatal crash follows another significant road incident just a day earlier on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Amanase on the same highway. In that event, a HOWO tanker traveling from Kumasi toward Accra veered off the road and plunged into the bush. Firefighters from the Suhum Municipal Fire Station utilized specialized rescue equipment to extricate the driver, who had become trapped within the heavily damaged cabin. Although the tanker suffered extensive front-end damage, no fatalities were recorded in the Amanase incident, and the driver was successfully transported to the Suhum Government Hospital. Authorities have launched investigations into both accidents to determine the exact causes, with preliminary assessments in the Amanase case suggesting either mechanical failure or human error. These back-to-back occurrences on the Kumasi-Accra highway highlight the persistent safety challenges on one of Ghana's busiest roads. The Ghana National Fire Service and motor traffic officials continue to urge drivers to exercise extreme caution and ensure regular vehicle maintenance to prevent further tragedies on the national highways.

APTN Tables and chairs are covered in ash inside the venue, which shows huge fire damage. The picture is taken through a door frame.
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At Least 27 Killed and Eight Critically Injured in Devastating Bangkok Bar Fire

A devastating fire at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao bar in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district has claimed at least 27 lives and left eight others in critical condition. The tragic incident occurred around midnight, quickly turning a night of leisure into a scene of chaos and despair. Emergency services were alerted by a passerby who noticed flames erupting from the venue, prompting a swift response from local firefighters. However, despite their efforts, the speed and intensity of the blaze resulted in significant loss of life, with many victims succumbing to smoke inhalation as they tried to escape the inferno. Investigations into the cause of the fire are currently underway, with the Prime Minister indicating that authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy. Preliminary reports suggest the fire may have originated at a cut-out switch near the stage area. Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene where patrons scrambled to find exits as thick, black smoke filled the bar. In a particularly heartbreaking discovery, several bodies were found in the venue’s restrooms, where individuals had reportedly sought refuge in a desperate but ultimately futile attempt to shield themselves from the heat and flames. Bangkok city officials have pointed to the use of highly combustible interior decorations as a primary reason for the fire's rapid progression. The decorations facilitated the swift spread of the blaze, leaving those inside with very little time to evacuate safely. This incident has reignited urgent conversations regarding the enforcement of fire safety standards and building regulations in Thailand. It serves as a grim reminder of previous disasters, such as the 2009 nightclub fire that killed 66 people and a 2019 bar blaze that resulted in 22 fatalities. As the investigation continues, there is mounting pressure on authorities to ensure that such preventable tragedies do not recur in the country’s entertainment venues.

National Chief Imam Mourns Late Yaa Naa as Community Tensions Disrupt Local Burial in Ntonso
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National Chief Imam Mourns Late Yaa Naa as Community Tensions Disrupt Local Burial in Ntonso

The nation of Ghana is currently processing several high-profile bereavements, headlined by the passing of the Overlord of the Dagbon Kingdom, Yaa Naa Mahama Abukari II. National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has officially expressed deep sorrow over the monarch's transition, describing it as a monumental loss for both the Dagbon people and the entire country. In a condolence message issued on July 13, 2026, the Chief Imam hailed the late king as a symbol of unity and integrity whose leadership successfully bridged traditional values with the demands of modern governance. He emphasized the Yaa Naa’s significant contributions to national peace, stability, and development, urging the people of Dagbon to accept the loss as the will of Allah while praying for continued tranquility in the region. While the nation reflects on the legacy of the Yaa Naa, a localized conflict has erupted in the Ashanti Region, where residents of Ntonso took the drastic step of blocking a burial. The deceased, who was the husband of Patricia Osei Boateng, was allegedly linked to the murder of Andrews Kwame Amankwah, the father-in-law of GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi. According to reports and viral social media footage, community members intervened to prevent the coffin from being lowered into the grave, citing the unresolved allegations surrounding the death of Mr. Amankwah. This dramatic confrontation underscores the high emotions and the community's demand for justice regarding the recent murder case. In a separate announcement of bereavement, the Ngleshie Alata Paramount Stool Council and various families have shared the funeral arrangements for Madam Rebecca Markai Dickson, affectionately known as Becky Becks. Madam Dickson passed away on June 6, 2026, in Adjiringanor, Accra. Her burial service is scheduled for Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Dansoman, to be followed by a private interment. A thanksgiving service will conclude the rites on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the same venue, as friends and sympathizers are invited to pay their final respects. These events collectively highlight a period of transition and communal reckoning across Ghana. From the state-level tributes for a revered traditional ruler to the grassroots pursuit of justice in Ntonso and the organized rites for community figures in Accra, the nation continues to navigate the complexities of grief and tradition. As the Dagbon Kingdom prepares for its next steps in succession and the Ntonso community awaits further investigation into the murder allegations, these stories remain at the forefront of the national consciousness, reflecting the diverse ways in which Ghanaians honor the dead and seek accountability.

DJ Chicken Remanded Over Seyi Tinubu Threat as Ajagurajah Foresees Abu Trica’s Re-Arrest
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DJ Chicken Remanded Over Seyi Tinubu Threat as Ajagurajah Foresees Abu Trica’s Re-Arrest

Recent legal developments involving high-profile personalities in West Africa have drawn significant public attention, highlighting the legal and social consequences of public actions in the digital age. In Lagos, Nigeria, popular content creator Ademola Abiodun, widely known as DJ Chicken, has been remanded in custody following serious allegations regarding threats to the First Family. Meanwhile, in Ghana, the re-arrest of socialite Abu Trica has sparked significant commentary from spiritual leader Bishop Kwabena Asiamah, known as Ajagurajah, who claims to have spiritually foreseen the legal predicament. DJ Chicken’s legal woes escalated on July 9, 2026, when he appeared before a magistrate court in the Ogba area of Lagos State. The content creator was arraigned for allegedly issuing death threats against Seyi Tinubu, the son of Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu. Following the proceedings, the court ordered that Abiodun be remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, a development that has underscored the increasing scrutiny by Nigerian authorities on social media content and the potential legal ramifications of perceived threats against public officials. Across the border in Ghana, Bishop Kwabena Asiamah, popularly known as Ajagurajah, has shared insights into the recent legal troubles of socialite Abu Trica. In a video released on July 10, 2026, Ajagurajah revealed that he had previously cautioned Trica about the possibility of a second arrest shortly after his initial release. The Bishop emphasized that his advice was rooted in spiritual foresight, suggesting that the socialite had not fully heeded the warnings regarding his conduct. These incidents reflect a broader trend of legal accountability for digital influencers and public figures across the sub-region. As DJ Chicken awaits further court proceedings in Nigeria and the circumstances surrounding Abu Trica’s case continue to unfold in Ghana, these stories serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between public expression and legal boundaries. Both cases continue to generate intense debate on social media platforms, with audiences closely monitoring the outcomes of these high-stakes legal matters.

Ghana weather today: Rain, mist and rough seas expected across several regions
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Ghana Faces Mounting Infrastructure and Service Challenges as Heavy Rains and Maintenance Outages Persist

The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMET) has issued a nationwide weather alert as heavy thunderstorms and rain continue to batter the northern and transition zones, with localized rainfall impacting coastal areas including the Greater Accra and Eastern regions. Visibility remains a significant concern for motorists due to morning mist in forested areas, while temperatures in the north are expected to peak at a high of 36°C. Alongside these atmospheric conditions, maritime authorities have cautioned fishers and small vessel operators against increasingly rough sea conditions, urging high levels of vigilance during this period of climatic instability. The impact of these prolonged rains is being acutely felt on the ground, particularly in the Ga Central Municipality, where the Pentecost Junction–Agape Road has become nearly impassable. The deterioration of this critical link has forced transport fares to rise by approximately 20%, significantly disrupting local businesses and delaying emergency healthcare services. While the Municipal Roads Engineer noted that construction was suspended due to the weather, work is expected to resume once conditions stabilize. Compounding these transport issues, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced extensive maintenance schedules for July 13 and 14 across the Accra West, Accra East, Ashanti, Central, and Volta regions, leading to planned outages as the utility provider works to enhance service delivery amidst the challenging weather. In the wake of recent flood disasters, including the devastating events of June 29 that resulted in 13 fatalities and displaced over 58,000 people, relief efforts are intensifying. President John Mahama recently donated essential relief items to the Mamobi General Hospital and the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, underscoring the critical role of medical facilities during regional emergencies. This support follows the release of a GH¢200 million fund aimed at distributing food and essentials to those most affected by the flooding. The humanitarian response highlights the growing vulnerability of urban infrastructure to extreme weather patterns and the necessity of robust disaster management. Adding a spiritual dimension to the ongoing natural challenges, religious leaders in Kumasi are calling for national reflection. During a recent seminar, Evangelist Kofi Karikari of the Seventh-day Adventist Church interpreted the surge in natural disasters as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy and a spiritual wake-up call for the nation. As Ghana grapples with the logistical, economic, and social fallout of these floods, the combination of meteorological warnings, infrastructure repairs, and humanitarian aid reflects a multifaceted effort to manage the country's environmental resilience. Citizens are strongly advised to monitor weather updates and plan travel carefully as the rainy season continues.

Miss Ghana 2026 Contestants and Minerals Income Investment Fund Spearhead National Clean-Up Efforts
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Miss Ghana 2026 Contestants and Minerals Income Investment Fund Spearhead National Clean-Up Efforts

Various sectors of Ghanaian society have intensified their commitment to national sanitation, with high-profile clean-up exercises recently conducted by beauty pageant contestants and state financial institutions. Contestants for the Miss Ghana 2026 pageant and the management of the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) led separate but complementary initiatives in several Accra municipalities. These efforts align with a broader national campaign to improve environmental health and encourage citizens to take active roles in maintaining the cleanliness of their local communities.The Miss Ghana Foundation, under the leadership of Chairperson Inna Patty, mobilized pageant contestants for a comprehensive clean-up in East Legon, Bawaleshi, and Shiashi. Participating as part of the Foundation’s "Beauty with a Purpose" initiative, the contestants worked alongside volunteers from groups such as the Bus Stop Boys and BOST Energies to clear public spaces of trash. Inna Patty highlighted that the exercise was designed to cultivate civic responsibility among the women, stressing that service to the nation is a core pillar of the Miss Ghana brand. She further urged all Ghanaians to transition from periodic cleaning to making environmental stewardship a daily habit.In the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality, the Minerals Income Investment Fund (MIIF) organized a major three-hour sanitation drive to clear drains and remove accumulated waste. Led by CEO Justina Nelson, the MIIF team provided essential tools for the exercise and officially donated them to the local assembly to support future sanitation efforts. The Municipal Environmental Health Officer praised the Fund for its proactive engagement and the quality of the donated equipment. Justina Nelson affirmed that the Fund intends to make these community service activities a regular part of its operations to ensure lasting impact on local infrastructure and public health.These collective actions by both social and corporate entities underscore a growing trend of multi-stakeholder participation in Ghana's environmental sustainability goals. By integrating leadership training for pageant contestants and corporate social responsibility from state agencies, the initiatives aim to set a standard for public-private cooperation in urban management. The focus moving forward remains on the sustainability of these efforts and the continuous education of the public to maintain the progress achieved during these national clean-up exercises.

Firefighters rescue trapped driver after tanker veers off Accra–Kumasi Highway
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Ghana National Fire Service Responds to Fatal Adenta Pit Drowning and Amanase Highway Tanker Crash

Over the course of 48 hours, personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were involved in two critical emergency operations in the Greater Accra and Eastern Regions, highlighting the diverse challenges faced by first responders. On Monday, July 13, 2026, firefighters successfully recovered the body of an 11-year-old boy from a pit in Adenta. This tragic recovery followed a high-stakes mission the previous day, where a seven-member crew rescued a trapped driver following a major tanker accident on the Accra–Kumasi Highway at Amanase. In Adenta, the search for 11-year-old Samuel Awalime ended in heartbreak as personnel from the Adenta Fire Station, the Ghana Police Service, and local traditional leaders concluded a collaborative recovery operation. The young boy had reportedly drowned in a pit located at Adenta Aviation. After several hours of intensive efforts by the joint team, the body was retrieved at approximately 10:50 AM. The remains have been handed over to the Adenta Division of the Ghana Police Service, which has commenced investigations to determine the exact circumstances that led to the drowning. The Adenta tragedy followed a narrow escape for a heavy-duty vehicle driver on the morning of Sunday, July 12. A HOWO tanker traveling from Kumasi to Accra veered off the road and plunged into the bush at Amanase. The impact caused significant front-end damage to the vehicle and left the driver pinned inside the wreckage. A specialized rescue crew from the Suhum Municipal Fire Station was dispatched to the scene, utilizing technical equipment to extricate the victim. The driver was subsequently transported to the Suhum Government Hospital for medical treatment, with no fatalities reported in the incident. Preliminary investigations into the Amanase highway crash suggest that the vehicle may have left the road due to mechanical failure or human error. These two incidents underscore the ongoing safety concerns regarding both open pits in residential or restricted zones and the high frequency of accidents on Ghana’s major transit corridors. While the fire service was able to prevent a loss of life in the tanker crash, the loss of young Samuel Awalime has prompted renewed calls for better safety protocols around open excavation sites to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

One person dead after truck overturns on Goaso–Kukuom highway
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Ghana National Fire Service Confirms Fatality After Plywood Truck Overturns at Kamirekrom Checkpoint

On Tuesday, July 9, a fatal road accident at the Kamirekrom Immigration Checkpoint on the Goaso–Kukuom highway resulted in the death of one individual. The incident involved a heavy-duty truck transporting a load of plywood, which overturned while approaching the security post. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has officially confirmed the fatality, identifying the victim as a man known only as Frank, who was caught in the path of the vehicle as it lost control. According to official reports from the GNFS, the accident was triggered by a critical mechanical failure. Preliminary investigations indicate that the truck suffered a sudden brake failure as the driver attempted to slow down or come to a halt at the Kamirekrom Immigration Checkpoint. The loss of braking power caused the vehicle, which was heavily laden with plywood boards, to overturn, spilling its massive cargo across the roadway and trapping the victim beneath the weight of the timber. Emergency responders from the Goaso Municipal Fire Station were dispatched to the scene to lead the rescue and recovery operation. Upon arrival, the firefighters worked to extricate Frank from under the crushed plywood. Despite the swift response and the technical efforts of the fire service personnel to reach the trapped victim, he was confirmed dead at the scene. The recovery team subsequently cleared the debris to prevent further hazards to other road users on the Goaso–Kukuom stretch. This tragic incident highlights persistent concerns regarding the roadworthiness of heavy-duty vehicles and the safety of critical transport corridors in the region. Brake failure continues to be a significant factor in truck-related accidents across Ghana, particularly involving industrial vehicles carrying heavy loads. Authorities are expected to conduct further inquiries into the maintenance history of the vehicle involved and may review safety protocols at highway checkpoints to mitigate the risk of similar accidents in the future.

File photo
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Ghana Airports Company Limited Upgrades Kotoka International Airport Security with Advanced Screening Technology

The Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL) has announced a significant upgrade to security operations at Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra, introducing advanced screening equipment at Terminals 2 and 3. Effective July 11, 2026, the new technology allows passengers to undergo security checks without the traditional requirement of removing laptops, tablets, and liquids from their cabin baggage. Additionally, travelers will no longer be routinely asked to remove their shoes or belts, marking a major shift in the passenger screening process intended to improve efficiency and reduce wait times. A key feature of this technological overhaul is the introduction of an Automatic Tray Return System (ATRS). This system is designed to expedite the flow of passengers through checkpoints by automating the movement of screening trays, allowing for faster repacking and a more seamless transition from the screening area to the departure gates. While the new system allows liquids to remain inside carry-on bags, GACL has clarified that the existing 100-millilitre limit on individual liquid containers remains in effect. The integration of these systems aims to harmonize high-level aviation security with modern traveler convenience. The GACL has indicated that the implementation of these new security measures will follow a phased approach. During this rollout period, the advanced equipment will operate alongside existing screening hardware, meaning some passengers may still encounter traditional screening protocols depending on the specific lane or terminal area they are directed to. This strategic transition ensures that aviation security standards are maintained at the highest level while personnel and travelers alike adapt to the more streamlined procedures. The upgrade positions Kotoka International Airport as a leader in regional aviation infrastructure, prioritizing a hassle-free experience for international and domestic passengers.

Bole District Police Seize 73 Cannabis Parcels and Reject GH¢300,000 Bribe
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Bole District Police Seize 73 Cannabis Parcels and Reject GH¢300,000 Bribe

The Bole District Police Command has successfully intercepted a significant shipment of suspected cannabis, totaling 73 parcels, during a routine operation in the Savannah Region. The seizure occurred along the Banda Nkwanta–Teslima road when officers stopped a commercial vehicle traveling from Techiman to Wa. In a notable display of integrity, the officiating personnel reportedly rejected a substantial bribe of GH¢300,000 offered by the suspects in exchange for their freedom and the suppression of the evidence. During the inspection, police officers noticed inconsistencies in the vehicle's luggage, prompting a thorough search that revealed the hidden parcels. Following the discovery, the driver of the vehicle and a woman in her 40s, who stepped forward to claim ownership of the contraband, were immediately taken into custody. Preliminary investigations suggest that the narcotics were destined for Sengye, a community frequently associated with illegal mining activities, although the exact intended use of the drugs in that area remains under investigation. The suspects currently remain in police custody as authorities prepare to bring charges under Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission Act. The seized substances have been secured and are scheduled for forensic examination to confirm their chemical composition. This operation underscores the Ghana Police Service's ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and combat the influence of narcotics in regional hubs, particularly those linked to extractive industries. By rejecting the alleged bribe, the officers involved have been commended for their role in the broader fight against corruption within the security services. The Bole District Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the law without compromise and has called for continued public cooperation. Local residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help ensure public safety and the integrity of the region’s transport corridors.