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.

A massive fire is shown engulfing several structures and shops at night, with thick smoke rising into the air. Silhouetted figures of people are visible in the foreground observing the inferno at what is reported as Sofoline Magazine.
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Massive Fire Destroys Hundreds of Shops and Vehicles at Sofoline Magazine in Ashanti Region

On January 25, 2026, a massive fire erupted at Sofoline Magazine in the Kwadaso Municipality of the Ashanti Region around 7:00 PM, leading to the destruction of hundreds of shops and mechanic workshops. The blaze, which reportedly started while refuse was being burned nearby, quickly spread due to combustible materials, devastating the area and resulting in the loss of over 100 vehicles, spare parts, and equipment. Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service responded promptly and managed to contain the fire, preventing it from affecting adjacent properties. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported; however, many shop owners and mechanics are now facing significant financial losses as they assess the damage. Investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.

A man wearing a traditional green Ghanaian smock (fugu) and gold-rimmed glasses is pictured in a studio or office setting. He is seated in a black chair with a headrest, appearing to be in the middle of a discussion or media interview.
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Surge in Road Fatalities in Ghana: 2025 Statistics Reveal Alarming Trends

In 2025, Ghana experienced a significant rise in road accidents, with a total of 14,743 crashes reported, resulting in 2,949 fatalities, according to the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC). December alone accounted for 1,423 accidents, leading to 276 deaths, highlighting a critical public safety issue. Abraham Amaliba, Director-General of the NRSA, attributed this alarming increase primarily to reckless driving and overspeeding, despite acknowledging the role of poor road conditions. He emphasized the need for drivers to take responsibility for road safety and expressed concerns over the limited effectiveness of the Stay Alive campaign, which has suffered from funding issues. Amaliba remains hopeful for future improvements in road safety initiatives, particularly with the establishment of the Road Maintenance Fund, which aims to enhance road conditions and safety measures across the country. The statistics underscore the urgent need for better enforcement of traffic regulations to mitigate these rising fatalities and improve overall road safety in Ghana.

Rescue personnel in bright orange uniforms are seen providing assistance to survivors on the deck of a ship after a ferry disaster. The image shows workers distributing drinks in cups to distressed individuals sitting on the floor near a stack of life rings.
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Tragic Ferry Sinking in the Philippines Leaves 15 Dead and 28 Missing

A tragic maritime incident occurred off the southern coast of the Philippines when the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry sank, resulting in at least 15 confirmed fatalities and 28 individuals still unaccounted for. The ferry, which was carrying over 350 passengers and crew, issued a distress signal while en route from Mindanao to Jolo Island. Rescue operations have successfully saved 316 people, but the situation remains dire as authorities continue to search for the missing. Reports indicate that rough waters were present at the time of the sinking, prompting an investigation into the cause of the disaster. This incident has reignited concerns over ferry safety in the region, where past accidents have been attributed to issues such as poor maintenance and overloading. The Philippine Coast Guard, along with local emergency responders, is providing critical support to the survivors, who are in urgent need of assistance.

A high-ranking female officer of the Ghana Navy is pictured seated at a desk, addressing the press with several microphones positioned in front of her. She is wearing a formal white naval uniform and a peaked cap, representing the Ghana Armed Forces during an official statement.
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Ghana Armed Forces Refutes False Claims of High HIV Positivity Rate Among Recruitment Applicants

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has officially denied media reports alleging that nearly 60% of applicants for military recruitment tested positive for HIV. In a statement issued by Naval Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, the GAF described these claims as false and misleading, urging the public to disregard them. The military emphasized that the medical screening process is still ongoing, and no conclusive results have been finalized. Furthermore, GAF is actively investigating the source of this misinformation and has called on media practitioners to verify information before publication, highlighting the critical need to maintain public trust and the integrity of the recruitment process.

A group of thirteen young men, suspected of illegal mining, are held by armed security personnel in a forested area. The scene features heavily excavated earth and a muddy water body, typical of a 'galamsey' site in Ghana. The suspects' faces are blacked out, and they are being guarded by officers in camouflage uniforms.
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Thirteen Suspected Illegal Miners Remanded in Enchi District Court

Thirteen suspected illegal miners have been remanded into police custody by the Enchi District Magistrate Court for their involvement in illegal mining activities within the Boi Tano forest reserve, located in Ghana's Western North Region. The suspects, aged between 17 and 29, will remain in custody for seven days as the case is set to be transferred to a higher court for further proceedings. Judge Lawrence Buanor-Buer presided over the case and emphasized the need for the police to escalate the matter to a court equipped to handle such offenses. Joe Appiah Frimpong, the District Manager for the Enchi Forest District, reported that the operation leading to the arrests was intelligence-led and took place on January 20, 2026. During this operation, authorities also destroyed several pieces of illegal mining equipment, including five water pumping machines and four makeshift structures. The suspects are currently under the custody of the Enchi Police Command for further investigation and prosecution.

The image depicts the feet of a deceased individual resting on a metallic surface, likely a morgue table. A blank white identification tag is tied to the big toe, and the body is partially covered by a white shroud or sheet.
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Young Man Reveals Shocking Body Swapping Incident Linked to Secret Society Ritual

In a shocking revelation, Bernard Mensah, a young man once living a life of affluence, has disclosed that he buried an unclaimed body instead of his mother's after being involved with a secret society. During an interview on Secret TV with Pastor Prince Elisha Osei, Bernard recounted how the society promised him wealth through a ritual that required his mother’s blessings. However, he was warned against burying her body, leading to his decision to use another's remains. Now, Bernard is grappling with severe health issues, including strange dreams and a swollen stomach, which he attributes to the consequences of his actions. His sister, Vivian, is actively seeking help for him, unaware of the troubling connection to his past and the society's influence on his choices.

Three individuals, two males and one female, are standing against a light-colored wall with their faces blurred for legal reasons. They are dressed in casual clothing, including a yellow Wolverhampton Wanderers jersey and a pink polo shirt, appearing to be in police custody.
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Police Arrest Three Foreign Nationals in SIM Box Fraud Operation

The Accra Regional Police Command has apprehended three foreign nationals linked to SIM box fraud at the Sakumono Ramsar Site. The suspects, identified as Timileyin Fakunle (30), Begun Adedeji (31), and Olamide Roheemot (28), were arrested following intelligence-led operations. During the arrests, police seized various electronic devices and SIM boxes believed to be used in the fraudulent activities. The suspects have reportedly named two accomplices and a Chinese national as the group's leader, who remains at large. Authorities are collaborating with the National Communications Authority to further investigate the case and have urged the public to stay vigilant against suspicious activities related to cybercrime.

A wide-angle shot of the main entrance to the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) campus. The scene features a modern security post with reflective blue glass windows and a gated driveway leading towards a multi-story white building in the background.
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UniMAC Mourns Tragic Death of Student Nelson Blay Nokotey in Hit-and-Run Incident

The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) is in mourning following the tragic death of Nelson Blay Nokotey, a Level 300 Journalism student, who was fatally struck by an unregistered vehicle on January 19, 2026. Eyewitnesses reported that the driver initially feigned concern before fleeing the scene, leaving Nokotey's body for discovery by the police. UniMAC management condemned the act, describing it as a "grave violation of the sanctity of human life," and has expressed deep condolences to his family and friends. The university has lowered its flag to half-mast in his honor. Vice-Chancellor Professor Eric Opoku Mensah is leading the university's response, which includes emergency meetings to support the bereaved family and the student body. The investigation has been handed over to the Ghana Police, who are working with university representatives to locate the driver. In light of this incident, discussions on pedestrian safety at the Dzorwulu intersection have intensified. UniMAC is collaborating with the National Road Safety Authority to enhance safety measures in the area. Students are encouraged to honor Nokotey’s memory with dignity while advocating for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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Farmer Sentenced to 10 Years for Defiling His Daughter in Mafi Devime

Atakli Christopher, a 48-year-old farmer from Mafi Devime, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Sogakope Circuit Court for defiling his 13-year-old biological daughter and committing incest. The abuse, which began after he moved the victim from her mother’s care in Dawhenya, reportedly spanned several years and led to the girl developing a genital infection due to the prolonged mistreatment. After unsuccessfully seeking help from family members, the victim eventually fled and reported the abuse to authorities, prompting a police investigation and medical examination. The case has raised significant concern within the community, with residents calling for stronger protective measures for vulnerable individuals to combat the rising incidents of defilement and incest.

A night-time scene showing three suspects lying face-down on the ground during a police operation in Ghana. Law enforcement officers are seen standing over the individuals, with seized items such as a white HP laptop and a yellow jerrycan visible nearby.
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IGP Special Operations Team Arrests Three Drug Suspects in Tamale and Yendi

The IGP Special Operations Team has successfully apprehended three suspects, including notorious drug dealer Kasim Abdul Fataw, during a recent operation in Tamale and Yendi. The arrests were made amid intensified police patrols aimed at disrupting drug trafficking activities in the region. The suspects were found in possession of various quantities of suspected Indian hemp and are currently in custody at the Sakasaka Police Station, awaiting further investigations and potential prosecution. Fataw admitted to his involvement in drug peddling but noted that he had reduced his activities due to increased police pressure. This operation is part of broader efforts by the Ghana Police Service to enhance visibility and public trust while dismantling criminal networks in Northern Ghana.