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.

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French student shoots headteacher and teacher with rifle in Aubagne

French authorities have launched an investigation into attempted murder after a 14-year-old student shot his headteacher and another teacher at a school in Aubagne, southern France. The incident, which occurred on Friday, saw the teenager deploy a hunting rifle to wound the two staff members before being taken into custody. Both victims were quickly transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries sustained to their lower limbs. According to investigators, the student managed to smuggle the weapon onto the school grounds by concealing the hunting rifle inside a guitar case. Once inside, he fired at least four shots, targeting the headteacher and the teacher. While the victims’ injuries are described as significant, they are not believed to be life-threatening. The local prosecutor stated that the teenager has so far refused to explain his actions, showing no intention of disclosing a motive for the attack. French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his solidarity with the victims and the entire school community following the shooting. He also commended the faculty for their quick response, which authorities believe may have prevented further harm to other students and staff. Officials confirmed that the shooting appears to be an isolated incident and was not connected to any of the ongoing school protests currently taking place across various parts of France. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine how the minor gained access to the hunting rifle and whether there were any warning signs prior to the incident. Forensic teams have been processing the scene at the school, which was evacuated immediately following the gunfire. Counselors have been deployed to support students and staff traumatized by the event as the community grapples with the rare occurrence of school-based violence in the region.

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Houthi drone attack on Riyadh airport kills Pakistani national

A drone attack launched by Yemeni Houthi rebels on Riyadh’s King Khaled International Airport has resulted in the death of a Pakistani national and left 11 other civilians injured. The Iran-backed group claimed responsibility for the assault, which targeted critical infrastructure in the Saudi capital. This latest strike marks a significant escalation in regional hostilities and represents the second major attack attributed to the group in a two-day span. Following the attack, Saudi Arabia initiated a series of retaliatory airstrikes targeting Houthi positions in Yemen’s northern Saada province. According to Houthi military spokespersons, the group attempted to counter the Saudi response, claiming to have downed a Saudi drone during the operations. Meanwhile, intense fighting continues on the ground within Yemen, particularly in Taiz, where local government forces remain engaged in active combat with Houthi rebels. The international community, led by the R4 Group—comprising Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia—has strongly condemned the assaults. In a joint statement, the group described the targeting of civilian airports as a violation of sovereignty and a direct threat to civilian safety. The R4 Group emphasized that such actions undermine regional stability and international law. This surge in violence follows a period of relative calm, highlighting the extreme fragility of previous truce agreements. The ongoing cycle of drone strikes and retaliatory aerial bombardments threatens to worsen the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, which has been devastated by years of conflict involving regional powers. The frequency of these attacks has raised urgent concerns regarding the safety of regional travel and the protection of non-combatant infrastructure.

Data Protection Commission clamps down on organisations breaching regulations, microfinance firm and health facility referred to police for prosecution
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Data Protection Commission refers two hospitals to police for prosecution

The Data Protection Commission (DPC) has referred two hospitals and a microfinance firm to the police for criminal prosecution following a compliance enforcement exercise in Accra. The move comes after the commission identified that these organisations were processing personal data while operating with expired data protection certificates. This enforcement action is part of the commission's intensified efforts to ensure that all entities handling sensitive information adhere strictly to the provisions of the Data Protection Act, 2012 (Act 843). During the inspection, the DPC enforcement team discovered that the health facilities and the microfinance company had failed to renew their annual certifications and were also in arrears regarding required regulatory fees. Beyond administrative lapses, the commission expressed concern that such non-compliance could compromise the privacy and security of individual data held by these institutions. The exercise highlighted that merely registering with the commission is insufficient; organisations must maintain active compliance and fulfill their ongoing data protection obligations to legally operate. The DPC has signaled that this enforcement initiative will be sustained and extended across various sectors to purge the system of non-compliant data controllers. Officials emphasized that under Act 843, the commission possesses the legal mandate to pursue prosecution against any entity found to be in breach of the law. Organisations nationwide are now being urged to audit their compliance status immediately to avoid legal repercussions, as the commission plans to continue its unannounced inspections to safeguard the personal data of Ghanaian citizens.

Kwesi Pratt Jnr backs ban on preaching in commercial vehicles
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Kwesi Pratt Jnr backs ban on preaching in commercial vehicles

Veteran journalist and Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has declared his support for proposed restrictions on preaching and hawking in commercial vehicles. Speaking during a segment on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, Pratt argued that the practice of unsolicited preaching in public transport imposes religious messages on a captive audience, often creating an environment of discomfort rather than spiritual enrichment. Pratt specifically criticized preachers who deliver frightening messages about road safety and prophecies of accidents during long journeys. He noted that travel is already a stressful experience for many, and being subjected to prophecies of "doom" only exacerbates the anxiety of passengers. He questioned the audacity of individuals who take it upon themselves to dictate the spiritual atmosphere of a shared bus, suggesting that such actions do not respect the psychological well-being of travellers. The veteran journalist grounded his stance in the 1992 Constitution, emphasizing that every Ghanaian has the right to freedom of conscience and the liberty to choose their own beliefs. He argued that forcing passengers to listen to a specific religious viewpoint violates these fundamental rights. According to Pratt, allowing diverse religious expressions in the confined space of a commercial vehicle could lead to confusion and conflict, especially when passengers belong to different faiths or hold no religious beliefs at all. In his concluding remarks, Pratt insisted that the rights of individual passengers to a peaceful and neutral journey must be upheld above the desires of preachers. He criticized those opposing the ban, suggesting that public transport should not be used as a platform for imposing personal beliefs on others. The debate continues to spark conversation across the country regarding the balance between religious freedom and the rights of citizens in shared public spaces.

Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II begins restoration of Jimi River watercourse
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Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II begins restoration of Jimi River watercourse

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has launched a major environmental restoration project at the Jimi River near Obuasi to reclaim lands devastated by illegal mining. By planting the first trees of a pilot initiative, the King of Asante signaled the start of an effort to restore 153 hectares of land damaged by galamsey. This intervention is a critical step in safeguarding the primary clean water source for more than 200,000 residents living in the surrounding communities. This restoration effort is part of the broader Green Ashanti Initiative and utilizes a comprehensive six-step restoration model designed to reverse severe ecological degradation. The project is being carried out through a collaborative partnership involving the Manhyia Palace, mining company AngloGold Ashanti, and various government officials. The initiative demonstrates a unified approach to addressing the environmental impact of unregulated mining activities while prioritizing the health of the local ecosystem. Beyond the immediate recovery of the Jimi River watercourse, the project symbolizes a larger national commitment to restoring Ghana’s degraded lands and protecting vital water resources. As the pilot phase progresses, the successful reclamation of these 153 hectares is expected to provide a blueprint for similar environmental recovery efforts across the Ashanti Region and other parts of the country. This move reinforces the traditional leadership’s role in environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II (seated in state), the Asantehene, welcoming Nana Yaa Akyaa III, the Asantehemaa, to the Akwasidae Festival. Picture: EMMANUEL BAAH
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Otumfuo Osei Tutu II celebrates seventh Akwasidae at Manhyia Palace

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, celebrated the seventh Akwasidae festival with vibrant displays of Ashanti culture at the Dwabirem within the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. This traditional festival, which occurs every six weeks on a Sunday, is a cornerstone of the Asante calendar dedicated to honoring ancestral spirits and reinforcing the bond between the King and his people. The event was particularly significant as it marked the Asantehene's first major public appearance following his return from a 10-day working visit to the United States. The celebration attracted a diverse range of dignitaries, including the Ashanti Regional Minister and various local government officials who provided developmental updates to the traditional leadership. A high-level delegation from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) also attended to pay their respects. In keeping with the tradition of the Akwasidae, the gathering remained a primarily social affair, eschewing formal speeches in favor of the exchange of pleasantries and the presentation of traditional greetings to the King. Several notable interactions occurred during the durbar, including the presence of professional boxer Seth Gyimah, who celebrated his recent victory with the traditional authorities. Furthermore, the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association used the occasion to formally express their gratitude to the Asantehene for his ongoing support, specifically citing the provision of land to assist retirees. Government representatives present also conveyed official greetings from President John Dramani Mahama to the Manhyia Palace. This latest Akwasidae serves as a testament to the enduring relevance of Ashanti heritage and the Asantehene's role as a central figure in regional development and social cohesion. By bringing together academic, political, and professional bodies, the festival continues to function as a vital platform for community engagement and cultural preservation in Ghana.

General Legal Council enrols 1,568 new lawyers to the bar
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General Legal Council enrols 1,568 new lawyers to the bar

The General Legal Council (GLC) of Ghana officially enrolled 1,568 new lawyers to the bar on October 9, 2026, marking a significant expansion of the country's legal workforce. This latest mass induction has sparked a national conversation regarding the capacity of Ghana's legal infrastructure to absorb such a large number of professionals at once. While the ceremony represents a major milestone for the new practitioners, it also brings the total number of legal professionals to a level that prompts closer scrutiny of the legal market's current health. With this new cohort, Ghana’s lawyer-to-citizen ratio is estimated at approximately one lawyer for every 4,000 citizens. However, legal experts have raised concerns that the growth in the number of lawyers is not being matched by an equivalent expansion of the judiciary. Currently, the nation faces a shortage of judges and physical courtrooms, which complicates the professional integration of new practitioners and potentially limits the overall efficiency of the justice delivery system. The potential saturation of the market has become a point of discussion among stakeholders who worry about the economic implications for younger lawyers. Despite these systemic challenges, the legal profession in Ghana continues to offer a variety of career paths beyond traditional courtroom litigation. New lawyers are increasingly finding opportunities in corporate governance, public advocacy, and specialized consultancy. However, persistent economic stagnation has led some observers to question whether the legal education system requires more stringent regulation to prevent an oversupply of graduates into a market that may struggle to sustain them in the long term. The General Legal Council's latest induction serves as a reminder of the enduring demand for legal education in Ghana, even as broader infrastructure developments lag. Moving forward, the focus is expected to shift toward how the government and the judiciary can expand the court system to better utilize this growing pool of legal talent. For now, the 1,568 new lawyers enter a profession that is as diverse in its opportunities as it is challenged by its structural limitations.

Assemblies of God Ghana loans 10,000-seater dome for Ghana@70
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Assemblies of God Ghana loans 10,000-seater dome for Ghana@70

The Assemblies of God, Ghana, has announced it will loan a newly acquired 10,000-seater dome to the government for the upcoming Ghana@70 anniversary celebrations. The General Superintendent of the church, Rev. Dr. Stephen Yenusom Wengnam, made the announcement during the 10th World Assemblies of God Congress, currently taking place at the Accra International Conference Centre. The gesture is intended to support the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in managing the logistical requirements of the national milestone. The state-of-the-art dome was originally imported from Dubai to serve as the primary venue for the global congress. However, technical difficulties resulted in the facility arriving later than scheduled. Rev. Dr. Wengnam explained that the structure requires at least 10 days to be fully assembled and certified for use. Because of this delay, the dome could not be prepared in time for the start of the congress, but the church leadership decided the infrastructure should still serve a significant national purpose. Following its assembly at the Assemblies of God Centenary City, the dome will be made available for the various state functions associated with Ghana’s 70th year of independence. This year's World Congress in Accra represents a historic milestone for the denomination, marking the first time the global event has been held in Africa. Despite the dome's late arrival for the congress, which has drawn over 10,000 delegates from 100 countries, its provision to the state is seen as a way to strengthen the partnership between religious bodies and the government. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to integrate the 10,000-seater capacity venue into its planning for the anniversary festivities. The addition of such a large, modern temporary structure is a timely contribution to the nation's event infrastructure, particularly as Ghana prepares to welcome international dignitaries and citizens for the 70th-anniversary celebrations. The dome is expected to be fully operational once the installation process at Centenary City is complete.

Waterford residents hold prayer vigil for four arson attack victims
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Waterford residents hold prayer vigil for four arson attack victims

Hundreds of people gathered in Waterford for a solemn prayer vigil to mourn four family members killed in a devastating petrol bomb arson attack earlier this week. The community came together to honor the lives of Kim and Philip English, along with their two young sons, 12-year-old Callum and 9-year-old Jayden, who perished when their home on Birch Avenue was set ablaze. The tragedy has left the local neighborhood in shock, as residents struggle to come to terms with the loss of a family in such a violent manner. The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Tuesday morning, has also left two other children in critical condition. Medical professionals are continuing to monitor their status as the community offers prayers for their recovery. The deliberate nature of the attack, which investigators believe involved a petrol bomb, has prompted an intense investigation by the Garda, who are treating the incident as a multi-victim murder case. Garda are currently conducting multiple searches and forensic examinations to identify those responsible for the attack. Law enforcement officials have issued an urgent appeal to the public, asking anyone who was in the vicinity of Birch Avenue between midnight and 4:00 AM on Tuesday to provide any information they may have. They are particularly interested in any dashcam or CCTV footage that might have captured suspicious activity in the area leading up to the fire. To assist those affected by the tragedy, community support services have been established to provide counseling and emotional support to grieving neighbors and friends. Local leaders at the vigil emphasized the importance of community solidarity and cooperation with the police to ensure justice is served. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting the surviving children and uncovering the circumstances that led to this catastrophic event.

Two killed in Bonsa cemetery road accident
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Two people killed in Tarkwa-Takoradi highway collision

Two people were killed and ten others sustained various degrees of injury on October 12, 2026, following a violent collision on the Tarkwa-Takoradi highway. The fatal accident occurred in the vicinity of the Bonsa Cemetery, involving a Nissan Urvan passenger bus and a large trailer. The impact of the crash necessitated an immediate emergency response to assist those trapped in the wreckage and to clear the busy roadway, which serves as a major transport link in the Western Region. According to reports from the scene, the survivors of the collision were quickly transported to local hospitals for urgent medical attention. The ten injured individuals are currently receiving treatment for their wounds, though the specific nature of their conditions has not been publicly detailed. Meanwhile, the bodies of the two deceased individuals have been moved to a morgue for preservation and further medical examination as part of the standard post-accident protocol. The Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the precise cause. The Regional MTTD Commander has used the occasion to issue a public appeal to all motorists, emphasizing the need for extreme caution on the highway. Drivers have been urged to prioritize road safety and adhere to traffic regulations to mitigate the risk of further fatalities on this critical transport route.

Nsawam High Court stops Osenase Homecoming over security risks
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Nsawam High Court stops Osenase Homecoming over security risks

The Nsawam High Court has issued a formal order prohibiting the Osenase Homecoming event, which was scheduled to take place from October 12 to 18, 2026. Presiding judge Justice Paul Oduro delivered the ruling following an urgent application by the Ghana Police Service, citing a substantial risk of a breach of the peace. The court determined that the planned festivities could exacerbate tensions stemming from a volatile and ongoing chieftaincy dispute within the Osenase community. In his judgment, Justice Oduro highlighted the organizers' failure to adhere to the legal requirements of the Public Order Act. The court found that the planners had neither notified the police nor secured a formal exemption from the notice requirement mandated by law. Although the organizers argued that the homecoming was primarily a charitable endeavor, Justice Oduro observed that the event’s details pointed toward a traditional celebration. He noted that such gatherings naturally attract large crowds, which, in the current atmospheric tension of Osenase, posed an unacceptable risk of violence between rival factions. The legal action taken by the Ghana Police Service was driven by concerns over public safety and limited security resources. Police representatives informed the court that the security agencies would struggle to contain any significant unrest should the event serve as a flashpoint for conflict. This security assessment aligned with previous measures taken by the local Municipal Security Committee, which had already imposed a ban on social activities in the area as a precautionary step against escalating the local chieftaincy crisis. This ruling serves as a significant reminder of the judicial system's role in maintaining order in communities divided by traditional leadership conflicts. By prioritizing public safety over the planned social gathering, the court has reinforced the necessity for strict compliance with the Public Order Act. For the people of Osenase, the cancellation of the week-long event signifies the continued social and developmental cost of the unresolved chieftaincy dispute that continues to loom over the town's public life.

Gideon Owusu sentenced to 18 months for stealing GH₵4,500 vehicle tape
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Gideon Owusu sentenced to 18 months for stealing GH₵4,500 vehicle tape

Gideon Owusu, a 24-year-old driver’s mate, has been handed an 18-month prison sentence by the Asante Akropong District Court following his conviction for unlawful damage and theft. The court delivered the judgment after Owusu was caught breaking into a vehicle in Abuakwa and stealing valuable equipment. The sentencing aims to serve as a deterrent to others engaged in similar criminal activities targeting private property. The incident occurred on October 9, 2026, when Owusu targeted a Mitsubishi pickup belonging to Adams Mohammed, the manager of Chemico Limited. The vehicle had been left unattended overnight, providing an opportunity for the convict to force entry. Police officers patrolling the area noticed the signs of a break-in and subsequently discovered Owusu still inside the vehicle, leading to his immediate apprehension. During the ensuing police investigation, Owusu confessed to the crimes. He admitted to damaging the interior of the pickup and stealing a car tape valued at GH₵4,500. His confession and the evidence gathered by the police formed the basis of the prosecution's case when he was arraigned before the district court. The 18-month custodial sentence reflects the court's stance on combined charges of theft and unlawful damage. By addressing both the financial loss of the stolen tape and the physical damage caused to the Mitsubishi pickup, the judicial decision underscores the legal consequences for petty theft and property interference in the Abuakwa area.