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.

GNFS Prevents Potential Disaster After Petroleum Tanker Accident at Aveme Junction
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GNFS Prevents Potential Disaster After Petroleum Tanker Accident at Aveme Junction

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) successfully averted what could have been a catastrophic incident at Aveme Junction in Anfoega following a road accident involving a petroleum tanker. Early on the morning of the incident, firefighters from both the Anfoega and Kpando Fire Stations were dispatched to the scene after receiving a distress call at approximately 5:06 a.m. The tanker, identified by registration number GT 5872–23, had veered off the road and sustained significant damage. Initial reports indicate that the accident was caused by a mechanical failure specifically related to a brake defect, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding heavy-duty vehicle maintenance. Upon arrival, the emergency response teams immediately implemented safety protocols to secure the area and mitigate potential hazards. Although the tanker was not carrying a load of fuel at the time—a factor that greatly minimized the threat of a large-scale explosion—the vehicle's own diesel tank and other mechanical components were damaged during the crash. To further ensure public safety, the GNFS coordinated with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) to temporarily disconnect power lines in the vicinity, preventing any electrical sparks from igniting the site. Firefighters also took charge of traffic management to prevent secondary accidents and allow for a smooth recovery operation. The swift and coordinated efforts of the emergency services ensured that no injuries or fatalities were recorded. Once the site was declared safe and the damaged tanker was successfully towed away, the road was reopened to regular traffic flow. This incident serves as a vital reminder of the critical role played by the Ghana National Fire Service in disaster prevention and the importance of timely reporting of road emergencies. Authorities have since emphasized the need for transport operators to conduct regular safety checks on their fleets to prevent similar mechanical failures that pose risks to both drivers and the general public.

Police Intercept 1,696 Narcotic Parcels in Oti Region, Reject GH¢80,000 Bribe
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Police Intercept 1,696 Narcotic Parcels in Oti Region, Reject GH¢80,000 Bribe

The Ghana Police Service has successfully intercepted a massive consignment of 1,696 parcels of suspected narcotics during a series of intelligence-led operations in the Oti Region. Conducted in mid-February 2023, these operations resulted in the arrest of seven suspects and highlighted the commitment of law enforcement to tackling organized crime. The interceptions represent a significant blow to drug trafficking networks operating within the region, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted police intervention and regional surveillance. The crackdown involved three distinct operations that unfolded over three days. The first occurred on February 13, when officers intercepted a taxi carrying two men and 48 compressed parcels of suspected Indian hemp. This was followed by a raid on February 14, which uncovered 166 additional parcels at a specific location. The largest haul occurred on February 15, when a modified cargo truck was stopped and searched, revealing a staggering 1,482 parcels of suspected narcotics hidden within the vehicle. In total, the coordinated efforts across these operations prevented nearly 1,700 packages from entering the illicit market. Beyond the physical seizures, the operation was marked by a notable act of professional integrity. One of the suspects attempted to evade justice by offering the arresting officers a bribe of GH¢80,000. The police rejected the substantial sum, choosing instead to uphold the law and process the suspects for their crimes. Currently, seven individuals are in custody and assisting with investigations, while the police are actively searching for an eighth suspect who managed to flee the location during one of the interceptions. This successful series of operations underscores the ongoing vigilance of the Ghana Police Service in combating the narcotics trade in the Oti Region. As investigations continue, the police have called on the general public to provide any information that could lead to the apprehension of the fugitive suspect. The rejection of the bribe serves as a testament to the ethical standards being promoted within the service, even as they face increasingly sophisticated smuggling tactics from criminal syndicates.

Ghanaian Women Speak Out Following Allegations of Non-Consensual Filming by Russian National
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Ghanaian Women Speak Out Following Allegations of Non-Consensual Filming by Russian National

A wave of public concern has emerged in Ghana following reports of a Russian national, identified as Yaytseslav, who has allegedly been secretly recording hundreds of Ghanaian women without their consent. The situation gained significant attention after several viral videos began circulating online, purportedly showing intimate or private encounters. It is estimated that approximately 800 women may have been targeted by the individual, with many of the incidents reportedly taking place in and around the Accra Mall. The controversy has sparked a national conversation about privacy rights and the potential for digital exploitation in public and private spaces. As the videos continue to spread, some of the women involved have come forward to challenge the narratives depicted in the clips. One woman, referred to as Dorah, has publicly claimed that her video was doctored to suggest sexual activity that never took place. She explained that she only provided her contact information to the man as a way to stop him from persistently following her in public. Another woman admitted to visiting the man's apartment but has asked for public understanding and empathy as she prepares for the potential release of her own footage. These accounts suggest a pattern of alleged harassment and manipulation used to procure the recordings. The incident has prompted calls for a deeper look into the legal protections available to victims of non-consensual filming and digital harassment in Ghana. Social commentators and rights advocates are urging authorities to investigate the Russian national's actions to determine if they constitute criminal behavior. The case highlights the growing challenges of policing digital content and protecting individual reputations in an era where viral media can have immediate and devastating consequences. As the public awaits further developments, the story serves as a cautionary tale regarding the importance of digital safety and the need for stronger enforcement of privacy laws.

Labour Exploitation and Poverty: 20-Year-Old with Dwarfism Imprisoned Over Attempted Cement Theft
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Labour Exploitation and Poverty: 20-Year-Old with Dwarfism Imprisoned Over Attempted Cement Theft

Ahmed Mohammed, a 20-year-old man from Kasoa living with dwarfism, is currently serving a prison sentence following an unsuccessful attempt to steal a bag of cement from his employer. The case, which has been highlighted by the Crime Check Foundation, brings to the fore a troubling narrative of physical disability, economic desperation, and the harsh consequences of petty crime. Following his arrest and conviction, Ahmed was ordered to pay a fine of GH1,200, a sum he could not afford, leading to his incarceration. The circumstances leading to the theft reveal a deeper story of alleged labour exploitation. In an interview detailing his plight, Ahmed explained that his decision to steal was born out of extreme financial hardship. Despite working for his employer, he claimed he was never paid an actual wage for his physical labour. Instead, he was compensated only with food, receiving no monetary payment even after several jobs were completed. This lack of financial support left him unable to meet basic needs, eventually driving him to attempt the theft of a single bag of cement valued at approximately GH70 to GH80. Ahmed’s situation underscores the significant vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities in the informal labour market. The massive discrepancy between the value of the item he attempted to steal and the GH1,200 fine imposed by the court has raised concerns about the proportionality of punishment for the impoverished. His story serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter enforcement of labour laws and better protection for marginalized workers who are often subjected to unfair treatment and inadequate compensation, ultimately forcing them into the judicial system.

Final Rites and Celebrations of Life Announced for Mrs. Esther Ami Mensah-Abbey and Mrs. Theresa Ata Bosomefi Ayansu
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Final Rites and Celebrations of Life Announced for Mrs. Esther Ami Mensah-Abbey and Mrs. Theresa Ata Bosomefi Ayansu

The Ghanaian community is preparing to bid farewell to two distinguished matriarchs whose lives and legacies have touched many both at home and abroad. Comprehensive funeral arrangements have been announced for the late Mrs. Esther Ami Mensah-Abbey, affectionately known as "Daavi," and Mrs. Theresa Ata Bosomefi Ayansu, who passed away at the age of 85. These upcoming ceremonies, scheduled for the early months of 2026, provide an opportunity for families, friends, and sympathizers to honor the memories of these women and celebrate their significant contributions to their respective communities and families. The life of Mrs. Theresa Ata Bosomefi Ayansu (née Neizer) will be celebrated in late February. Representing the Yeko Abusua of Ajumako Esikado, the Dunkwa Kadadwen Nsona Ebusua, and the Kotaaba Family, her funeral proceedings are set to begin on Saturday, February 21, 2026. A burial service will be held at the St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church in Baatsona – Spintex, starting with a filing past at 7:00 am followed by the main service at 8:00 am. A thanksgiving service will conclude the rites on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 9:30 am at the same venue. Mourners are requested to observe a dress code of black and white for the Saturday service and white for the Sunday thanksgiving. Following in March, the family of Mrs. Esther Ami Mensah-Abbey will gather to pay their final respects. Having passed away on December 10, 2025, "Daavi" leaves behind a global network of children and loved ones, including Mrs. Pauline Kooko Abbey-Nyarko in London and several others residing in the United States. Her burial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Global Evangelical Church, Bethesda Parish, in South-La. The family will then host a thanksgiving service on March 15, 2026. A reception to celebrate her life will take place at the La Traditional Council, situated conveniently opposite the Omanye House Art Gallery. Both families have extended a cordial invitation to all friends and sympathizers to join them in these final rites. These ceremonies serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of family and community in Ghanaian culture. As these families prepare for these significant milestones, the outpouring of support from both the diaspora and local neighborhoods underscores the widespread impact of Mrs. Mensah-Abbey and Mrs. Ayansu. The detailed arrangements ensure that their transitions are marked with the dignity and reverence befitting their roles as respected elders and cherished family members.

Wa West Police Arrest Three Men for Illegal Possession of Firearms During Routine Patrol
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Wa West Police Arrest Three Men for Illegal Possession of Firearms During Routine Patrol

Police authorities in the Wa West District of the Upper West Region have apprehended three individuals following the discovery of unlicensed firearms during a security operation. The suspects, identified as 27-year-old Yahaya Samad, 37-year-old Adams Alhassan, and 35-year-old Yiritang Boosi, were taken into custody on February 3, 2026. The incident occurred in the Goziri community when a police patrol team intercepted a group of armed men, raising immediate security concerns in the district. The arrests were part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal weapons and ensure the safety of residents in the region. According to official reports, the arrests took place during a routine patrol intended to maintain law and order in the area. Officers spotted five individuals who appeared to be armed; upon noticing the police presence, the group attempted to flee into the surrounding terrain to evade capture. While two of the individuals managed to escape the scene, the police successfully apprehended Samad, Alhassan, and Boosi after a brief pursuit. A subsequent search of the suspects led to the retrieval of three single-barrel guns, several cutlasses, and a cache of cartridges. The suspects reportedly admitted to the police during interrogation that they did not possess the requisite legal documentation or licenses for the weapons found in their possession. Following their arrest, the trio appeared before the Wa Magistrate Court, where they were remanded into custody to allow for further investigation. They are scheduled for their next court appearance on February 18, 2026, as the police continue their search for the remaining two suspects who fled the scene. In the wake of this incident, the police administration has issued a stern warning to the general public regarding the illegal possession of firearms. Authorities emphasized the importance of community safety and urged all firearm owners to ensure their weapons are properly registered and licenses regularized with the appropriate state institutions to avoid prosecution and enhance local security.

NAIMOS Arrests Three Chinese Nationals and a Ghanaian in Mpohor Illegal Mining Raid
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NAIMOS Arrests Three Chinese Nationals and a Ghanaian in Mpohor Illegal Mining Raid

On February 9, 2023, the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) conducted a targeted enforcement operation in the Western Region, resulting in the arrest of four individuals suspected of involvement in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. The swoop took place at a site in Adum Banso K9, within the Mpohor District. Among those apprehended were three Chinese nationals and one Ghanaian, highlighting the persistent challenge of foreign involvement in illicit mining activities despite ongoing national efforts to protect Ghana's natural resources. The operation was initiated following intelligence reports regarding active illegal mining within the district. Upon the arrival of the NAIMOS team, the suspects reportedly attempted to evade arrest by fleeing the scene in two vehicles. However, a swift interception by the task force led to their successful apprehension. During a subsequent search of the site, investigators uncovered fresh tracks from excavators that had been recently concealed to avoid detection, along with various specialized tools and machinery used for gold extraction. The two vehicles used in the attempted escape were seized, and the mining equipment found on-site was dismantled to prevent the immediate resumption of illegal activities. This latest arrest underscores the intensified commitment of the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat to root out galamsey operations across the country. NAIMOS has warned that it will continue to pursue legal repercussions for both local and foreign individuals who violate environmental and mining laws. The suspects are currently being processed for legal action, while the secretariat continues its surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts to protect the environment and vital water bodies from the devastating impacts of unregulated mining.

Valentine’s Day: Counselor Perfect Advocates for Reconciliation and Family Forgiveness
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Valentine’s Day: Counselor Perfect Advocates for Reconciliation and Family Forgiveness

In a timely call for emotional healing, counseling psychologist and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practitioner Counselor Perfect has urged families to embrace the spirit of forgiveness this Valentine’s Day. Speaking on Joy Prime’s 'Let’s Talk,' she emphasized that the season of love should serve as a catalyst for giving loved ones a second chance, particularly for couples seeking to reconcile after a period of separation or divorce. She argued that Valentine’s Day provides a unique opportunity for families to move past historical grievances and foster an environment of restoration rather than condemnation. Addressing the specific challenges faced by divorced couples attempting to reunite against family opposition, Counselor Perfect advocated for a posture of grace and understanding. She noted that families should not permanently condemn individuals who have demonstrated genuine reform and a sincere desire to make amends. To navigate these complex dynamics, she suggested that couples involve respected figures or neutral mediators to facilitate dialogue and help bridge the gap between their desires for reconciliation and their families' concerns, ensuring that the path forward is built on mutual respect. Beyond immediate reconciliation efforts, the counselor highlighted the importance of early family involvement as a preventive measure against future disputes. By integrating family members into the courtship and marriage process from the beginning, couples can identify potential issues early and secure the essential support of their kin. Counselor Perfect underscored that parental blessing remains a vital pillar of relationship stability in the Ghanaian context, noting that bypassing family approval often leads to long-term social and emotional complications. In instances where reconciliation efforts face insurmountable resistance, Counselor Perfect advised couples to prioritize the preservation of family peace. She warned that proceeding with a union against a family's firm position could result in lasting resentment that ultimately poisons the relationship. Her message concludes with a reminder that love exists within a broader social fabric, and true reconciliation requires patience, mediation, and a willingness to respect the boundaries and wisdom of the family unit.

Tragedy in Accra: 29-Year-Old Engineer Dies After Three Major Hospitals Refuse Emergency Care for Three Hours
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Tragedy in Accra: 29-Year-Old Engineer Dies After Three Major Hospitals Refuse Emergency Care for Three Hours

On February 6, 2026, the persistent 'no bed syndrome' in Ghana’s healthcare system claimed the life of Charles Amissah, a 29-year-old engineer, following a tragic hit-and-run incident at the Nkrumah Circle Overpass in Accra. Despite the prompt response of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) from the National Ambulance Service, Amissah was denied emergency care for nearly three hours as three of the capital's major medical facilities turned him away. The incident has reignited public outrage over the fatal consequences of hospital overcrowding and the systemic failure to prioritize life-saving interventions in critical emergencies. The ordeal began when EMTs arrived at the scene to find Amissah with severe injuries. The medical team successfully controlled his bleeding and stabilized him before beginning a desperate search for a hospital bed. Their first stop, the Police Hospital, refused admission due to a lack of vacant beds. Similar rejections followed at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge) and the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. Even as the EMTs offered to continue treating the patient within the ambulance to mitigate the lack of indoor space, hospital administrators maintained their refusal, leaving the critically injured man trapped in a medical limbo. As the search for an available bed dragged into its third hour, Amissah’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He eventually suffered a cardiac arrest while still inside the ambulance. Despite the EMTs' intensive efforts at resuscitation, they were unable to revive him, and he was subsequently pronounced dead by hospital staff upon a final attempt at admission. The tragedy was compounded by a lack of communication with his relatives; his family remained unaware of the accident and spent three days searching for him, only to discover his body at the Korle Bu morgue after filing a missing person report. This fatal incident highlights a critical and recurring crisis within Ghana’s emergency healthcare infrastructure. The 'no bed syndrome' continues to pose a significant threat to citizens, revealing a disconnect between emergency protocols and the actual capacity of state-run hospitals to handle trauma cases. While the National Ambulance Service demonstrated professional competence in their initial response, the refusal of three major institutions to provide even basic stabilization suggests a need for urgent policy reform and increased investment in emergency medical facilities to prevent further avoidable loss of life.

Police Arrest Woman for Suspected Arson at Pastor Elvis Agyemang’s Grace Mountain Ministry
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Police Arrest Woman for Suspected Arson at Pastor Elvis Agyemang’s Grace Mountain Ministry

The Accra Regional Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into a suspected arson attack at the Grace Mountain Ministry, the church led by popular Alpha Hour convener, Pastor Elvis Agyemang. The incident, which occurred on February 9, 2026, resulted in significant property damage to the church auditorium. Authorities have since apprehended a female suspect, identified as Kesse Okyerewaa Koranteng, who is currently in custody assisting with the ongoing investigation into the motives behind the destructive act.\n\nAccording to preliminary reports from the police, the suspect allegedly entered the church premises under the guise of attending a private prayer session. Once inside the auditorium, she is believed to have surreptitiously poured a flammable liquid across various sections of the hall. Witnesses and initial forensic evidence suggest that she subsequently used matches to ignite the liquid, causing a fire that spread rapidly through the facility. While the blaze was eventually contained, it left behind a trail of charred furniture, equipment, and structural damage to the spiritual home of thousands of regular worshippers.\n\nGrace Mountain Ministry has gained national prominence in recent years due to the massive following of its daily prayer program, Alpha Hour. The incident has sent shockwaves through the religious community, raising concerns about the security of worship centers in the capital. The police have emphasized that the investigation is still in its early stages as they work to determine if the suspect acted alone or if there are broader implications behind the targeted attack on such a high-profile religious institution.\n\nIn the wake of the fire, the Ghana Police Service has issued a public appeal for vigilance, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities around public gatherings and religious houses. Pastor Elvis Agyemang and the church leadership are yet to release a full official statement regarding the extent of the financial losses, but the focus remains on restorative efforts and cooperation with law enforcement. As the legal process against Koranteng begins, the public awaits further clarity on the circumstances that led to the near-destruction of the prominent auditorium.

Tragedy Strikes Central Region as Two Women are Killed in Separate Violent Attacks
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Tragedy Strikes Central Region as Two Women are Killed in Separate Violent Attacks

The Central Region has been hit by a wave of tragedy following two separate, brutal attacks that claimed the lives of two women in Gomoa Potsin and Twifo Denyase Camp. These incidents, which include an alleged sexual assault and a violent cutlass attack, have sparked significant concern over community safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals. In both instances, local residents and police have had to intervene as grief turned to anger within the affected towns. In the first incident at Gomoa Potsin, a 50-year-old woman named Habiba was allegedly murdered near the Gomoa Dominase Onion Market while on her way to buy cow milk. The suspect, a man in his late 40s, reportedly attempted to rape Habiba before strangling her. The attack took a particularly harrowing turn as the victim was on a phone call with her son during the encounter. Recognizing the voice of the attacker, the son raised an alarm, but help arrived too late to save his mother. The suspect was subsequently apprehended and is currently being held in police custody for further investigation, according to the local Chief Imam. Similarly, horror unfolded in Twifo Denyase Camp on February 10, 2026, when 62-year-old Baby Abienor was killed in a cutlass attack. The suspect, her 30-year-old co-tenant Hormeku Agbemor, allegedly attacked both Abienor and her daughter, Gladys. While Abienor succumbed to fresh wounds found at the scene, Gladys was rushed to the St. Francis Xavier Hospital, where she is currently receiving treatment. Preliminary police reports indicate that Agbemor may have been acting abnormally leading up to the incident, which occurred around 8:00 a.m. These violent acts have triggered intense emotions from local residents. In Twifo, angry neighbors attempted to lynch Agbemor before police intervention, while the Gomoa community remains in shock over the daylight assault on Habiba. Authorities have taken custody of both victims' bodies and are conducting thorough investigations to ensure justice. These cases highlight the critical need for vigilance and better community policing to address the rising instances of domestic and gender-based violence across the country.

Ghana Law Enforcement Thwarts Major Narcotics Smuggling Operations Across Regions
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Ghana Law Enforcement Thwarts Major Narcotics Smuggling Operations Across Regions

Ghanaian law enforcement agencies have achieved significant breakthroughs in the fight against narcotics trafficking, intercepting substantial quantities of illegal drugs destined for both local and international markets. These operations, conducted by the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) and the Ghana Police Service, have uncovered increasingly sophisticated methods of concealment, ranging from modified vehicle compartments to everyday food items. The recent string of arrests underscores a heightened state of vigilance and a coordinated effort to dismantle drug syndicates operating within the country's borders. In a major international operation on February 11, 2026, NACOC arrested three individuals linked to the attempted smuggling of 1,158kg of suspected cocaine to Belgium. The illicit shipment was hidden within legitimate food products to bypass airport security. Addressing the media, NACOC Deputy Director General Alexander Twum-Barimah clarified that while the drugs were found in commercial food packaging, the suspects are not affiliated with the brands involved. This bust is part of a broader trend where traffickers utilize commercial exports to mask illegal shipments, leading NACOC to intensify its monitoring of all outgoing cargo. Simultaneously, regional security efforts have yielded results in the Oti Region, where police intercepted a DAF long trailer carrying 4,000 parcels of suspected narcotics. Despite the truck appearing empty, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Alex Acquah led a specialized team that discovered six secret compartments welded beneath the vehicle's axle. The driver, 40-year-old Amidu Jubril, was detained as investigations continue. DCOP Acquah pledged to enhance regional vigilance, noting that the discovery of such high-level concealment techniques necessitates more proactive intelligence-led policing. On a more localized scale, authorities are also cracking down on attempts to introduce narcotics into the correctional system. At the Ankaful Maximum Security Prison, two women, identified as Beauty Buerkie Buertey and Maura Amissah, were arrested after prison officers discovered Indian hemp laced into food items, specifically pepper sauce, intended for inmates. Prison authorities and the police have issued stern warnings to the public, emphasizing that smuggling contraband into prisons is a serious criminal offense. These combined successes across the airport, regional highways, and prison facilities highlight a unified national front against the drug trade.