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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

London Police Arrest Woman After Random Scissor Attack in Covent Garden
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London Police Arrest Woman After Random Scissor Attack in Covent Garden

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

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

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

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

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

Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah
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President John Mahama Leads National Memorial for Victims of 2025 Military Helicopter Crash

President John Mahama and Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang led a solemn National Inter-Faith Memorial Service on August 6, 2026, to honor the eight victims of the military helicopter crash that occurred exactly one year ago. Held at the UPSA Auditorium in Madina, Accra, the service brought together government officials, religious leaders, and bereaved families to commemorate the lives of notable public servants, including the late Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and the late Minister of Environment, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed. The event served as a moment of national reflection on the sacrifices made by those in public service and the enduring grief of their families. During the ceremony, President Mahama emphasized the government's commitment to the welfare and protection of public service personnel, pledging that their sacrifices would not be in vain. In a significant move to support the survivors, the President announced a state support package that includes the establishment of GH"1 million trust funds for each child of the deceased victims. This gesture of national gratitude aims to ensure the long-term security and education of the children left behind by the tragic accident on August 6, 2025. The Ministry of Defence is also scheduled to unveil a permanent memorial cenotaph later today to provide a lasting site for remembrance. The service was marked by poignant tributes from family members and colleagues. Naval Lieutenant Ewuradwoa Kumi-Kyeremeh, the widow of Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, spoke on behalf of the widows, describing the past year as a journey of profound pain but expressing hope through faith and community support. Similarly, Prof. Michael Ayamga, Deputy CEO of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), recalled his final conversations with Dr. Murtala Mohammed, highlighting the late minister's dedication to tackling plastic pollution. Family representatives for Dr. Omane Boamah and Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala also shared their gratitude for the public's prayers, noting that while time passes, the void left by their loved ones remains deeply felt. Religious leaders at the inter-faith gathering called for national unity and a renewed spirit of service to honor the legacy of the fallen heroes. Brigadier General Kumi-Woode urged Ghanaians to carry forward the victims' dedication to duty by serving the nation with integrity. As part of the week of commemoration, the government has organized a nationwide blood donation exercise set for August 8, 2026. This initiative is intended to turn a moment of national tragedy into a lifesaving contribution to the country's healthcare system, reflecting the spirit of sacrifice exemplified by the eight individuals lost in the 2025 crash.

Fire destroys late Tamale Central MP Murtala’s family house
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Fire Ravages Family Home of Late Tamale Central MP Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed

A domestic fire has severely damaged the family residence of the late Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, the former Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, in the Changli suburb of Tamale. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, August 5, 2026, marking a somber coincidence as it took place just one day before the first anniversary of the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of the former Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. Dr. Mohammed, a prominent political figure, passed away on August 6, 2025, in an accident that shocked the nation. The blaze, which broke out around 4:00 p.m., quickly spread through the large residential property, resulting in the destruction of nine out of the 17 rooms. Occupants were displaced as the fire consumed personal belongings and significant portions of the building's structure. According to reports from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), firefighters arrived promptly at the scene following a distress call. Their intervention was critical in containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to adjacent homes in the densely populated neighborhood. Notably, emergency responders successfully rescued two schoolchildren who were trapped inside the building when the fire began. ADO 1 Hudu Baba of the Ghana National Fire Service confirmed that while the material damage was extensive, there were no reported injuries or fatalities resulting from the outbreak. The timing of the disaster has added a significant emotional burden to the family and the local community, who were already in a state of mourning ahead of the one-year memorial for the late MP. Dr. Mohammed is remembered for his service to the Tamale Central constituency and his tenure in the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation. Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the fire. As of now, fire officials have not identified any specific triggers, and the site remains under assessment for safety. The displaced family members are reportedly seeking temporary shelter while authorities work to conclude their investigation into the cause of the disaster.

Tema: Seized suspected cocaine in port enclave has street value of US$6.928 million - Police
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Tema Police Intercept US$6.9 Million Cocaine Shipment Concealed in Gari Sacks; Dutch National Among Three Arrested

The Tema Regional Police Command has dealt a significant blow to international narcotics trafficking following the interception of 866 parcels of suspected cocaine with an estimated street value of US$6.928 million. During an intelligence-led operation on the evening of August 5, 2026, officers discovered the illicit substance cleverly concealed within sacks of gari—a local food staple—and "konkonte" intended for export. The raid took place at a warehouse within the Tema Port enclave just as the goods were being loaded into a 40-foot container for shipment. Three individuals were apprehended at the scene while supervising the loading process. The suspects have been identified as 31-year-old Dutch national Gilano Horwin, and two Ghanaians, John Mensah Sabah, 41, and Alhaji Iddris Haruna. During preliminary interrogations, Horwin reportedly claimed ownership of the intercepted consignment. The police have seized the truck used in the operation alongside the 866 parcels of white powdered substance, all of which are currently being held as evidence as investigations continue at the police headquarters. In a parallel anti-narcotics effort on the same day, the police conducted an operation at Tsopoli in the Greater Accra Region. This secondary action led to the arrest of a taxi driver, Eric Tetteh, and the seizure of four sacks of suspected Indian hemp. Although the police successfully intercepted the taxi, a bus allegedly carrying additional narcotics managed to escape the scene during a pursuit. Authorities are currently searching for the escaped vehicle and a missing fifth sack of the substance believed to have been discarded or moved. These successful operations underscore the Ghana Police Service's intensified efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks operating within the country's maritime and terrestrial borders. The Tema Regional Police Command has reiterated its commitment to maintaining security and has called for continued public collaboration in identifying and reporting suspicious narcotics-related activities. As the three primary suspects remain in custody, the police are working to uncover the full extent of the trafficking syndicate and identify any further accomplices in the attempted export.

Late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah Honored for Loyalty to President Mahama Amid Sagnarigu Boundary Clashes and Regional Natural Events
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Late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah Honored for Loyalty to President Mahama Amid Sagnarigu Boundary Clashes and Regional Natural Events

The unwavering loyalty of the late Dr. Edward Omane Boamah to President John Mahama was the centerpiece of a public lecture held in Accra on August 4, 2026. Very Rev Fr Dr Ebenezer Akesseh, the parish priest of Christ the King Catholic Church, revealed during the event that Dr. Omane Boamah had previously declined a prestigious and high-ranking position at the World Health Organisation (WHO). According to the priest, the former minister made the choice to forgo the international role to continue his dedicated service to President Mahama, highlighting a significant commitment to the administration’s national vision over personal professional advancement. While the nation reflects on this legacy of public service, a security crisis has emerged in the Northern Region due to a violent boundary dispute between the Damankuniyili and Nyeshie communities. The clash, which occurred in the Sagnarigu Municipality, resulted in one person being killed and six others suffering various injuries. In response to the heightened tensions, a combined team of police and military personnel has been deployed to the area to restore order and ensure the safety of residents. Authorities are now initiating dialogues with community leaders to address the underlying land grievances and prevent further escalation of the conflict. On the international front, a magnitude-5.1 earthquake struck Egypt early on August 3, 2025, near the town of Fayed on the Suez Canal. The seismic event occurred at approximately 3 am local time and, while it caused initial alarm, there have been no immediate reports of casualties or significant structural damage. The US Geological Survey originally reported the tremor at a magnitude of 5.3 before it was later revised by the German Research Centre for Geosciences. Such significant earthquakes are relatively uncommon in North Africa, making the event a point of study for geological experts in the region. In a separate development focused on community outreach, Quiet Hour Ministries has donated four motorcycles and 500 Bibles to the Volta Ghana Mission (VGM) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. During a presentation ceremony at the Ho Central SDA Church, Pastor Paul H. Mawutor, President of the VGM, expressed profound gratitude for the donation. He emphasized that the motorcycles are strictly intended to facilitate evangelism and social support in remote, underserved areas of the Volta Region, ensuring that the mission can expand its presence and provide spiritual guidance to far-reaching communities.

Emergency Responders Strained as Major Road Accidents and Industrial Fire Incidents Occur Across Ghana
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Emergency Responders Strained as Major Road Accidents and Industrial Fire Incidents Occur Across Ghana

Emergency response teams across Ghana have been heavily engaged following a series of high-profile road accidents and a major industrial fire that have left several individuals injured and caused extensive property damage. On August 4, 2026, a tipper truck loaded with sand plunged into the River Offin along the Nyinahin-Kumasi highway, causing a total disruption of vehicular movement. The accident occurred around midnight when the driver lost control while navigating a bridge, reportedly due to an obstruction caused by another truck that had spilled lumber onto the roadway. Both the driver and his assistant sustained injuries and were promptly transported to the Nyinahin Government Hospital for medical attention. Local residents have since called on President John Mahama’s administration to rehabilitate the bridge to prevent further tragedies. This incident followed a horrific road crash in Batanyaa, Central Region, on August 2, 2026, where an SUV was captured on CCTV footage veering off the road toward a group of pedestrians, an event that has since gone viral online. In addition to these recent crashes, emergency services have also dealt with significant incidents in other urban centers. In Accra, a Hyundai minibus carrying four men crashed near the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) office at Circle. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded to the scene within minutes, successfully rescuing all four occupants, two of whom required treatment for their injuries. Meanwhile, in the Tema Industrial Area, a massive fire destroyed a takeaway restaurant, a rubber warehouse, and a factory. The GNFS deployed four fire tenders to manage the blaze, which took several hours to extinguish. During the operation, one firefighter was injured due to a wall collapse and was hospitalized at Tema General Hospital. The recurring nature of these emergencies has prompted safety authorities to issue stern warnings to the public. The GNFS and road safety officials are urging motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and for industrial operators to implement more robust fire safety protocols. As investigations into the causes of these specific incidents continue, there is a growing national dialogue concerning the state of road infrastructure and the effectiveness of emergency response times in mitigating the impact of such disasters. Efforts to remove submerged vehicles and assess the full extent of property damage in Tema remain ongoing as the country reflects on the need for enhanced public safety measures.